Job Profile (1 October 2013)

Fixed Term Contract: Initial period 1 Year. November 2013 – October 2014.

(Contract extension possible subject to funding)

Communications Coordinator

Responsible to: Programme Manager, with some functional responsibilities to the Operations Director and Executive Director

Global Network for Disaster Reduction (GNDR)

GNDR is a new and growing network formed of civil society organisations concerned with ‘Disaster Risk Reduction’. It currently has over 500 member organisations in over 70 countries. The majority of the organisations are small and based in the Global South. Disaster Risk Reduction is a thematic area concerned with development activities that strengthen local communities, making them more resilient to the impact of disasters, the majority of which are small scale and frequent. The network has three main objectives –

  • Strengthen the way GNDR members work together
  • Enhance engagement between Civil Society and other key stakeholders
  • Communicate the day-to-day reality of life for people most at risk

Purpose of the GNDR Secretariat:

The GNDR Secretariat is a support entity to the GNDR Network responsible for coordinating and supporting the execution of GNDR strategic objectives and work programme.

Main purpose of the job:

As the Global Network grows we are now seeking a Communications Coordinator to work in the Operations Team at our small London-based Secretariat office,supporting the outworking of GNDR objectives. Specifically the role involves the development and implementation of an evolving communications plan, including the management ofthe whole range of communications and media tools the network currently uses, together with identifying and developing new opportunities. As well as communications with 500+ member organisations in over 70 countries, the Global Network communicates with other networks, institutions, organisations and experts, and may reach out further to the general public in the many countries where its members work.

The network already makes use of media including the web, video, live multimedia events, presentations andprint media. However, it has made very limited use of social media and part of the role will be to investigate the value of exploiting the use of social media for information and campaigning. The keys to thecommunications role are enthusiasm, creativity and innovation matched with an ability to understand the network and the subject matter, write and communicate well, to work effectively and consistently. The post does not demand high levels of IT skills as the web platform is supported by a webmaster. However, a passion for effective writing for digitaland social media and an eye for good, clear design are important.

The Communications Coordinator will work as part of the cross-functional operations team who have responsibility for activities based on the GNDR’s operational plan. The operations team is led by the Operations Director and includes a Programme Manager and three regionally-based Network Development Officers

The network secretariat are about to embark on a mapping project which will provide an interactive database of a wide range of civil society practitioners. The programme is being undertaken in collaboration with the World Bank and with specialist suppliers and will form a major task in the initial contract period.

Position in Organisation:

  • Post is responsible to the Programme Manager
  • Forms part of the Operations Teamwhich consists ofthe Operations Director, three Network Development Officers, the Communications Coordinator and the ProgrammeManager
  • Some functional responsibilities to the Operations Director and Executive Director
  • Close coordination with GNDR Secretariat Staff and liaison with the International Board, Regional and National Coordinators andthe broader Global Network membership

Overall Scope Of Job: As part of the operations team the Communications Coordinator will be responsible for:

  • Collaborating with the GNDR team to develop a coherent targeted communications strategy and associated work plan
  • Clear and effective writing
  • Reviewing and developing network communications
  • Managing production of communications and Materials
  • Developing of use of social media
  • Research, Learning and Knowledge management
  • Campaigns and events
  • Online mapping project
  • Innovation

Specific Duties:

