Job Detail

Job Description

MwAPATA Institute is an independent local policy think tank in Malawi. The Institute is affiliated to Michigan State University (MSU), the National Planning Commission (NPC) of Malawi, and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). The Institute`s ultimate goal is to accurate the adoption of effective Malawian-led policies and programs to drive broad-based agricultural transformation, diversification and improved smallholder livelihoods in Malawi. The Institute is playing a leading role in identifying strategies that will improve the investment climate, promote diversification, and promote increased commercialization and productivity within Malawi`s agricultural sector and then build consensus and support for their implementation. Among other things, would include building coalitions of private and public sector support to overcome barriers to private investment; assisting government to develop and implement improved policies and regular frameworks; and capacity strengthening in policy analysis and communication.

The MwAPATA Institute wishes to engage the services of a Communications Specialist to support the Institute`s communication, public outreach, and branding strategy.

Position: Communications Specialist

She/he will be responsible for developing and implementing internal and external communication strategies working closely with partners. She/he will institutionalize an effective communication system within the Institute, which is capable of informing the Institute`s staff of any developments affecting its scope of work. The Communications Specialist will also enhance the public outreach impact of the Institute`s research. She/he will provide support for media outreach, publication development and knowledge management. The Communication Specialist will monitor and evaluate communications activities to provide recommendations on appropriate methods to communicate the activities and programme outcomes for others as well as develop tools for capacity building. The individual will be required to be proactive to come up with ideas that will help shape the Institute`s Communications Unit to its full functionality.

Key tasks shall include:

Under the direction of the MwAPATA Institute Executive Director, the key highlights of the position of Communications Specialist are as follows:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Communication Strategy for MwAPATA Institute.
• Innovative effective branding, communication, advocacy strategies and public outreach activities to support the Institute`s mandate and resource mobilization efforts.
• Oversee the drafting, production and dissemination of information materials, multimedia products (photo galleries, videos, and audio materials) in a manner that is accessible by a wide range of stakeholders.
• Manage the Institute`s events and networks that provide the Institute a platform to participate and contribute to debates on emerging development issues that further Institute`s goals.
• Organize press conferences, interviews and other special speaking opportunities and events.
• Provide support during outreach forums to ensure that the events are well covered with a view of reaching all target audiences.
• Work with local, national and international media outlets and cultivate relationships with reporters, bloggers, editors and other media professionals to publicize and communicate the Institutes’ mandate and strategic priorities.
• Formulate and manage social media platforms to increase continuous engagement of the Institute with stakeholders.
• Oversee the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of the Institute`s website using best practices.

Qualifications and Skills

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (preferably a Master’s Degree) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field.
• At least 5 years` experience in branding and communications, public outreach, branding, web management and advanced social media skills.
• Outstanding oral and written communication and presentation skills, with demonstrated skills in the development of print, online and broadcast information, communication material, documentation publication.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Fluency in written and spoken Chichewa will be an added advantage.
• A team player who is motivated, reliable and enthusiastic, and who possesses exceptional planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle large volumes of assignments, and multitasking.
• Sound judgement, effective decision-making and personal accountability.
• Ability to respect organizational, intercultural and ethical values.
• Ability to analyze, negotiate and resolve issues both orally and in writing.

How to apply

Applicants should send a cover letter and their detailed Curriculum Vitae to:

Email: hrmwapata@gmail.com

with the heading: AAPLICATION FOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST in the subject line. Applications should be received before close of business, December 6, 2019. A competitive remuneration package will be offered to successful candidates. The position carries with it a two-year renewable contract, subject to six-month probation

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Skills Required

• Team-working Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Organising Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem solving
• Presentation
• Multi-tasking
• Decision making
• Self motivation

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