Communications Officer – Kampala – Uganda Local Governments’ Association

About US:
The Uganda Local Governments’ Association (ULGA) is an Association for Local Governments in Uganda that was formed in 1994 with the mandate to unite Local Governments, and provide them with a forum through which to come together and give each other support and guidance to make common positions on key issues that affect Local Governance. ULGA carries out this mandate through lobbying, advocacy and representation of Local Governments at local, National and International fora. Its ultimate goal is to promote and build Democratic and Accountable Local Governments capable of delivering Efficient and Sustainable Public Services to the people of Uganda. Our current strategic focus is in the areas of lobbying and advocacy; institutional strengthening; increasing services to members and facilitating local economic development.

Job Summary: The Communications Officer will be provide technical support in coordinating the development, implementation and monitoring the organizations communications, public relations and campaign plans in line with ULGA’s strategic direction and programme objectives

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Participate in program operational planning and implementation processes in line with ULGA strategy:
· Participate in the writing of program concepts papers and plans
· The incumbent will coordinate and ensure the development of quarterly, half year and annual program work plans and budgets.
· Offer guidance in program planning and implementation & incorporating the issues of communication.
· Conduct field level visits to member LGs and capture communication issues in line with advocacy or communications strategy.
2. Develop and roll out ULGA Communications policy and Strategy:
· Develop, roll out and monitor ULGA communications strategy to maximize public awareness/engagement, donor support, advocacy and social change
· Actively monitor the impact of ULGA’s communications on its activities.
· The incumbent will develop and roll out campaign frameworks and protocols to ensure maximum effectiveness with international and national strategic goals and objectives
· Develop and roll out policies and protocols for communications work during normal working environments and emergencies.
· Develop best practice in LG and gender responsive communication
3. Liaise with policy, program and grants unit to plan, develop and monitor campaigns, documentation, brand profiling to increase public awareness, donors base, advocacy, and influence attitudes and behaviours:
· Develop and roll out campaigns at National level for mobilizing general public to increase social engagement and advocacy on issues of ULGA’s key priorities.
· The incumbent will also strengthen media relations; organize media breakfasts /dinners editorial meetings etc. (regular meetings with media)
· Build the capacity for all staff and LGs for effective media work. Media training on camera, radio, social platforms (blogs). Effective writing compelling stories, liaising with the media. Basic photo and video skills, basic website training Etc.
· Develop common programme framework that ensures integration of communication, campaigning and fundraising in programme design
· In charge of drawing up media plans for specific events, campaigns and events: – Hiring, coordination, contracts, accountability, budget, finance, monitoring & evaluating
· Publicize organizational events and publications
· Coordinating visits by supporters, potential donors, national and international media to project sites and ensuring that they are availed information in the most suitable way to profile ULGA.
4. Maintain and upholds ULGA’s standards of documentation, branding and profiling:
· Ensure that communication is focused on LGs, people who support our work and the impact of our collective action with more participatory and interactive communication approaches.
· Create new brands to deepen our position as a key player in LG issues
· Conduct audience mapping to include all critical relevant stakeholder or our target group.
· Develop toolkit and materials to support identity building and rebranding ULGA and LGCG
· Develop, maintain and grow digital media usage and platforms such as website, Facebook, Twitter, SMS etc.
5. Develop staff and membership communication capacity, roll out and uphold robust internal & external:
· Supports the process of systematic collection of program impact and case studies, engaging members.
· Develop systematic ways of conserving institutional memory
· Build the capacity of staff and members to work with the media and engage on social platforms communications policies, practices and systems to ensure efficiency, timeliness and effective interactive communications practices compliant with global communications policy and strategy
· Maintain and manage the ULGA organizational Resource Centre
· Publish regular updates on ULGA Communications activities.
· Manage the maintenance and updating of ULGA’s website

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The ideal candidate should preferably hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mass communication, Media Studies, Public relations or any relevant degree.
· A minimum of three years or more of relevant experience from a reputable organization
· Good public speaking skills
· Working knowledge of Social media
· Good communication planning skills
· Skilled in monitoring and evaluation communication
· Working knowledge of media management
· Video production and editing skills
· Good photography and photo editing skills
· Good media management skills
· Working knowledge of events management
· Good documentation and reporting skills
· Skills in materials development and Publishing
· Web site designing and management skill s
· Video production and editing skills
· Good communication (strategic) planning
· Good graphic design and layout skill s
· Knowledge of development communications approaches (communications activism)
· Good report writing skill s
· Good planning and organisation skills
· Time management and coordination skills
· Fluency in written and spoken English
· Good knowledge on the use of the computer accounting packages.
· Ability to interact with people of different backgrounds and cultures

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send a copy of their updated CVs with a cover letter indicating three professional referees, two of whom should have been direct supervisors to: ulgajobs@gmail.com

OR
Drop your application at our offices at:

ULGA HOUSE, Kibuga, Block 13, Plot 136,
Najjanankumbi, Entebbe Road, Kampala

OR Post to:

Uganda Local Governments Association
P.O. Box 23120, Kampala, Uganda

Deadline: 27th November 2015