Regional Communications Director, EAR

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To provide strong and strategic communications direction to National Offices (NOs) in this region,for the successful building of high-performance NO communications functions that are managed, structured, resourced and staffed for productive and quality work in these six “focus areas”:

Donor & Public Engagement communications Development communications Media communications Advocacy communications Emergency communications Internal communications

The strategic and operational context for this position is established jointly by the World Vision East Africa Regional Strategy and the Global Communications strategy. This position will be “matrix managed” by the Regional Senior Director of Operations (SDO), as the position’s Line Manager; and the Global Field Communications Operations Director (FCOD), as the position’s Functional Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead regional implementation of the Global Communications strategy, as informed and guided by the Regional Strategy, together with National Office (NO) communications teams and encompassing the above five focus areas. Advise and support the Regional SDO and the Global FCOD in regional and global strategic processes for the building, resourcing and integration of regional communications functions across Africa (together with all other regions of WVI field ministry). Supervise and manage the performance of the Regional Communications Officer (RCO) as well as NO Communications Managers in this region as per “matrixed accountabilities” and “performance dashboards” (to be) established for these positions, and as so advised by the Regional SDO and the Global FCOD. Build strategic, technical and leadership capacity of regional NOs in the above six communications focus areas -- together with the RCO and two Africa communications specialists: the Africa HEA Communications Advisor, and the Africa Web/Graphics Designer (in corresponding areas of their work). Guide all NO communications staff recruitments, orientations, trainings, annual performance agreements and reviews, as well as specific hiring/firing decisions as required. Oversee the ongoing development, alignment and implementation of RO and NO communications assessments, strategies, workplans, performance dashboarding and capacity-building across the above five focus areas and in core competencies. Plan, budget and implement integrated region-wide communications processes, including but not limited to: website presence, branding, reputation management, graphic design and new publications. Ensure the effective preparation and positioning of the Regional Leader as World Vision’s primary regional representative and spokesperson in important media engagement opportunities as well as regional and international meetings, campaigns and events. Ensure the robust integration of the regional communications strategy with all major RO and NO strategy processes, in close collaboration with the RCO, other Africa Regional Communications Directors RCDs (2) and the Africa communications specialists (2). Engage with relevant Global Centre counterparts on planning and projects of mutual and strategic importance and benefit. Oversee strategic and effective internal communications by the RVP to/with key Partnership stakeholders. Ensure that the WV Partnership is provided with quality and timely communications resources and services from the Regional and National Offices. Connect the WV Partnership and Africa region to key global and regional media. Participate actively in scheduled meetings of the Regional Executive Leadership Team, while advising team members (collectively and individually) on communications-related issues and processes of key importance. Lead other communications assignments as necessary and agreed, and in accordance with established accountabilities to the Regional SDO and Global FCOD. Connect the World Vision partnership and Africa region to key global and regional media on a strategic basis and as opportunities permit.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

REQUIRED:

A university degree or equivalent in journalism or communications/media At least 10 years of professional experience in areas of international communications, media and journalism Excellent journalistic skills (verbal and written), and a proven ability to train and mentor staff and peers Excellent interpersonal skills, with proven teamwork leadership and participation Ability to communicate fluently in English, and to relate cross-culturally with a wide range of international constituencies Experience in project management and the development and production of a wide array of communication materials such as publications, video segments, web, and other media Ability to utilize public relations to forge stronger constituency consensus Demonstrated ability to think strategically, plan and meet deadlines Experience and ability to travel internationally

PREFERRED:

Master's degree in journalism communications/media or other relevant Master’s programme

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