Principal Communication and External Relations Officer - Association for the Development of Education in Africa

The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) is a forum for policy dialogue on education. It acts as a catalyst in promoting innovative policies and practices through the pooling of ideas, experiences, learning and knowledge. Its overall goal is to contribute to the development of equitable and high quality education through the concerted efforts of African governments and their partners. The main components of ADEA are: the Steering Committee, the Executive Committee, the Bureau of Ministers, the Secretariat and the Working Groups. The Secretariat administers ADEA’s work programs and budget, implements major activities including the Triennales, organizes statutory meetings, manages communication and knowledge management and coordinates the work of ADEA’s Working Groups.

Duties and responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Director of ADEA, the Principal Communication and External Relations Officer will conceive budget for and manage implementation of ADEA’s communication and external relations strategy, including several components, namely institutional communication, media relations and external relations. The incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Develop a communication strategy consistent with ADEA’s vision and mission for reaching out to major stakeholders involved in education in Africa (including Ministries of Education, agencies, NGOs, universities, teacher training institutions, civil society, etc.) using a variety of tools and channels, including interpersonal communication and tools such as the web site, Newsletters, e-forums and social media.
• Lead the development of communication policies and guidelines to be used by all components of ADEA, including ADEA’s nine Working Groups.
• Lead the development of a visual identity for ADEA and monitor branding of programs, activities and publications.
• Guide the development and production of informational material (brochures and leaflets, films, audio-visual productions) and statutory documents (ADEA Statutes and By-laws, procedural guidelines).
• Manage the production and dissemination of ADEA Newsletters.
• • Build strategic partnerships with the media with a view to mainstreaming education in the media.
• Organize press conferences, interviews of the Executive Secretary, Chair and other ADEA personalities and coordinate media coverage of ADEA events.
• Manage the production of press releases, press briefing notes and press kits.
• Develop a strategy for external relations aimed at strengthening the collaboration with Ministries of Education and member agencies and engaging new partnerships.
• Develop and implement advocacy/communication plans, in ways that may strengthen partnerships, including with a view to mobilize resources.
• Organize informational events on ADEA, including open houses and side events.
• Represent ADEA at international fora.
• Advise ADEA Executive Secretary and Chair on protocol issues.
• Manage and supervise implementation of ADEA’s Africa Education Journalism Award, which promotes excellence in education reporting.
• Supervise ADEA’s Working Group on Communication for Education and Development (WGCOMED), monitoring activities and reviewing programs and budgets and activity reports and ensuring that it complies with ADEA policies and procedures.
• Mainstream communication into all ADEA programs and activities as a cross-cutting issue.

Selection Criteria

Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• At least a Master’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Business Management or related fields.
• Preferably a minimum of six (6) years professional experience working in a development organization in a communication function, preferably in the field of education.
• Experience in interacting with Ministers and senior officials and representatives within government and agencies.
• Excellent knowledge of ADEA and the wider ADEA network comprising education stakeholders and professionals.
• Experience managing and coordinating the work of a number of professionals including media specialists, communication and publication specialists, printers, designers and web/ICT professionals.
• Experience managing the communication aspects of big events, such as the ADEA Triennale.
• Experience managing the communication of a network such as ADEA, which includes a Caucus of Ministers, a Steering Committee, a Secretariat, working groups, and inter-country quality nodes.
• Experiencing managing the production of Newsletters and other publications.
• Rigor, creativity and knowing how to use a wide range of communication tools including new media tools.
• Excellent writing and editing skills in both French and English.
• Excellent communication skills in English and/or French with a good working-knowledge of the other language.
• Tact, communication, interpersonal skills and attention to detail are also highly important.

The position is a Technical Assistant Position-This is a non-regular Position of the Bank

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To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.