Wetlands International , Communications & Advocacy Assistant

Title: Communications and Advocacy Assistant (CAA) Starting Date: February, 2012 Reports To: Mali National Coordinator (line) / Communications and Media Coordinator (tasks) Coordinates With: Project staff, policy advocacy focal point, freelancers and contractors Staff Reporting: None Background Wetlands International is a leading global, non-profit organisation dedicated solely to the work of wetlands conservation and wise use, as a contribution to sustainable development. The organisation has a core staff of around 250 people in 20 offices world wide and cooperates with an active world-wide network of wetland scientists, managers and conservationists. Wetlands International works with partners in government, NGO’s and the private sector. The Netherlands office is the headquarters for the global organisation. Wetlands International Africa develops and implements Wetlands International’s work in the Africa region, led by a regional office in Dakar, Senegal. The office develops and manages a diverse portfolio of regional level multi-partner projects as well as working at the national and community levels. It collaborates with a large network of partners, allies, researchers and practitioners across the continent. As a part of the global organization Wetlands International Africa (WIA) is present with field offices in Mali (Bamako and Sévaré), Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Kenya.

Wetlands International Africa is seeking for its Mali office an enthusiastic and talented Communications and Advocacy Assistant (CAA) with experience in an international environment. The Communications and Advocacy Assistant will be part of WIA communication team and contribute to disseminate WI work through the development of web-based and printed communication products and activities.

Purpose of the Position As a member of the WIA teams, the CAA is responsible for: • Organizing and reinforcing advocacy for environmental issues in the Niger Basin in general, with particular focus on sustainable water management the Inner Niger Delta (IND) in Mali • Maintaining and expanding WIA website, and supporting the development of communications materials. Main Duties and Responsibilities Working to an annual work plan agreed with the Mali National Coordinator and the Communication and Media Coordinator and within the global communications strategy, the CAA will: 1. Policy Change Advocacy (50 %) • Plan and implement advocacy actions for current and future programs and projects • Network partner and civil society organizations for positive change in environmental issues in the Niger Basin in general and water management and the IND notably in favor of nature and communities • Support in maintaining contact with key audiences people who are essential for WI successful outreach at events (press, key decision makers, and partners). Maintain an overview on policy developments in Mali, for a rapid response. • Develop strategies for outreach, including advocacy work. • Support the integration of communications in new programmes or projects in Mali.

1. Communication and Media outreach (50 %) General Communication and Website Develop, design, write and edit the web-based information and services for our Africa website including: • Development of story ideas and editorial calendar in consultation with CMC, • Writing and editing stories for the web • Periodic updating of web content and pictures • Support off-line communication and promotional materials (writing, editing, basic lay-out. Liaise with designers and printing companies). • Coordinate dissemination of communications materials to and through partnership networks and media.

Media • Monitor Mali programme and WI Africa hits • Build and maintain relationships with the national and international press (public and private) • Draft stories, press releases, media advisories as necessary • Support media advising • Support the development of a network of journalists and other media (websites, web logs) in Mali and keep in close contact.

Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the CMC.

Qualifications and Experience Profile: The successful candidate will be a creative mind who likes to work in a dynamic international environment, knows how to mobilize civil society for policy change and is able to create effective communication products.

The following skills, qualifications and experience are essential: • A bachelor or master level in journalism, communication or social marketing or relevant field • (1-3) of relevant experience in communications, advocacy, campaigning in similar organizations • Demonstrated track record in writing and editing articles, website content, reports and press releases. • Fluency in written and spoken French and proficiency in English • Good interpersonal, team and networking skills, demonstrating awareness and respect of different cultures. • Some experience with basic graphic design; able to guide designers to produce high level, effective materials. • Understanding and interest in wetland conservation issues or related subjects in the field of water, poverty, environment. • Networks and experience in a relevant international context. • Willingness to travel when required • Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

Preferred skills and competencies • Ability to work in other languages (particularly, English or Bambara).

Duration of contract: 2 year, renewable

How to apply:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 7th February To apply, please send cover letter, CV (2 pages maximum) and writing samples in French to: wetlands@wetlands.sn
asangare@wetlands.sn Please no call