Communications Officer

job Description

Position: Communications Officer

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe (Right to work in country only)

Starting date: November 2024

Duration: 12 months (3 months probation); with possibility of renewal based on availability funding and performance

Language Requirements: MUST be fluent in English

About IMPACT

IMPACT transforms how natural resources are managed in areas where security and human rights are at risk. We investigate and develop approaches for natural resources to improve security, development, and equality. We are an independent non-profit, collaborating with local partners for lasting change.

IMPACT is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and has offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Côte d’Ivoire as well as representation in Burkina Faso and Mali.

About planetGOLD Zimbabwe

The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). In Zimbabwe, IMPACT is the executing agency, in partnership with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife (MECW) and the country’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development (MMMD).

The project will work together with local communities to reduce the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining—the world’s largest source of anthropogenic emissions of mercury pollution— while improving the health and lives of local mining communities. The Zimbabwean project is part of a global program similarly implemented in 23 countries. Learn more about planetGOLD at planetGOLD.org.

Communications Officer

The Communications Officer supports the effective communication of project activities and results to identified stakeholders. The Communications Officer will produce stories for the planetGOLD Zimbabwe website, prepare social media posts or printed materials, and liaise with media to ensure visibility of the project and its success.

Additionally, working closely with the Project Manager and subject-matter experts, the Communications Officer supports the development of a broad-range of sensitization materials for national and local beneficiaries on to support the adoption of practices and technologies that serve to reduce and eliminate the use of mercury in the artisanal gold mining sector.

Under the supervision of the planetGOLD Zimbabwe Project Manager, and in collaboration with IMPACT’s Communications Director, the Communications Officer has the following primary responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities

External Communications

Identifies project activities, results, and stories of beneficiaries to share, in collaboration with project team members
Gathers material through interviews, photos, and video to write high-quality and engaging content for various stakeholders (local, national, international)
Manages planetGOLD Zimbabwe social media channels including regular posting and engagement, maintenance of the project’s website as well as coordinates posting on IMPACT’ social media
Manages posting to planetGOLD Zimbabwe website and coordinates posting on IMPACT website
Mobilizes media to attend project events and briefs media about project results
Leads placement of advertising in media
Coordinates production of printed materials, including liaising with graphic designers and printers
Supports the organization of workshops
Sensitization of Beneficiaries

In collaboration with the project team, identifies appropriate methods and tools for sensitization of target audiences
Supports the development of key messages
Coordinates production of quality sensitization materials including but not limited to brochures, posters, radio spots, advertisements, swag
Supports the development of sensitization strategies
Strategy, Reporting, and Knowledge Sharing

Implements the planetGOLD Zimbabwe project Communications Strategy, updating it periodically
Reports on project communications activities in line with donor expectations
Provides regular media monitoring on project visibility for staff and donor reporting
Monitors and implements the use of planetGOLD brand throughout the project in Zimbabwe, in line with donor expectations
Liaises with the planetGOLD Communications Network and other planetGOLD Communications Team for regular knowledge sharing and coordination of activities
Coordinates with planetGOLD Zimbabwe project team to identify communications and visibility opportunities
Coordinates with IMPACT’s Communications Director to ensure activities amplified internationally
Candidates are asked to clearly demonstrate in their applications how they meet the requirements of the position.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate MUST have the following experience and skills:

Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in a communications role, preferably with an international development actor (NGO, donor, international organisation).
Proven experience with media relations in Zimbabwe, including ability to write press releases and place stories in local and national media.
Proven experience managing digital media for a brand (preferably an NGO), including writing stories for a website and posting on their social media channels.
Proven experience developing sensitization or training tools for various audiences.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write high-quality copy for various audiences.
Key Competencies:

Committed to advancing awareness on environmental protection in a manner that also value understanding of the situation of artisanal miners (i.e. poverty, limited choices, etc.)
Committed to ensuring communications built on respect and dignity when working with vulnerable populations
Excellent attention to detail
Ability to work independently and to respect deadlines with minimal supervision
Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills: demonstrated ability to prioritize while managing a complex workload
Excellent problem solving and judgment
Team player: ability to work with colleagues at all levels (senior and junior) and in cross-cultural environments
Intuitive and pro-active: ability to identity potential issues, needs, threats or opportunities and brings these to the attention of Senior Management or relevant personnel
Ability to adapt to and work effectively on complex issues in a fast-paced environment

How to Apply

Send the following information by email to [email protected]

A cover letter explaining your interest in the position (maximum 2 pages)
Your curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
Preferred salary expectations
In the subject of the email please state: the position you are applying for and your name.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No emails, WhatsApp messaging, phone calls or walk-ins please.