Regional Communication Officer (RCO) – Kampala – Right To Play - 2015

About US:
Right To Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. Through playing sports and games, Right To Play helps over one million children learn through play to create better futures, while driving lasting social change in more than 20 countries each week. Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and has national fundraising offices in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Regional offices are in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Our programs are facilitated by more than 600 international staff and 16,000 local volunteer Coaches.

Job Summary: The Regional Communications- Officer (RCO) is primarily responsible for the overall development and execution of Right To Play’s internal and external communication strategies across the East and Southern Africa (EASA) region (countries include Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Burundi). The incumbent oversees all aspects of communications planning including media relations, regional key messaging; print/audio visual materials production, writing, and branding. The jobholder will develop communications and informational materials about Right To Play’s program activities and achievements in the Region to support fundraising and communications efforts at the Field and International level (including success stories, videos, and applicable photographs), and will support in building Right To Play’s communication strategy across the Region. The RCO will also be responsible for accurate representation Of Right To Play and its program activities with all target audiences in the Region, (including media, funders, government, community leaders and other key stakeholders). Further, the RCO will assist with enhancing the organization’s overall public image in the Region.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Communications Planning and Strategy: 20%
· The incumbent will develop and implement annual regional communications plans, in line with the organization’s global plan, that are designed to maximize program impact, brand awareness, and fundraising goals.
· Develop and implement a crisis/issues management communication plan, in line with Right To Play International (RTPI), designed to manage issues and crises with minimal brand risk.
· Ensure that communication plans are in-line with all project grant agreements and reports.
· The incumbent will also implement communications deliverables as required by project grant agreements and reports.
2. Media Relations: 25%
· Build and maintain strong working relationships with international, regional, and country based media, and conduct appropriate media pitching/liaising; including writing media releases, media advisories, and reactive/proactive statements.
· The incumbent will also serve as spokesperson in Region for Right To Play when delegated to do so by the Regional Director.
· Build the capacity of spokespeople in the Region to communicate accurately and effectively about Right To Play and its programs – including Country Managers, Project Managers, Project Officers, and Coaches.
· Keenly monitor, track and analyze media coverage for Right To Play and Sport for Development in the Region; Partner with media agencies and local opinion leaders to build their understanding and expertise in leveraging popularity of sport and play based learning.
3. Communications/Advocacy Materials Production: 30%
· Develop a region-wide system to produce program success stories, quotes and photographs that are shared with RTPI on a monthly basis for communications and fundraising purposes.
· Take photographs and write human interest stories, and gather quotes by interviewing staff, children,
· Coaches and families who benefit from Right To Play’s work and share with RTPI for use in all communications and fundraising materials.
· Provide training and build capacity designated at Regional and Country staff, to deliver usable materials and information to meet RTPI and Regional needs.
· Establish and develop portfolio of freelancers that can be used for in-region photography and videography. Facilitate hiring of in-region photographers and freelancers as needed.
4. Internal Communications across the Organization: 20%
· Act as a link between the Region and RTPI to promote a two-way communication and accountability.
· Work in liaison with RTPI to ensure that all Right To Play products, communications, and actions in the Region follow brand guidelines.
· Manage and approve all merchandise/print orders in the Region before being printed; including but not limited to t-shirts, signs, etc.
· Accompany and support high-profile visitors to the Region, while developing and implementing media strategies for their visit; including preparing background materials, relevant packages, and team briefings.
5. Other Duties (5% of Time): Perform any other duties as assigned 5%

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The ideal candidate for the Regional Communication Officer should hold an advanced university degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related fields
· A minimum of seven to ten years of relevant employment experience, preferably in the region.
· Proven exposure and experience in developing communication, and media plans and materials.
· Comprehensive computer skills; fully conversant with Microsoft Office software and at least one publishing software.
· Excellent written and oral presentation skills and ability to communicate to a variety of audiences, including the media, the public, government officials, NGOs, Right To Play’s affiliates, and others.
· Broad working knowledge of the NGO, media, and political environment in the region.
· Significant experience in media relations; experience in managing supplier relationships.
· Editing/proofreading; strong people and facilitation skills; creative and able to work well under pressure.
· Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
· Proven exposure and experience in policy/ networking, and poverty reduction strategies and a commitment to gender equity; an interest in human rights and social change issues.
· Prior experience social media strategy and execution; experience with photography, and videography will be added advantages
· Excellent command of written and spoken English, and French

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their updated resumes and cover letters to: hr1@righttoplay.com and please kindly indicate “Regional Communication Officer – EASO RO” and your name in the subject line. Please indicate your salary expectations in the cover letter.

Deadline: 30th September 2015