Header

International Communication Officer Mekong River Commission

12:29:00 PM
Mekong River Commission
The role of MRC is to promote and coordinate sustainable management and development of water and related resources for the countries’ mutual benefit and the people’s well-being
MRC Secretariat is now recruiting highly qualified consultant for the following consultancy
International Communication Officer
International Cooperation and Communications Section
3 working months from October 2012 to December 2012
based at the Office of the MRC Secretariat in Vientiane, Lao PDR
The Communication officer will be responsibility to deliver final copies of programmes’ and MRC’s reports which are properly copy-edited and simplified.He or she must ensure that external and internal communications products meet expected editorial standards.
The Term of Reference and other information can be obtained at MRC website http://www.mrcmekong.org/working-with-mrc/employment . Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.
Application procedures:
The application should include (i) a cover letter outlining clearly how the candidate meets the requirements of the position, (ii) a detailed CV, and (iii) MRC Personal History Form. The position title and division/section must be indicated in the cover letter.The application should be sent to:
Mekong River Commission
Office of the Secretariat in Vientiane (OSV)
P.O. Box 6101, 184 Fa NgoumRoad
Vientiane 01000, Lao PDR

Closing date for applications: 20 July 2012
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Title: International Communications Officer
Division/Section: International Cooperation and Communications Section
Type of Contract: Special Service Agreement (SSA)
Duty Station: Office of MRC Secretariat inVientiane, Lao PDR
Reporting to: Chief of ICCS
Duration: Three months: October 2012- December 2012, with a maximum of 5 working days per week
  1. ROLE OF THE MEKONG RIVER COMMISSION
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) was established by the 1995 agreement between the governments of Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. The role of the MRC is to co-ordinate and promote co-operate in all fields of sustainable development, utilisation, management and conservation of the water and related resources of the Mekong Basin.
  1. ROLE OF THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
The Communications Unit’s work plan within the International Cooperation and Communications Section sets the following three objectives:
  • To increase knowledge of the MRC and its functions among stakeholders and the public
  • To increase public awareness on the social, economic and environmental state of the Basin, and the need for transboundary approaches in planning and development
  • To develop mechanisms for public participation in all MRC programmes
The current expectations of the Communication Team within the MRC are: responding to media, managing information flows in response to information requests; writing and editing functions; promotional functions including but not limited to media relations; production of print and web-ready materials; NGO relations; drafting of policy related documents for public information; and, oversight of web site issues.
  1. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the position is to maintain and increase the ability of the MRC to effectively communicate from a results-based perspective and in a simplified manner. The position aims to further develop relations with MRC Programmes, key stakeholders, partners and the media.
Emphasis is placed on quality control of English-language communications materials and technical reports by providing copy-editing and writing support to the MRC Secretariat including the Communications Unit and further assisting the Unit’s staff members with developing their communications skills.
As the International Communication Officer, the position requires a person with strong English copy-editing and writing skills.
  1. OUTPUT
During the contracted period, the consultant must deliver final copies of programmes’ and MRC’s reports which are properly copy-edited and simplified.He or she must ensure that external and internal communications products meet expected editorial standards.
  1. RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
The incumbent performs the following tasks under the general supervision of the Chief of ICCS:
Editorial Tasks:
  • A large portion of this position’s activities focus on editorial tasks. The International Communication Officer reviews, writes, edits and rewrites internal and external documents on a daily basis.
External Communication Tasks:
  • Along with the communication team, the International Communication Officer proposes and is responsible for external communications, public participation and partnership activities, and assists MRC Senior Management and programmes with the same.
  • Along with other Communications Officers, the position produces, writes and edits articles, press releases, speeches, newsletters, annual reports, posters, brochures, exhibitions and other similar publications to promote the MRC and its mission.
  • Under tight deadlines, rewrites and edits reports and other technical publications prior to publication.
  • Liaises with the media and with information officers in other relevant organisations.
  • Acts as a MRC spokesperson when requested.
  • Works closely with NGOs and other key stakeholders in establishing partnerships.
Internal Communication Tasks:
  • Recommends messaging and communication strategies for ensuring consistent dissemination of agreed messages.
  • Ensures senior staff and programmer management are kept informed of current affairs in their fields and in the region.
  • Briefs MRC staff on media relations.
  • Streamlines the publication output of the MRC and supports the webmaster in matters of website design and content.
  • Works with all Divisions of the MRC to promote public participation in Commission activities.
  • Works closely with all programmes to support MRC programmes with meeting their annual communication needs.
  • Advises on the Secretariat’s photographic archive.
  • Rewrites and edits all MRC Programme and other internal documents as requested, on a daily basis.
  • Administers budget related to the implementation of communication activities.
  • Undertakes related duties as required by the CEO.
  1. ITINERARY
    The Consultant will be based at the MRC Secretariat in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Travel will be assigned on a case-by-case basis.
  1. WORKING PRINCIPLES/REPORTING LINES
  1. Supervision requirements: The incumbent shall supervise approximately three staff members and is responsible for their output, training, and performance appraisal to be carried out in line with MRC procedures.
  2. Level of autonomy: Decision-making in conjunction with the Communication Team, and subject to final approval of Section Chief. The position administers a budget.
  3. Level of problem solving required: Problem solving can be complex and the incumbent must display initiative and creativity.
  4. Level and type of communications required: Communications are wide, within and outside the organization. Proven superior communication skills a must.
  1. QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
  • Postgraduate degree (or a minimum of ten years practical working experience) in communications, public relations, media and journalism or social sciences.
  • Work experience with international organisations – with specific reference to environmental or river basin organisations.
  • A minimum of 5 years experience in the communications or publishing field.
  • Proven editorial experience.
  • Proven track record of producing English-language communication materials.
  • Proven work experience within South East Asia, and/or a solid knowledge of the region’s social, economic, cultural and political structures a must.
  • Knowledge of natural resources management/environmental awareness in the communication context is desirable.
  • Experience in the use of web-based information services is an advantage.
  • Experience in design and familiarity with commonly used design software is an advantage.
  • Experience in dealing with printing and production of display materials is an advantage.
  • Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Good sense of initiative and sound judgment.
  • Excellent command of the English language is required. Working knowledge of one or more riparian language (Khmer Lao, Thai, Vietnamese) is very desirable.
  1. CONDITION FOR PAYMENT: This position is paid on a monthly basis at the end of each month upon approval of the Chief of Section. The payment shall be made via a bank transfer.

Post a Comment