Communications Officer RTI International

RTI International is one of the world's leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our staff of more than 3,700 provides research and technical services to governments and businesses in more than 75 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory testing and chemical analysis.

1. Introduction

The Knowledge Sector Initiative (KSI) program is a joint initiative between the Australian Government and BAPPENAS (The National Planning Agency) to improve the quality of public policies in Indonesia through the use of research, analysis and evidence. The program seeks to achieve this by supporting the capacity building of think tanks, to improve the quality of their research to meet policy maker’s needs, improve systems and regulations in government to support research-based policy making, and to develop effective models for procuring and using research to strengthen policies in education, health and social protection that will benefit the country’s poor. The program, projected to be 15 years in duration, will begin implementation in May 2013.

The overall goal of KSI is that Indonesia has the capacity to develop effective and socially accountable policies that meet priority development needs. Revitalising the Indonesian knowledge sector is an enormous effort, well beyond the scope of any one agency or development partner. AusAID’s objective in supporting this program is to catalyse reform efforts by providing its partners with a framework and resources to drive a reform process. It does not do everything. Designing the program interventions required striking a balance between the need for a comprehensive approach to knowledge sector reform and realism about what can be achieved with limited capacities, resources, and timeframes. Nevertheless, analysis suggests that in Indonesia the time is ripe for launching this change.

This position will focus on realisation and refinement of the project’s communications strategy and implementation of the strategy through the project’s communication plan as presented in the proposal, including how it will directly and indirectly support interconnections across the project’s components. Three major approaches for communications activities are outlined by the program’s guiding documents as foci for the communications team: (a) the approach to web-based disbursement of information; (b) approach to media, including promotional events, material and information dissemination of program achievements; and (c) the establishment of communication channels with AusAID, the Government of Indonesia and other Stakeholders. The communications strategy of this project is a critical tool that must assist implementing partners and other stakeholders including AusAID, the GOI and the public in understanding the project, its goals, and the importance of a vitalized, strong and productive knowledge sector to Indonesia’s development.

1. Objectives

The objectives of the assignment are as follows:

1. Implementation of the project's communication strategy and realization of all aspects of the project's communication plan as laid out in the proposal.
2. Continuous development of creative communications activities that enhance the program's achievement of its objectives, builds stronger relationships and engagement amongst stakeholders and constituents, and creates awareness of the project's goals and accomplishments.

1. Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the Communications Manager, the Communications Officer will support the delivery of all operational aspects of the Communications Strategy and Communication Plan. S/he will work in close coordination with the Communications Manager, Operations Manager, Lead Technical Adviser, senior technical staff, and AusAID.

1. Overall support of the activities above, specifically in supporting all communication mechanisms and forums in close collaboration with the project’s senior management team. This includes:

1. Support the development and implementation of all web-based communication mechanisms and forums
2. Support the Communications Manager in content generation for all forms of media, focusing on web and social media, including content writing and website management
3. Supporting the planning and implementation of all public and inter-stakeholder program events and communication forums
4. In close collaboration with and through AusAID's public affairs team, develop and maintain relationships with targeted media to include, sector specific media, general media across all mediums
5. Support the creation of communication plans, activities and materials for both Australian and Indonesian audiences. These are very different audiences that will require thoughtful development of catered communication strategies, and very close collaboration with KSI partners and AusAID's public affairs team.
6. Ensuring that AusAID's and Government of Indonesia communication needs and expectations are thoroughly understood and integrated into the communications strategy and plan

1. Working closely with the Communications Manager, Lead Technical Advisor and the Senior Management Team to ensure that the communication strategy and activities are directly linked to the objectives of the overall program and specifically to Components 1, 2, 3, and 4.
2. Work collaboratively with national level counterparts (e.g. from BAPPENAS, Supply Side Organisations and Balitbangs, and others) to ensure buy-in, consistent messaging across program stakeholders, and overall strategic implementation of the communications plans.

1. Level of Effort

The duration of the assignment is until approximately June 30, 2017.

1. Organisational Arrangements

The Communication Officer will report to the Communications Manager, and will work in a flexible and collaborative manner to support the achievement of objectives across the project.

1. Qualification Requirements

1. At least 5 years of professional experience and demonstrated communications experience that has utilised multiple pathways and mechanisms to reach diverse target audiences. Web-based, print media and event planning experiences are a plus. Understanding qualitative human research techniques to better understand and target audiences also a plus.
2. BA or MA in communications or a similar discipline.
3. Experience developing and implementing communications and media strategies for bi-lateral or multilateral development programs. Experience in Governance and or Policy Development programming a plus.
4. Exceptional communication and inter-personal skills. Ability to work well within a team and to work effectively with government and non-government stakeholders.
5. Highly advanced English writing skills and strong Bahasa Indonesia speaking and writing skills.

1. Application Instructions

Candidates should send the following documentations: Application letter and CV with 3 referees. Please indicate the position you are applying for in the email subject, and submit the application to: hr@rti-indomd.rti.org. In order to be considered for this position candidates should ONLY send the requested information to the address hr@rti-indomd.rti.org and NOT through the RTI online application system. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

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