Communication Officer

1. Background

The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI) is an independent, non-partisan and a not-for-profit civil society organization working on issues of peace and development in Pakistan. It is registered under section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017. CPDI needs services of this advertised position for implementing a five years USAID funded Citizens’ Engagement Program (CEP), which is being implemented in selected districts of South Punjab and Northern Sindh. This program aims to strengthen effectiveness of citizen-led interventions; and improve government responsiveness to citizens’ concerns. Based on CPDI’s analysis of social change, political economy considerations, adverse impacts of natural calamities like floods and conflict dynamics in South Punjab and North Sindh, the program pathways and interventions focus on (a) enhancing quality of research, including about social trends, impact of recent floods on inter-communal relations, VE and conflicts, to inform policies and civil society engagement; (b) promotion of informed debates, dialogues and discussions to counter narratives that cause extremism and conflicts, especially involving journalists, media houses and young men/ women from diverse urban/ rural communities; (c) engaging legislatures and relevant executive bodies for effective policies, laws and oversight to achieve project objectives; (d) facilitating civil society/citizens’ engagement with journalists, legislatures and government institutions to discuss challenges, and collectively find ways to address perception of alienation or exclusion; (e) extension of technical support for strengthening government policies and legislative procedures (e.g. deployment of online Apps) for sharing information, engaging citizens, receiving feedback and complaints, and to become more responsive to citizens’ concerns; (f) leveraging and building upon the existing resources within communities (e.g. individuals respected across communities) that could help in improving inter-community relations by managing/resolving differences; (g) developing and promoting ideas and disseminating facts that help in strengthening counter narratives and mobilizing public support for peaceful and inclusive society/ communities; and (h) enabling young leaders to effectively engage authorities for promoting transparency and effectiveness of relief/ rehabilitation work in flood affected areas, especially for women and marginalized communities, and mitigating risks of alienation and social conflicts.

2. Job Summary

To provide technical support on Behavior Change Communications Campaigns to the program and to support the delivery of defined project outcomes/results.  Support Advisor, GSI & Communication in applying Communication as cross cutting theme, using creative, human rights-based and participatory strategies for producing for local advocacy and engaging communities through production and dissemination of locally relevant, culturally sensitive messaging, materials and community processes and efforts to complement and amplify advocacy and “on the ground” social mobilization work, including: innovative approaches to engaging individuals and communities; micro-planning and social mapping; dialogue with community members; outreach and interpersonal communication.

Provide support in developing a robust and integrated Communication Strategy advising on events, social media campaigns, youth engagement, dialogues etc. adhering to the USAID branding and marking policy. Proficient in application of relevant and appropriate use of communication tools will be advised in implementation of specific activities. The Communication strategy will focus on the engagement with the diverse and sensitive beneficiary groups envisaging strengthening and institutionalization efforts at both supply and demand levels; aiming at integrating behavior and social change frameworks.

3.Responsibilities 

1. Work with program team in designing and supporting in overseeing all communications collateral on print, electronic media, and social media- this content may include, press releases, impact/success stories, case studies, blogs, producing culturally sensitive materials that aligns with local context and values, resonating with diverse audiences as well as internal communications for the  program and capacity building of sub grantees
2. Ensure efficient and accurate information dissemination to media, partners and other audience
3. Support in developing a robust and integrated communication strategy in collaboration with program team and sub awardees
4. Proactively identify and develop communications collateral to meet the emerging needs from the field, based on principles of behavior change communications
5. Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies from a communications point of view prior to any activity being organized
6. Conceive/develop ideas for events, social media campaigns, youth engagement, and dialogues to enhance program/organizational visibility and impact
7. Ensure strict adherence to USAID branding and marking policies in all communication materials and activities.
8. Keep up dates of communication technologies, tools and effective application of the same.
9. Maintain a record and archiving of all communication-related activities under the project.
10. Support in designing impact assessment of communication collateral and prepare reports to show value for money for the behavior change communication campaigns
11. Provide support in developing a process for evaluating impact and lessons learned from communications activity to inform future planning and to benchmark the performance and show progress made on agreed objectives
12. Maintain quarterly assessment of all mediums/types of communication undertaken to evaluate adequate and effective ways of changing behaviors of the community and other stakeholders.
13. Provide regular communications advice to program team, MEL team as well as sub grantees to ensure the communications strategy is being implemented smoothly and coherently across the program
14. Draft Quarterly Progress Reports

4. Required Qualification/Specifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Literature, Public Relations, or a related field.
2. Minimum 04 years of experience with a non-profit organization/development sector in a similar capacity
3. Knowledge of human rights-based and participatory communication approaches.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
5. Excellent data management and reporting skills
6. Strong creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Proficiency in using various communication tools and platforms.
9. Proficiency in MS Office specially in MS word and MS PowerPoint
10. Proactive and self-motivated with a results-oriented mindset.
11. Previous experience of working on USAID-funded programs will be preferred