COMESA CAADP Communications Officer

Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 

TITLE: CAADP Communications Officer 

NOTICE: 
Project ID: P121899
Borrower/Bid No: IC/01/13/1

1.0 Introduction and Background 

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat is facilitating the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in the region to guide public and private investments in agriculture, natural resource management, rural infrastructure, trade, and food security. The COMESA Secretariat has a CAADP Unit which is championing the CAADP process amongst the member states in the region to develop and implement specific long term regional programs and early actions associated with the four CAADP pillars. The CAADP process seeks to stimulate increased and efficient public and private resource allocation to the agricultural sector, resulting in increased agricultural growth and trade, and ultimately reduction in poverty, hunger and food and nutrition insecurity in Africa in general, and COMESA region in particular 

COMESA intends to develop a public relations and communication system within the CAADP Unit to effectively communicate to the decision makers, stakeholders and the general public in the region about the CAADP implementation processes taking place at all levels namely, national, regional, and continental. COMESA Secretariat, therefore, seeks to recruit a Communications Officer to operationalize the CAADP communications systems in the COMESA region. 

2.0 Purpose of the job

To build and sustain the credibility of, and confidence in the COMESA CAADP process; to deepen and broaden the commitments and partnerships that are necessary for the success of the Programme in the COMESA region.. The specific duties of the officer include: 

i. Development of an advocacy and communication strategy for the Programme
ii. Coordinating the formulation, development, agreement and implementation of innovative, creative, proactive and reactive campaign strategies on the CAADP process; 
iii. Be responsibile for the production, management and maintenance of regular communication products for the Secretariat, including use of dissemination mechanisms such as the website and e-newsletters, among others
iv. Establishing clarity of understanding to the various target audiences 
v. Providing management input into design of any communication program, using core communication principles, audience-centred thinking and understanding of delivery across multiple platforms; 
vi. Facilitating individuals and relevant institutions in member states in the delivery of the most appropriate messages for the Programme to in-country actors and other partners; 
vii. Packaging all Programme events and developments into press briefs, statements, releases, interviews; manage Programme interactions with the media; 
viii. Facilitating the production of publicity documentaries, radio and TV programmes, shows and exhibitions. 
ix. Organizing branding of the Programme; publicity materials, diaries, calendars, fliers, briefs, etc. 
x. Maintaining an overview of key external developments particularly in the COMESA region especially those relating to investments in the agriculture sector. 
xi. Building and maintaining national and international networking relations with industry, suppliers, NGOs, public and paid media and other relevant actors; 
xii. Performing any other duties as assigned by the CAADP Coordinator or COMESA management 

3.0 Profile of the CAADP Public Relations and Communications Officer 

(a) Qualification and skills: 

i) Minimum of a Bachelors Degree or equivalent in Public Relations, Communications or similar field from a recognized University; 
ii) Membership of a professional association of Public Relations Practitioners will be an added advantage; 

(b) Professional Experience 

i) A Minimum of five years experience in public relations/communications; 
ii) Proven success record in campaign based corporate marketing and branding; 
iii) Strong interpersonal skills; 
iv) High level skills in computer literacy and experience in newsletter designs, production and distributions, 
v) Must be ready to deliver within strict deadlines, 
vi) Results oriented, self starter and be able to work with minimum supervision. 

(c) Language 

The candidate should demonstrate excellent command of the English language. Those with a working knowledge of French shall have an added advantage. 

(d) Duration and Location 

The CAADP Communications Officer job is for an initial period of Twelve (12) months, extendable according to performance and availability of resources. The position will be based at the COMESA Secretariat in Lusaka, Zambia. The position will include frequent travels to COMESA member states, the AU/ NEPAD and the other Regional Economic Communities (REGs). The duration of the job is from 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2013.

(e) Reporting

The candidate shall work under the supervision of the CAADP Coordinator and ultimately report to the Assistant Secretary General (Programmes). He/ she shall work with all other CAADP Unit staff and the Public Relations and Communication staff in the COMESA Secretariat. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE POST

1. Type of Contract: The expert will be recruited as a consultant under the standard COMESA non-established professional staff service contracts. Remuneration will be in accordance with COMESA conditions of service for non-established professional staff. 

2. Remuneration: Remuneration will be an all inclusive lumpsum of USD 6,000.0 per month. 

3. Expected time for commencement of services: the successful candidate is expected to commence work on 1st January 2013 

4. Legal form for competitors: Only Nationals of COMESA countries are eligible to apply. 

5. Final date for receipt of applications: 12 February 2013 

6. Addresses: Applications may be submitted by e-mail or fax) to:

The Secretary General
COMESA Centre
Ben Bella Road
P O Box 30 051
10101 Lusaka, Zambia
Fax: (260 1) 227318
E-mail: procurement@comesa.int

Applications should contain the applicant's Curriculum Vitae, present and permanent address, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail. The C.V format can be downloaded from the COMESA Website: http://www.comesa.int/vacancies

Applicants may submit questions in writing before the deadline for the submission of applications to the Director of Administration, e-mail address: procurement@comesa.int

The Secretary General
COMESA Centre
Ben Bella Road
P O Box 30 051
10101 Lusaka, Zambia
Fax: (260 1) 227318
E-mail: procurement@comesa.int