The
organization:
APOPO is an
award-winning social enterprise that researches, develops and implements
detection rats technology for humanitarian purposes such as Mine Action and
Tuberculosis detection. APOPO is a registered Belgian NGO, with headquarters in
Tanzania and operations in Mozambique, Thailand, Angola and Cambodia.
Job and
personal requisites:
We are looking for
an energetic, creative and self-motivated communications professional to work
in our communications department at our headquarters in Morogoro, Tanzania. The
successful applicant will be responsible for the management of a wide variety
of non-profit communications for APOPO, in line with the strategic goals of
APOPO. The Communications Manager will collaborate closely with the Fundraising
Manager, and is assisted by the Communications Coordinator.
We train rats to
save lives. It is a compelling story and we are seeking a Communications
Manager who can make the most of it. Through the use of a wide set of
communications tools, hard work, and a lot of fun, we aim to take the APOPO
HeroRats global.
The job profile
includes a variety of projects including but not limited to: driving media
relations, managing donor relations, creating multimedia content, website
development and maintenance, social media, overseeing the newsletters,
assisting with fundraising campaigns, and internal communications.
The ideal candidate
will commit to this position for three years.
Role Purpose
- To
drive media exposure through proactive media campaigns and outreach; - To
create compelling content including videos, stories, reports, and images; - To help
drive public fundraising for HeroRATs through social media and other platforms;
- To
manage and further develop APOPO and HeroRAT communications; - To
assist in the internal communication of APOPO.
Education
requirement:
BA or MA in
Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or relevant field
Experience
requirement:
– >5 years
communications or public relations experience
– Experience in
donor relations and fundraising
– Experience in
media relations
– Exceptional
written and verbal communication skills
– Writing, editing,
and proof-reading skills
– Technical skills
in video production and photography
– Experience in
website management
– Native-level
English fluency
Desired:
– Prior experience
living and working in a developing country
– Multilingual
Key
Responsibilities and Deliverables:
1) To ensure
the communications strategy is in line with the strategic goals of APOPO.
– Maintain and
further develop the messaging framework for APOPO to ensure consistency in
communication, for discussion with the management team; monitor and ensure the final
framework is implemented by all APOPO staff.
– Advise and provide
input with regards to the requirements for the website and online
communications;
– Monitor the
relevant key indicators on the dashboard on a monthly basis, analyze and adapt
according to the conclusions.
2) To
connect the general public with APOPO’s work through the management and
development of APOPO and HeroRAT communications.
– Manage the APOPO
website and translations to ensure online communications are accurate,
up-to-date, reflecting APOPO’s messaging framework, meeting the needs of its
various audience members, and drawing new support.
– Create
high-quality and compelling videos and images to drive engagements and
fundraising
– Ensure APOPO has
an up to date stock of multimedia content
– Develop APOPO and
HeroRAT communications materials and outreach campaigns to help drive further
public support for APOPO’s work.
Create a strategy
for APOPO’s involvement in social media & networking platforms, implement,
review and adjust as necessary on a quarterly basis.
3) To manage
APOPO’s communications department.
– Collaborate with
and coach the Communications Coordinator.
– Identify, train
and manage external volunteers when needed.
– Liaise closely
with the Belgium office to provide communications support
– Manage
relationships and campaign development with external service providers
(pro-bono or paid consultants).
– Ensure financial
transparency is communicated to donors.
– Review the policy
for Morogoro tours and visits
4) To manage
APOPO’s relationships with donors of the HeroRAT program.
– Oversee the
production and distribution of the HeroRAT e-newsletter, seeking feedback and
approval from members of the management team.
– Manage the
development and updates of the website.
– Oversee material
distribution and regular communication with donors.
– Manage donor data
collection and reporting through the database.
– Track donor
trends, research and stay abreast of latest best practices in industry, and
integrate into donor outreach communications.
– Assist the
Fundraising Manager in the development of the fundraising strategy, fundraising
campaigns, events, and materials
5) Manage
media relations for APOPO and the HeroRATs.
– Create a proactive
approach for media opportunities (both small and large-scale), implement and
review on a quarterly basis.
– Monitor media
interest and coordinate all media relations, being the main point of contact
between the media and APOPO.
– Evaluate media
opportunities and compare to media strategy; accept or decline opportunities
based on estimated return to APOPO.
– Develop and
distribute Press Releases around major APOPO events or milestones.
– Maintain pending
media engagements calendar, and keep calendar up-to-date with confirmed media
visits and documentary / article releases.
– Manage media
visits in Tanzania together with the Communications Coordinator.
– Coordinate media
visits to other country programs (e.g. Mozambique), together with the relevant
Program Manager, ensuring they have all the necessary information required to
manage the visit.
6) Be an
active member of the management team.
– Provide input and
prepare materials for the strategic planning workshop on communications
– Provide quarterly
updates for Board meetings
– Update the KPI’s
on a monthly basis in smartsheet (cloud-based database)
– Participate in
management meetings and report on the progress of the Communications
Department, media campaigns, or funding opportunities relevant to APOPO.
– Participate in
capacity building activities with local staff as requested.
– Provide regular
input to help improve internal communications within APOPO.
Salary and
Benefits:
We offer a very
competitive salary that depends on experience, health insurance, one roundtrip
holiday air ticket per year, arrival and departure air ticket, accommodation,
vehicle, Tanzania resident permit and a relocation allowance, if needed.
Projected
Start Date:
June 2013
How
to apply
Interested
applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and rank their experience using
the following form on APOPO’s career portal:
Communications Manager Application
Applications will be
reviewed on a rolling basis with a deadline of 6 May 2013.
Only shortlisted
applications will be invited to interview.
