JOB SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE: Project Communications Assistant
UNIT: Knowledge & Communications Unit
GRADE: D
LINE MANAGER: Communications Manager
TASK MANAGERS: Respective Project Managers
DURATION: 12 months (initial term)
Job Purpose
To support and deliver Practical Action’s communications in support of our consultancy projects and build our online presence
Job Responsibilities
· Project-specific communication in order to support influencing, awareness raising and knowledge sharing objectives - whilst maintaining alignment with Practical Action communications strategy and key messages.
· To complete communications plan templates and implement for our consultancy projects as assigned, with particular responsibility for communications on the DFID PISCES Energy Research Programme and the Poor People’s Energy Outlook 2011.
· Extract key messages from consultancy project reports and studies, and identify communication hooks and stories to create news articles and events around.
· Manage copy editing, layout and printing for specific consultancy project documents.
· Promote our work and reports to external and internal audiences using events, websites, media and social media.
· Provide support to our international teams with their consultancy communications activities in Latin America, Eastern Africa and South Asia.
· Work with the Consultancy team to evaluate communications activities and create learning to share with the wider Practical Action group.
· Build up the following on our social networks and introduce new and innovative ways of converting our followers into advocates.
· Assisting with the PISCES project, through organising events, publications and online activities..
· To contribute to the development of the Communications unit, with regard to participating in annual appraisals, monthly progress reviews, training and development issues and team building activities.
· Any other reasonable tasks as assigned by the Communications Manager.
Must have skills experience and knowledge
· At least two years’ experience in a communications environment
· Understanding of communication as a tool in international development
· Proven aptitude in written and oral communication
· Experience working on organisational social networks
· Excellent writing skills with a demonstrable track record of producing materials for a variety of different audiences.
· Ability to rewrite and repurpose complex materials for target audiences
· Knowledge of basic marketing principles around messaging, audience identification, and audience journeys
· Social media and forum promotion skills
· Proven ability to prioritise work and multi task
· Event organisation skills
· Can do attitude
Ideal skills experience and knowledge
· Understanding of energy access and renewable energy
· Experience living and working in developing countries
Core Competencies
Self motivation
Takes responsibility to ensure commitments are met. Achieves objectives despite problems and frustrations. Is aware of strengths and limitations
Initiative
Able to respond effectively to the unexpected. Is biased towards taking action, having identified current or future problems or opportunities.
Teamwork
Works co-operatively with others as opposed to working separately. Is aware of issues that may affect the work of others. Shares ideas and information to find the best way
Planning and organising
Is able to prioritise effectively. Is able to build alternative actions into plans. Reviews priorities. Is able to gather and deploy resources effectively