Communications Specialist

The International Land Coalition (ILC) is a global alliance of civil society and intergovernmental organizations working together to promote secure and equitable access to and control over land for poor women and men through advocacy, dialogue, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.The International Land Coalition is a global action network and was established to put land access issues on the international agenda. What sets it apart, however, is the way in which it does this ¿ as a global alliance of civil society and intergovernmental organizations (CSOs and IGOs) working together in advocacy, dialogue and capacity building. These characteristics therefore make communication a crucial foundation for ILC. The Communication Strategy takes a strategic approach to communication that supports ILC in achieving the directions and objectives outlined in the Strategic Framework 2011-2015. It responds to the needs identified in the Strategic Framework to:

• strengthen ILC's policy dialogue and advocacy, including through building the capacity of members and partners with an effective external communication which build awareness on land concerns within rural development;
• facilitate network growth and development with better internal communication and knowledge sharing;
• attract a broader membership and resource base.

Communication is integrated into the design, implementation and measurement of ILC's programmes and initiatives. This is outlined in the objectives and principles on how ILC will communicate. The strategy provides direction for the tactics and tools to be used to engage with ILC's audiences.

Communication will serve the ILC mandate and facilitate the achievement of its objectives. The ILC network is composed of different constituencies. Regions are organised around regional platforms and their work is facilitated by the Regional Coordination Units bases in Indonesia, Peru and Zimbabwe and hosted by ILC members. Each Regional Coordination Units embrace competencies on communication and networking performed by the regional communication officers.

Functions

The Consultant - Communications Specialist is responsible for  the implementation of the global communications strategy in line with the Strategic Framework. He/she  strategically coordinate the external and internal communication components of ILC work. He/she provides technical advice and support to ILC and its members in order to effectively communicate key messages and results to target audiences. His/her function also involves support to internal communication between Secretariat and members and among members. Main areas of responsibility include: strategic communications and planning; internal information flow; publications and materials development; management of websites, social media, and multimedia tools; media relations; and communications capacity building.   The consultant will support and work in close collaboration with the regional Communication counterparts of Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa. The consultant will play a hands-on role in most of these areas, while also overseeing specialist consultants to whom specific tasks are allocated, so as to ensure the effective delivery of all expected outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Director, ILC the incumbent will carry out the following:

Design and implement the communications strategyin line with the Strategic Framework, focusing on the following results:

• In consultation with ILC staff and members, support the Director ILC in developing a communications strategy to effectively support the Strategic Framework; the strategy should include clear objectives, resource requirements, timelines and performance metrics
• Support  ILC members and regional coordination units to effectively integrate into communications processes in order to harmonise actions at global, regional and national levels, especially with the ILC National Engagement Strategies

Support to internal communication and information flow:

• Define activities aimed to facilitate information and knowledge sharing among ILC's diverse constituency
• In close coordination with programme managers, cluster and regional coordinators and communication counterparts, contribute to the overall network vibrancy of the Coalition

Provide technical advice and guidance in the area of communications:

• Carry out an annual communications planning exerciseresulting in an annual work plan and budget for this area; monitor progress and adjust throughout the year
• Develop and strengthen ILC guidelines and templates; advise on issues related to branding, use of the ILC logo, copyright, editorial/style norms, and other topics
• Supervise communications consultants, including writers, editors, translators, proof readers, designers, and web masters as required
• Support ILC regional coordination units to fully adopt and use ILC communication products in coherence with global standards and practices

Communicate ILC's key messages and results using the following methods:

• Lead, in close collaboration with ILC relevant staff, the preparation of ILC annual reports as well as regular reports/updates to ILC donors
• Write and edit content for the full range of ILC communication products and tools
• Oversee the production and dissemination of quality corporate and programmatic materials, including: monthly updates, the annual report, quarterly newsletter, publications, brochures, fact sheets, and audio-visual materials
• Plan and manage promotional launches for key initiatives and publications such as the Land Portal, CPL global study, 'Framing the Debates' series, etc.
• Package organisational and programme achievements and success stories for information sharing and to aid resource mobilisation efforts
• Support communication products and processes of the National Engagement Strategies in collaboration with national members and regional communication counterparts.

Be responsible for the development and use of ILC websites, social media and multimedia tools:

• Supervise the maintenance and expansion of ILC websites and the intranet. Oversee the strategic development and harmonisation between ILC global, regional, and thematic sites; ensure regular content updates; and innovative use of web tools
• Post content and manage ILC's branding, messaging and interactions on social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Increase the production and sharing of multimedia content (photos, videos, etc.)

Design media strategies to increase the visibility of ILC and its members and to position ILC to better influence the land agenda:

• In consultation with ILC staff, develop strong, clear and concise media messages and deliver them through appropriate means such as interviews, events, media briefings, and story placements
• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists and leading media outlets (newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the internet)
• Write and edit press releases and other media materials
• Manage media list contacts and general mailing list to increase ILC outreach

Increase ILC's organisational and network capacitiesin communications:

• Enhance the ability of ILC staff and members to communicate effectivelyby identifying communications needs and developing trainings and tools as needed
• Strengthen internal and external communications through clear communications and branding guidelines and effective information sharing systems,

Perform other communication-related duties as required.

Education and experience

• University Degree in communications, journalism or related field
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in communications, including experience and technical skills in at least two of the following areas: developing publications and other communications materials, media relations, advocacy, web and graphic design, social media, and knowledge management
• Experience in land and natural resource issues, or the wider development sector, is desirable

Technical/functional competencies

Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills; proven ability to write compelling and effective press releases, articles, and stories
Ability to prioritize work and coordinate projects
Ability to work effectively with a multi-cultural and decentralised team

Communication

Fluency in English is essential;  working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable
proficiency with microcomputer applications and databases

Applications must be submitted through the IFAD website.