POSITION

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

REPORTS TO

National Director

LOCATION

National Office – Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

PURPOSE

Reporting to the National Director, the Communications Officer is responsible for promoting Habitat for Humanity, its brand and programs in Côte d’Ivoire, to diverse stakeholders in close coordination and in alignments with the global communications team at the Africa Area Office.  This position will support the fundraising and resource development teams in planning, creating and delivering marketing materials to engage potential and existing donors and supporters, including growing Côte d’Ivoire’s tithing portfolio and converting online visitors into givers / donors.

The Communications Officer is responsible for developing messaging in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision and values, and Habitat Côte d’Ivoire’s National strategy.   He/She will co-develop Habitat Côte d’Ivoire’s communication & marketing strategy and ensure its implementation through adherence to Habitat for Humanity’s branding guidelines, brand language and core values. The role is also responsible for supporting donor relationship management in Côte d’Ivoire through compelling storytelling, management of social media platforms and website, and creation of consistent and cohesive communications content for newsletters, emails and reports, that inspires action and support from diverse audiences, including communities, staff, partners, government entities and donors.

DUTIES

Specific Job Tasks:

Media, Communications, and Publications

• Develop and implement communications and marketing plans with fundraising and program staff.
• Distil project insights, plan, coordinate, and oversee the development and production of publications and resources such as brochures, reports, annual reports and newsletters.
• Propose and develop beneficiary and homeowner stories for sharing with fundraising and communication teams, donors, and partners.
• Prepare press releases in coordination with the Senior Management Team and Africa Area Office global communications teams.
• Collect and organize communications materials from programs work and other HFH Côte d’Ivoire initiatives ensuring they are uploaded onto the International Knowledge Centre.
• Publicize events and activities among relevant audience groups through social media channels and media outlets.
• Coordinate the production of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.

Webpage and Social Media

• Plan and deliver content for the Habitat for Humanity Côte d’Ivoire website.
• Develop and implement a social media plan that communicates the impact of our work.
• Advise on relevant social media platforms and ensure optimal engagement.
• Create a photography repository of high-quality photographic material.
• Manage all digital fundraising-related communications.

Fundraising Support

• Create innovative digital fundraising content for HFH Côte d’Ivoire social media platforms.
• Research and implement diversified digital fundraising channels.
• Acquire new and retain existing financial supporters using digital/online platforms.

Training and Capacity Building

• Train program staff in essential communication skills including story telling, basic writing skills, photography, social media engagement etc
• Coordinate with the Area Office to have spokes people trained.

Branding and Marketing

• Develop a communications calendar capturing priority actions, events, and products.
• Coordinate events at both project and organizational levels.

Documentation and Compliance

• Establish and maintain processes for storing and archiving all communication materials.
• Ensure all documentation and communications adhere to organizational guidelines.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare regular progress reports on communication outputs.

Organizational Contributions

• Attend and contribute to staff meetings.
• Undertake any additional media and communications tasks assigned by the line manager.

QUALIFICATIONS      

• Bachelor’s degree in media, Communication, Journalism, Digital Media or a related discipline

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

Experience

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in media, communications, publications, fundraising support, producing written and audio-visual content, and graphic design – this includes proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant communication tools.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Experience in managing media relations and creating media contact lists.
• Background in digital communications and social media management.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of communication and marketing principles.
• Familiarity with branding guidelines and best practices.
• Knowledge of digital communication channels and methods.
• Awareness of safety, security, and safeguarding principles.

Skills

• Fluent in both spoken and written French and English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills: Ability to create high-quality content for various platforms.
• Media relations skills: Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with media contacts.
• Social media management: Proficiency in managing and engaging on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X.
• Project management: Ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee the production of publications and resources.
• Analytical skills: Ability to conduct data analysis and produce reports to improve effectiveness.

Abilities

• Strategic thinking: Ability to develop and implement effective communication and marketing plans.
• Creativity: Ability to create innovative digital content for fundraising and campaigns.
• Attention to detail: Ensuring all communications adhere to branding and organizational guidelines.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with fundraising and program staff, as well as other departments.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended partners, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Staff at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse, safeguards the rights of partners and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.

• · Competencies,ValuesandCulture
  We work with a set of competencies relevant to the various roles in the team and encourage a growth mindset from all staff. We expect all team members to demonstrate commitment to the Habitat values of courage, accountability, and humility. We respect and celebrate our differences and whilst we all need space to focus and think, we also seek team members who thrive in a collaborative, communicative and culturally diverse environment. We have built a culture of trust and open dialogue and welcome ideas and input from all staff, regardless of your position.