Background

The Strategic Communications Specialist (SCS) will work towards the achievement of the overall organization’s objective of building state-citizen trust through coordination and implementation of the strategic communications strategy which covers KP, FATA and Balochistan. The Strategy will be an overarching document for the Strategic Communication Specialist to build programme communication’s plans responsive and contributory to building an evidence based positive image and perception of the state. Using communication audience preferred tools, the Strategic Communication Specialist will support strategy interventions to fill information gaps, establish the link between development initiatives and the state brand, and promote conversations between the state and the citizens.

 

The Strategy will work on four levels:

 

1. The state established as the “center of gravity” for all communications related to the development and public matters of citizens

 

1. Consistent positive narrative under the single banner of the state

 

1. Increased alternative public discourse

 

1. Increased two way communications to engage citizens and provide platforms for citizenship

Scope of Work

The Strategic Communication Specialists’ main task is to coordinate and oversee the implementation of the Strategic Communications Strategy.

SCS will perform the following tasks using skills, knowledge, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job but will not be limited to that only. SCS shall be responsible to:

 

• Facilitate the implementation of the Strategic Communication Strategy and follow up on work-plan implementation and quarterly and annual targets set out in the Strategy;
• Liaise with the Project Communications staff/focal points to map out the on-going and planned communications activities and their relevance to the objectives and recommendations of the Strategy;
• Convene bi-monthly meetings of all Communications Specialists/Focal Points from all projects across the program portfolio to coordinate efforts towards the implementation of the Strategy;
• Wherever required, provide capacity support/training to these focal points for effective implementation of the Strategy;
• Consult with provincial/regional governments and agree on prioritized activities and timelines;
• Ascertain the costing of the proposed activities;
• Set up protocols and mechanisms for coordination between key stakeholders including the Departments of Information;
• Report on the progress of the Strategic Communications Strategy at least every quarter and present this to the Program's Advisory Committee;
• Ascertain the need to engage a communications firm for the implementation of the Strategy and oversee implementation. Provide technical inputs to the procurement and administration of the communications firm.  Follow up on contract and ensure that deliverables are met in a timely manner and in full compliance with the contractual agreement;
• Lead the implementation of the Strategy and work with the communications firm (to be procured separately) for effective operationalization;
• Review and evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of on-going communication interventions and measure impact;
• Conduct any other function and responsibility, which may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Institutional Arrangements and Reporting:

The SCS will report directly to the Program Coordinator and will work under the guidance and advice of the Communications Officer. S/he will be housed in Peshawar.

 

Duration of Contract:

The contract will initially be for two years extendable by an additional year on satisfactory performance. The probation period will be six months.

 

No	Qualification and Experience	Desirable
1.	Education	At least a Master’s degree in Communication and Sciences related to Media Communication, Social Behavior Change, Interpersonal Communication, and related discipline.
2.	Work experience	10 Years working experience in implementing and managing development sector communication programs. Strong communication and proven record of achieving results. Previous work experience in KP, FATA and Balochistan will be an added advantage
3.	Skills	Excellent skills in English, Pushto and Urdu.

Salary Range:

$2000 to $3000 based on experience and competency