Regional Head of Communication.

We are currently seeking to recruit a Regional Head of Communication.

About the Role

Working in 50 developing countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas, Plan aims to reach as many children as possible, particularly those who are excluded or marginalized with high quality programs that deliver long lasting benefits by increasing its income, working in partnership with others and operating effectively. The Regional Head of Communication provides strategic and technical leadership to Plan’s communication work in the region. S/he ensures that regional communication activities support country, regional and global communication priorities and campaigns and effectively support Plan’s program goals. S/he oversees capacity development and quality assurance measures for communication in West Africa and represents Plan WARO in Plan’s global communication network. Dimensions of Role: A member of the Extended Regional Office Management Team and leader of the regional network for communication and media work Provides leadership and supervision to Plan’s regional communication team and fosters integration of program and communication activities Facilitates the development of strong internal and external linkages with communication staff and media outlets within and beyond the region Advises on and manages risks related to Plan’s communication and media work in/about West Africa Develops and oversees execution of regional office communication budget Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position: Strategic planning and delivery A relevant and up-to-date Regional Communication Strategy for West Africa is developed, delivered and monitored taking into account global and emerging regional program and campaign priorities. Plan West Africa’s regional communication strategy adds value to country operations, regional and global program, advocacy, campaign, fundraising, and PR plans and initiatives. It’s implementation is monitored and progress adequately documented and shared Plan country offices have sound country communication strategies and plans in place that help to efficiently profile child centered community development and Plan’s program priorities Plan’s global campaigns have quality communication plans in place that support campaign goals and results Ensuring network Leadership and Capacity Development A Regional internal network for communication exists and country and regional communication staff have the capacity to deliver high quality communication and media work Indicators will include: A regional internal technical network for communication exists, has clear terms of references, meets regularly and efficiently shares information and knowledge Plan WARO’s PlaNet site for communication is established and regularly updated with high quality information Capacity assessments for communication (and other) staff are carried out to determine capacity development measures Country technical staff are being kept up to date with newest developments from the communication sector and knowledge and information from other organizations is being efficiently shared to promote best practice There is a close collaboration between communication and program team to ensure quality media reporting around our work There is a fruitful collaboration between WARO and communicators from National Offices, International Headquarters and other Regional Offices Enhancing Organizational visibility and profile Plan West Africa is known for the quality and reach of its child centered community development programs within and beyond West Africa, as well as inside the organization Indicators will include: External: Country, regional, and international media report positively and regularly about Plan’s work in West Africa Plan West Africa’s Website is regularly updated with high quality articles Plan West Africa uses social media effectively to engage the public in its work and program & campaign goals Plan West Africa has regularly updated off the shelf material and publications that are being used to inform partners and media about our program work Plan’s global and regional reports/publications (such as BIAAG) are produced to high quality and adequately mediatized and disseminated Ensuring internal communication and information Plan West Africa’s staff feels well connected to the global organization, its vision, mission and objectives Indicators will include: Global and regional accolades and award initiatives are professionally supported and help profile Plan West Africa as a major contributor to Plan’s global winning team Plan West Africa’s internal communication efforts result in increased reporting about our work on IH, and NO websites and efficiently support fundraising efforts, particularly for emergencies Plan staff in West Africa feel connected to the organization through efficient management of the regional and global team briefing process and other internal communication measures Compliance with global standards Plan’s Global Identity and communication guidelines are consistently applied and respected Plan’s disaster communication is professionally and efficiently managed responding to organizational and global standards Countries and Regional Office staff have been adequately trained on Plan’s global identity guidelines and apply it consistently Dealing with Problems: The Head of Regional Communication is a pivotal position that has to deal with diverse demands and pressure from different parts of the organization to often tight deadlines: country office, national office and IH’s communication needs need to be satisfied with a small team. The French/English divide presents another major challenge to the job role as it limits country ability to adequately contribute to a predominantly Anglophone information and public relation stream in the organization. Country communication staff tends to be overstretched and often don’t respond to the new profile desired for the job role. The ability to prioritize and maintain focus while still demonstrating high levels of customer orientation are thus key for the regional head of communication. Communications and Working Relationships: High Level Contact: Internal: Regional program team Extended Regional Office Management Team Country Communication staff IH communication team External: Media contacts Medium Level contact Internal: National Office communication & media staff other Regional Offices' communication staff External: Communication staff from other INGO’s / UN in West Africa Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives: Knowledge In-depth knowledge of current communications issues and trends, particularly in the humanitarian sector (Masters in communication, public relations desired) Good knowledge of how the media and journalists work nationally, regionally and internationally Demonstrated experience of working as a communication manager with a focus on Africa, preferably at regional level Proven experience to develop and implement communication and media advocacy strategies Good understanding of child rights and development Skills Exceptional conceptual and strategic thinking skills Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues at long distances Fluency in English and very good working knowledge of French Excellent Written and oral communication skills, including presentation and public speaking; publicized papers and reports of added advantage Ability to prioritize and multitask Behaviours Performance: Creates strong sense of purpose within own part of the business and with stakeholders Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour Strategic thinking and delivery Sees contribution of own part of the organisation in wider Plan and external context Balances future vision with practical delivery Influencing effectively reaches out and influence large groups of people Learning Supports learning and sharing and knowledge management Self Awareness Humble and service oriented Aware of different levels of capacity and respectful and supportive of local knowledge Location and Travel: Based from the Regional Office with frequent travelling within and outside the region Languages: Fluent in French and English Location: Dakar, Senegal Type of Role: 5 year fixed term contract Reports to: Deputy Regional Director for Programmes Salary: Grade F,US$49,000 to $63,000 per annum plus full expat benefits. This is an accompanied position and a full relocation package will be available. Closing Date: Wednesday 20thJune 2012

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.

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