  • Review and develop network communications
  • Review website services and manage redesign and rebuilding as necessary
  • Collaborate with the Network Development Officers on development of regional email lists, regional websites and other e-media.
  • Collaborate with the GNDR Operations Team in expanding the membership database
  • Collaborate with the Operations team on developing use of online platforms (such as Webex, Blackboard etc.) for online discussions and learning
  • Provide communications advice to GNDR members, particularly in relation to collective advocacy efforts
  • Communications and Materials
  • Coordinate the production of compelling, regularly updated website content
  • Write content and commission work from other writers
  • Oversee editing, translation, design and dissemination of regular publications, quarterly newsletters, press releases and timely completion of annual reports
  • Coordinate the establishment ofconsistent design and layout of publications, website and other online resources and communications
  • Coordinate development and implementation of a style guide.
  • Provide final edits and layout support for grant proposals and report narratives
  • Develop use of social media and where appropriate produce relevant fresh content
  • Identify strategic roles for social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin and lead on their development, including communications strategy and content production.
  • Lead on the development of an online mapping service for the wider Disaster Risk Reduction community as well as for the GNDR membership (this is a key, urgent task)
  • Research, Learning and Knowledge management
  • Support network actions such as ‘Views from the Frontline’ and ‘Action at the Frontline’
  • Develop e-learning, knowledge management and communities of practice
  • Evaluate on-line tools to strengthen knowledge management / exchange, learning and collaborative actions
  • Provide inputs to strengthen on-line resources, databases’, portals and blogs.
  • Campaigns and events
  • Lead on development and delivery of specific communications events including our own conferences and presentations at other events and forums.
  • Work with the GNDR team on development of campaign strategies
  • Support the Network Development Officers on development of periodic regional and national events and media initiatives
  • Investigate new campaigning opportunities such as AVAAZ
  • Lead on design and production of reports and leaflets, for Views from the Frontline for example
  • Cultivate and manage media contacts and relations
  • Provide appropriate media and communications support to wider Advocacy and Engagement activities
  • Monitor and draw lessons from media and communications initiatives
  • Online mapping project
  • Overall management of implementation of this project in collaboration with colleagues in the secretariat and suppliers
  • Manage gathering and collating of information
  • Manage testing and delivery
  • Innovation
  • Maintain awareness of new opportunities for use of communications and media
  • Maintain awareness of innovations in communication in the development and humanitarian sector
  • Collaborate with the Programme Manager to recruit, coordinate and ensure quality of work of volunteers, interns and consultants in support of above areas of responsibility.

Person Specification

External Title: Communications CoordinatorGNDR Secretariat

Team: Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction

ATTRIBUTE/SKILL / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
EDUCATION/
QUALIFICATIONS /
  • A first degree in a relevant field
  • Proficiency, written and spoken, in English, Spanish and/or French
/
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field

EXPERIENCE /
  • At least three years’ professional experience in communications and/or media roles
  • Experience in the developing world
  • Familiarity with a wide range of communications methods and tools
  • Experience in identifying and working with specialists such as designers, writers,etc to deliver the network’s communications
  • Experience of public relations and media advocacy and events from inception to delivery
/
  • Experience of working with civil society on disaster-related activities
  • Exposure and understanding of the issues surrounding disasters, DRR, development and equity

SKILLS/ABILITIES /
  • Ability to assess new options and innovations critically and to work with them flexibly where appropriate
  • Excellent communications skills, including written and spoken fluency in English and Spanish
  • Project management skills
  • Able to work well with a team
  • Ready to learn new skills and understand new ways of working
  • Excellent writing and editing to a high standard
  • Ability to multi-task, organise, prioritise under time constraints and pressure.
  • IT skills – word, powerpoint etc.
  • Able to travel internationally when necessary
/
  • Fluent in other languages, preferably French, Portuguese and Arabic

PERSONAL QUALITIES /
  • Culture and gender sensitivity
  • Good interpersonal manner and comfortable in cross cultural communication with people from different backgrounds
  • Committed to GNDR’s values
  • Committed to working as part of a smallsecretariat team
  • A calm, confident, assertive and welcoming manner
  • Capable of working effectively in a high pressure and dynamic environment
  • Concerned about giving attention to detail
  • Able to take initiative, work under minimal supervision and be flexible

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
FIXED TERM – Fixed Term Full time Position
INITIALLY 12 months contract with possible extension -funding dependent
POST OF: Communications Coordinator
Ideal start date: November 2013
Only candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted
Organisation: Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction Secretariat
BASED IN: Office of the GNDR Secretariat, Teddington, SW London
OFFICE HOURS:
Five days per week - Monday – Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm with one hour for lunch.
40 hour working week
ANNUAL LEAVE - FULL YEAR:
25 days per year
+ statutory bank hols
+ additional days at Christmas
SICK LEAVE SCHEME:
Based on length of service
NON-CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME:
For permanent staff members over 18 years old as follows
18 years old + - 10% of salary
50 years old + - 13% of salary
60 years old + - 15% of salary
NEW STAFF SERVICE:
6 month probationary period with a 3 month review
SALARY WILL BE COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE AND COMPARABLE TO SIMILAR CSOs / NGOs .
SAMPLE RANGE BETWEEN: £30,000 - £40,000 (London-based)

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Communications Officer 10 September 2013