Information Officer Job at Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition

Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) is looking for a young and vibrant Information Officer to join the Coalition as a full time employee he/she must be self-starter with mature approach to work

About THRDC
The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) is a non-governmental, non-partisan and human rights organization which is registered under the Non-Governmental Act of 2002. THRDC is comprised of both individual and organizational memberships, whereby as of July 2014 it had 100 members who are basically human rights defenders in Tanzania (HRDs). Its membership and representation in terms of operation is spread (through designated zone offices/ coordination) all over the United Republic of Tanzania (Mainland and Zanzibar.

Language:
• Fluency in English and Swahili (Oral and Written)
Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public relation & Advertisement or any other relevant qualification to the post. .
Experience:
• At least two years of recent experience in media operations and expertise in the field of journalism, public relations and release of information for publication
• Experience in writing news letters
• Experience in building and maintaining a network of media houses
• Knowledge in Human rights issues and social-economic and political context of the country

Competencies:

• Effective Interactive Communication – oral and written
• Network/Alliance Building
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Initiative and sound judgment
• Adaptability and flexibility

Knowledge and abilities:

• Formal training in relevant fields including mass communications, public relations, and journalism,
• A minimum of three years professional experience, ideally with some experience with nonprofits or academic organizations
• Excellent communication skills, particularly when dealing with an international, multilingual audience
• Ability to handle multiple projects under time and resource pressure
• Comprehensive knowledge of media operations and expertise in the field of journalism, public relations and release of information for publication
• Proven ability to develop communication strategies related to organizational policies in collaboration with a diverse team
• Familiarity with academic circles in humanities and social sciences internationally, and with the field of communication in particular
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the application of theories, principles and practices of communication as they relate to public information services
• Knowledge of the latest advances in effective use of digital and social media for effective corporate communication, including (ideally) online communities, search engine optimization and other digital marketing tools
• Develop and maintain strategic networks of people and institutions dealing with the promotion of human rights and disseminate related news and information to the needy.
• Develop task orders, and manage part-time, task-specific consultants depending on circumstances and needs with a knowledge and understanding of various key publics and networks to be engaged, multilingual skills is an added advantage.
• Have a wide knowledge in the field of human rights and human rights defenders

Specific Duties:
• Maintain a good track of links to media elites, policymakers, funders, and leaders in partner organizations.
• fostering and maintaining relationships with international news media, editors, and reporters
• Managing, planning, directing, controlling and implementing of a proactive communication program in order to enhance the reputation of the organization and its visibility.
• Overseeing internal and external communications and presentations, in close relation with the managing staff of the Coalition divisions’ namely focal persons or zones representatives, interest groups and committees;
• Overseeing the association's digital communication, including the content for the Website, social media, and newsletters;
• Developing, maintaining and promoting an ongoing service for members and interested external organizations that circulates updated news about member research, teaching, and service; Coordinating, overseeing and attending press activities, such as press releases, and events;
• Maintaining extensive and positive relationships with national and international media;
• Representing the organization in the media and other relevant occasions;
• Developing and implementing annual strategic communication plans that include goals, activities, materials, and performance indicators;
• Providing detailed reports of communications activities, supporting communication goals of the Coalition regarding national and global advocacy around issues relevant to the field, disciplinary and cross-disciplinary debates, and academia;
• Participating in strategic planning with the Coordinator and the Board
• Identify communication needs and goals of the Coalition.
• Conduct a periodic needs assessment to understand how the Coalition communicates within the field and across fields and identify gaps and opportunities.
• Manage and handle several information channels and platforms (from live interviews to press releases and social media).
• Monitoring appearances of the THRDC and its members in the media, as well as participation in forums, tertiary institutions, funding partners, and policy-makers.
• To travel as assigned by the Coordinator
• Act as Public Relation officer of the THRDC
• Produce Activity Monthly report and submit to the Coordinator
• Produce quarterly newsletter

The THRDC reserves the rights to assess the knowledge, ability and skills and competency criteria through any of the following; interview, written exam or oral test.
Operational requirements
• Normal work week 40 hours (8 hours per day)
• Ability and willingness to work overtime when required at short notice
• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally

NOTE;
1. The Human resource team will communicate with the candidates selected for interview
2. The THRDC does not reimburse any travel cost to and from interview nor does it reimburse any reallocation cost

Best wishes to applicants

Qualified person should send a cover letter addressed to the National Coordinator, CV and references electrically to thrddefenders@gmail.com by 1st October 2014.
Only successfully applicants will be contacted.