Public Engagement Director - WV Laos

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To provide strategic leadership for communications and public engagement for WV Laos, including leadership of the National Office Public Engagement Department - overseeing the development of key communications resources; directing communications in emergency and crisis situations; and effectively linking the National Office with the World Vision Partnership, key Support Offices, media, government counterparts, and where appropriate, NGOs, donors and other diverse audiences who need to be informed and engaged in the ongoing ministry of the National Office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy Development & Planning:
Develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated and contextually appropriate communications strategy that positions World Vision Laos as a leading national agency for development and relief and at the same time protects the image and reputation of WVL as an organization. Identify key objectives and priorities for reporting, publishing, marketing, advocacy and media relations (national and international), while utilizing appropriate technologies, tools and people networks to reach a national and global audience.

Resource Acquisition & Management:
Assist with recruitment (as needed, and in consultation with ND and regional communications director) of new public engagement department members.
Manage hosting and facilitation of Support Office resource gathering trips, ensuring they are well coordinated and that incoming teams are well briefed and aware of sensitivities regarding interviews and resource use.
Support Operations team in establishing strong relationship with WV support offices and donors funding WV Lao Projects.
Oversee SO/donor visits, requests, meetings, telephone conferences/contacts, e-mails and other communications, as well as fulfilling Support offices and donor requirements on Public Engagement.

Capacity Building:
Provide training and capacity building for ADP and program level staff to strengthen resource gathering functions. Establish a WVL communications ‘network’ to achieve this.
Provide media and communications training and related support to identify key spokespeople, and other technical experts / ADP managers etc. Keep staff informed and aware of key communications protocols (e.g. Child protection / media engagement / protection of the vulnerable). Develop and oversee such protocols for the WVL context.
Build capacity of PE staff through coaching for performance and other support functions that develop their capacities and skills, enhance their performance and encourage spiritual formation.
Support the National Director, Senior Leadership Team and other non PE staff in communicating with external audiences on the WVL National strategy and plans.

Accountability & Quality Assurance:
Manage the planning and production of feature stories (especially those with a child focus), publicity materials, the annual report, a WVL website, press releases, photographs, videos, Partnership marketing resources and other strategic and targeted communications as required.
Plan and manage all “rapid response” communications in situations of organizational crises, and during the onset of natural disasters or other major emergencies to which World Vision will respond.
Manage visits for all international visitors (including child sponsors, donors, media, support office program officers) to WVL offices and programs. Ensure that relevant departments fulfill all visa requirements, transportation, accommodation, and itinerary arrangements. Ensure that all visits conducted with high level of customer service and strategic in purpose.
Develop and maintain a database of visitors to WVL offices and projects ensuring visitor orientations are conducted and Child Protection Policies are signed and observed by all visitors to the field.
Develop and maintain appropriate professional contacts with print and broadcast media, both nationally and internationally, while ensuring that the protection of WVL’s programming is given the highest priority.
This should be done in consultation with the ND and the regional communications director (for international media).
In consultation with the National Director and Regional Communications Director, develop annual communications plans that cover the following: media relations / advocacy communications / disaster communications / media crisis handling.
Ensure sufficient information sharing about World Vision projects between World Vision and government counterparts. Develop channels of communication (eg. newsletters and brochures) targeted at government officials and agencies to inform them about World Vision’s development philosophy, relevant project information and project achievements.
Maintain close contacts with the Regional Communications director and key communications and advocacy staff within major support offices of World Vision.
Ensure that the National Office is engaged in important regional and international communications and advocacy initiatives of the World Vision Partnership.

Networking & Coordination:
Collaborate with program managers and field staff to ensure consistent messaging for all staff and stakeholders. Develop process and resources to inform and educate all staff, counterparts, partners and beneficiaries regarding World Vision’s development philosophy and how World Vision works.
Represent WVL on Communications/Media related matters to other NGOs and branches of the Government of Lao in coordination with the National Director’s office and Operations.

Management and Leadership:
Supervise and coordinate the National Office Public Engagement Department so that it is in touch and informed about program work, has the appropriate skills, staffing, budget and equipment to function proficiently and is managed to ensure the fulfillment of the communications strategy.
Provide spiritual leadership to Public engagement staff, facilitating a supportive environment for their spiritual formation, the internalization of WV’s Vision, Mission and Core Values.
As a member of WV Lao’s management team, participate and contribute to wider organizational decisions and policies. Attend and contribute to SMT meetings, and represent SMT in other forums and venues in/outside WV Laos.
Meet with the National Director regularly for support and updates, and for quarterly coaching and annual performance appraisal reviews. Plan and seek support for continued personal, professional and spiritual development. Undertake other duties as reasonably assigned by the National Director.
Attend and participate in devotional meetings

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

REQUIRED:
Educational Qualification: A university degree or equivalent in journalism or public relations.
Professional Experience: At least 5 years managerial experience in journalism and/or public relations in a complex, international organization (preferably in an INGO) context.

PREFERRED:
Proven track record of effective contribution in senior leadership groups.

If you are qualified and interested in the position, please visit our website to apply: https://jobs.wvi.org/WebJobs.nsf/WebPublished/2396BBAEF5EA80D98825790D00...