International Communication Officer Mekong River Commission

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

Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative (CCAI), Environment Division

12 working months from September 2012 to August 2013

based at the Office of the MRC Secretariat in Vientiane, Lao PDR

The Communication officer will work closely with both CCAI and the International Cooperation and Communication Section (ICCS) of the MRCS to develop communication materials. He/she will lead the implementation of the CCAI communication plan and to establish systems and methods that can support the longer-term implementation for the CCAI.

Outputs:

• During the contract time, the communication officer will be responsible to provide a number of key communication outputs as follow:
• Printed materials of the CCAI including technical reports, annual reports, booklets, leaflets, posters etc. produced following MRC publication and quality standards and according to MRC procedures.
• CCAI web-pages regularly updated with fresh content as stipulated in the communication plan.
• Speeches, minute-taking and presentations produced to support to conferences, seminars, workshops and events with regards to communication aspects, .
• Media support such as providing press releases and briefing materials, features etc. covering the activities and achievements of the programmes.
• Innovative and alternative communication methods and tools.
• Progress reports on implementation of the communication plan including monitoring and evaluation as part of annual reviews undertaken at the programme level.

Responsibilities and tasks:

It is the responsibility of this assignment to lead the implementation of the CCAI communication plan throughout the contract period, and during that period to establish systems and methods that can support the longer-term implementation.

The key tasks include:

• Edit and assist production of CCAI publications such as those listed above, working with CCAI and ICCS staff to finalise the material and procure and oversee the layout and printing as needed.
• Update, populate and improve the CCAI web-pages regularly. This involves working closely with CCAI and ICCS staff to respond to communication requirements, gather material, results, stories etc. to increase the resources on the website.
• Work with CCAI staff to support communicationand public participation activities implemented by the national teams at pilot demonstration and study sites, and communication activities targeted at different key stakeholders with a focus on women and youth.
• Work with CCAI staff to provide event organisation and media support for conferences, meetings, workshops and other events.
• Advise on messaging and strategies for ensuring consistent dissemination of agreed messages.
• Liaise with ICCS on contact with and use of the media and with information officers in other relevant organisations.
• Act as quality control and provide technical advice on the streamlining of publication output of the CCAI.
• Act as communication focal point for the CCAI and collaborate with ICCS on all relevant matters.
• Work with all Divisions of the MRC to promote internal awareness raising and consistent messaging within the topics covered by the CCAI, which is a cross-cutting initiative and so relates to all other MRC programmes.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the progress of implementation of the communication plan.

Qualifications/requirements:

• Postgraduate degree (or a minimum of ten years practical working experience) within the area of communications/public relations.
• Work experience with international organisations.
• Proven track record of excellent English oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in the use of web-based information services.
• Experience in design and photography and familiarity with commonly used design software.
• Experience in dealing with printing and production of display materials.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Good sense of initiative and sound judgment.
• Work experience within South East Asia.
• Knowledge of natural resources management/environmental awareness is desirable.
• Excellent command of the English language is required. Any working experience and/or knowledge of one or more riparian languages (Khmer Lao, Thai, Vietnamese) would be an advantage.

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 therequirements 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
Email: mrcs@mrcmekong.org

Closing date for applications: 29 August 2012