Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund: Communications Officer

The Communications Officer will be responsible for the implementation of the communications strategy to build the Fund’s image through effective communication of its work. S/he will achieve this by providing communications support to the Communications Manager.

Responsibilities:

Communication materials

• Developing communication materials
• Coordinating the Fund’s publications while maintaining quality standards
• Gathering stories
• Developing write-ups for annual reports, brochures, newsletters, website content, etc.

Support for programmes

• Providing communication support to programme staff
• Ensuring the handling of external requests for information regarding the Fund’s programmes
• Organizing the links with the Fund’s primary partners in order to gather relevant information for different audiences

Media management

• Ensure that the most effective means and tools are used for communicating with the public and the media
• Implementing approved communication plans
• Managing the implementation of the Fund media strategy, including media liaison, production of press releases and briefings
• Organizing press conferences, ensuring sound media relations
• Maintaining a media database

Website management

• Updating the Fund’s website regularly
• Liaising with the HR department to communicate to internal stakeholders

Qualification

A tertiary qualification in any of the following: Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and Journalism

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years of practical Communications/PR experience
• Proven track record in both PR & communication strategy implementation
• Exposure to development communication environment
• Very good IT knowledge (MS Office tools), including Power Point and website administration
• Ability and willingness to travel as required
• Working knowledge of SA indigenous languages will be an advantage

Competency and Skills Requirements:

• Ability to work cross-functionally and in using multiple skills simultaneously
• Excellent organization skills including ability to manage multiple tasks and projects and an ability to prioritize and work to deadline
• Excellent written and oral communication skills across all levels
• High level of competence in word processing, spreadsheets, office administration systems and electronic media
• Strong presence and excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to take initiative
• Ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines
• Results oriented
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure
• Self-driven and motivated
  Personal Attributes and Values
• Team work and excellent interpersonal skills
• Results orientation
• High energy level, creativity, self-awareness and confidence
• Initiative, and ability to innovate and think independently
• Ability to focus on and develop a big picture view that reflects an understanding of the wider knowledge context and the organization's strategy within it

To apply, submit a CV with personal and professional contactable references to hr [at] nmcf [dot] co [dot] zaor fax to: 086 697 1191, or post to the HR Manager, P O Box 797, Highlands North, 2037.

In the event that you do not hear from us within a period of 15 days after the closing date for applications, please consider your application unsuccessful.

For more about NMCF, refer to www.nmcf.co.za.