Working for People In Aid
Currently recruiting:
Post: SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER
Reports to: Executive Director
Application deadline: 23rd August 2008
Full details
Main purpose of post
Develop and implement a strategy for communications and marketing. Provide the systems and processes necessary for a comprehensive internal and public-facing service that delivers efficiency, reputation and participation, and emphasises impact
Key tasks to be undertaken in delivering the main purpose of the post
1. Develop and deliver an overall communications and marketing strategy for the organisation.
2. Develop and begin implementing a long-term activity plan relating to People In Aid’s brand identity, following the adoption of the new strategy (end 2008).
3. Produce and roll out a corporate communications plan leading to:
a) confirmation of all key messages for website and other media
b) preparation of any marketing materials required for the organisation
c) communications plans for each key audience
4. Ensure communications and marketing strategies, processes and plans are in place to optimise participation in and impact of:
a) workshops
b) conferences
c) publications
d) networking activities
e) websites and specific projects or initiatives, such as Rewards, Metrics and the Code.
The postholder is not expected to enter information on the database or directly send group e-mails.
5. Recommend a media contact strategy and process – and implement it. To cover traditional media and new media sources.
6. Recommend improvements to the newsletter, e-circular and other forms of member / non-member contact.
7. Collaborate with colleagues on their communications needs.
8. People In Aid staff are expected to live the organisation’s values in all their dealings with colleagues and external contacts.
These values are:
1. We believe people to be the foundation of People In Aid and commit ourselves to encouraging each other by listening and treating one another with respect, fairness and honesty.
2. We openly share information and promote creativity, learning and safety in an environment of integrity, quality and mutual accountability.
This job description is indicative only, and does not form part of the postholder’s contract of employment. The manner of execution of the employee’s job role is the subject of discussion and agreement between People In Aid management and the postholder.
The person specification for this post, describing the necessary qualities for the postholder to succeed in the role, complements this document and is kept separately. Service conditions and other matters governing the relationship between People In Aid and the postholder are to be found in the contract of employment and the staff hand
Job information and person specification
People In Aid’s Mission
People In Aid promotes, supports and recognises good practice in the management of people.
People In Aid’s Vision
That organisations whose goal is the relief and reduction of poverty or suffering will enhance the impact they make through improved people management and support.
People In Aid is an organisation whose members are agencies involved in the delivery of humanitarian relief and longer-term development work. The prime objective of People In Aid is to improve the levels of support to, and quality of management of agency staff working internationally. People In Aid’s Code of Good Practice is widely accepted in the sector, and our reports and workshops allow agencies to share and acquire information.
The Adviser’s role will strengthen our capacity to respond efficiently and effectively, and the sector’s perception of us as being able to do so. It will also allow us to build our reputation; while we have an excellent reputation for credible work there is more to be done and more audiences and users to reach.
The salary is competitive. The length of the contract will be between six months and a year, negotiated.
We welcome applications from consultancies, consultants, possible secondees or potential employees.
Senior Communications Adviser: Person Specification.
The post is intended as a temporary post, to fulfil the tasks specified in the job description and assist in the recruitment of a Communications Officer who can continue those tasks over time. For this reason candidates must be capable of being productive from their first day and must have sufficient credibility for colleagues to support them in the work from day one.
Essential:
• previous experience of establishing organisation-wide communications strategy, plans and processes.
• commitment to consulting with and supporting colleagues
• ability to effectively communicate the importance of the work to colleagues
• experience of working in the development and humanitarian sector
• ability to work under pressure and manage own workload
• strong writing skills and ability to draft terms of reference, strategy papers, policy documents, press releases etc.
• strong verbal communication skills, including ability to present complex information clearly and concisely either face to face or ‘virtually’, ability to sell ideas and be persuasive, and a warm telephone manner
• fluent (to native speaker standard) in written and spoken English
Desirable:
• experience of working on human resource issues
• membership of a professional institute for PR, marketing or similar.
This post is called an Adviser because it is not intended to fit into the management structure of the organisation. The position allows the postholder to offer their technical expertise and support to any colleague as well as allowing them to comment on any colleague’s ongoing commitment to or implementation of the agreed plans.