Regional Communication Officer

JOB SUMMARY: The Regional Communication Officer (RCO) reports directly to the Regional Director and is responsible for the overall development and execution of Right To Play’s (RTP) internal and external communication strategies across the region under the oversight and guidance of the Global Marketing and Communications Team at RTP Headquarters. The RCO is responsible for managing all aspects of media and public relations, marketing and advertising, branding and communication capacity building for RTP MENA teams. The RCO develops communication and informational materials about RTP’s program activities and achievements in the region to support fundraising and communication efforts and contributes to enhancing the organization overall public image in the region.   RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS   Job Responsibility # 1: Planning & compliance (approx. time: 35%) Provides leadership for overall communications related to RTP operations in the region.   Develops and implements an annual regional communication plan, in line with RTP’s global communication strategy.   Builds the capacity of Communication Officers (COs) to develop and implement country-specific communication plans, in line with the organization’s global and regional communication plans.   Ensures that all communication materials and messages are in-line with all project grant agreements and with RTP’s branding and communications guidelines.   Ensures proper documentation of communication materials.   Conducts ongoing review of the communication plans and communications components of regional & country action and strategic plans to ensure compliance; identifies gap areas and recommends solutions.   Ensures Right To Play’s promotion of various International “Days” (Child Day, Diabetes Day etc.) are in-line with global & national strategies and behavioural and social goals.   Facilitates relationship building with country and community opinion leaders and celebrities (including Athlete Ambassadors/Supporters) to endorse and disseminate behaviour change messages for social mobilization campaigns in the region, when required.   Ensures compliance with RTP Brand Book, Child Protection Communication Policy and other policies related to communication.   Develops and implements a crisis management communication plan, in line with RTP International plan, designed to manage issues and crises with minimal brand risk.   Job Responsibility # 2: Communication (approx. time: 35%)   In coordination with Marketing and Communications Department at HQ, develops systems for effective and efficient communication and best practice sharing within the region.   Coordinates with the COs to develop a system to produce personal stories, quotes and photographs of coaches and children in our programs; oversees photo archiving.   Develops informational and promotional materials on RTP projects.     Trains regional team and COs on the value and usage of the brand.   Liaises with printing and design companies, edits design when required.   Oversees and approves all print proofs in the region before being printed including T-shirts, documents, etc.   Acts as a focal point on the “play-space” intranet.     Job Responsibility # 3: MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (approx. time: 25%)   Develops and maintains relationships with regional media.   Closely monitors and tracks media coverage for RTP and Sport for Development in the region.   Establishes contacts with media, writes media releases, success stories etc.   Advocates for the role of sport of development and the role sport can do in meeting development goals.   Promotes partnerships across the organisation and beyond, and represents RTP on all relevant communication networks.   Accompanies and supports high-profile visitors to the country when delegated.   Works with COs to develop and implement media relations strategy for any high-profile visit to the country/region including preparing background materials, relevant packages.   Performs other duties as assigned (approx. time: 5%)                       EDUCATION / TRAINING / CERTIFICATION Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or any related discipline.     EXPERIENCE                 Seven years of relevant experience with I/NGO in the country of operation or other related organization including development of communication plans and material and media relations.   COMPETENCIES / PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES   Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal A solid team player with respect for others Ability to understand and motivate others Proven ability in transferring knowledge and experience Adaptable with the ability to deal with stress using healthy coping skills Demonstrated professionalism and positive attitude Effective organization skills Open to giving and receiving assessment and feedback Belief in principles of inclusion in sport and play Written and verbal communication skills, and confidence using these in a cross cultural environment  TECHNICAL SKILLS: Strong MS Office and the ability to use PowerPoint Strong in using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator  LANGUAGES: Excellent written and spoken English and local language(s).   DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (An Asset): Graphic design, photography, and printing experience Demonstrable experience in policy and networking Interested in human rights and social change issues Experience working in child protection  Fluency in French language