Job Title: Communication & Publicity Specialist IPALSE – National Volunteer
Organisation: VSO
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About the Company
VSO is the world’s leading international development charity that works through volunteers to create a fair world for everyone. At VSO we pride ourselves on doing development differently. We fight poverty not by sending aid, but by working through volunteers and partners to create long-lasting change in some of the world’s poorest regions. We bring key stakeholders together to co-ordinate collective action, from local organisations to national governments. Our programmes in Africa and Asia focus on health, education and livelihoods, with an increasing emphasis on resilience, peace building, social accountability, gender and social inclusion. We’re not about delivering quick fixes, but instead we focus on long-lasting, sustainable change that will improve the lives of generations to come.
Job Summary: The Communication and Publicity Specialist will be responsible for maintaining internal & external communications strategies to keep project beneficiaries and partners informed of project activities, presence, information, and events. To lead on the production of quality communication materials across a range of media and social media, in close collaboration with project managers and partners improving access to inclusive, quality, and equitable basic education for 3–19-year-old children.
Key Duties and Responsibilities: The Communication and Publicity Specialist will:
- Lead on the planning, development and deployment of strategic communication strategies and materials related to the project for both internal and external audiences.
- Stay abreast with preferred communication channels for different target groups and deliver content accordingly.
- Research and write stories that capture the impact of the project on different targeted groups and disseminate as appropriate.
- Respond flexibly to demands for content from the donor, partner or internal VSO stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance to donor and VSO brand guidelines and other communication policies and procedures.
- Work with and coordinate both local and international media to relay the work being done in the project. Manage freelance professionals to deliver on specific pieces of work.
- Work with the project team to support project monitoring, review, evaluation, and dissemination of learning.
- Support the project team in the development of project quarterly work plans, reports, and documentation of learnings.
- Participate in VSO coordinated activities with other partners and other stakeholders.
- Work with the global communications team to implement VSO’s communications strategy/plan by contributing to newsletters, databases, marketing materials etc
- Take the initiative in developing an evidence -base, documenting lessons learnt, best practices and case studies to shape in-country strategies and programme approaches and contribute to broader learning.
Other Duties
- Fulfil other appropriate level responsibilities as defined by the line manager from time to time.
- Abide by VSO core values and other VSO policies regarding, Safeguarding, Gender Sensitivity, Child Protection, Data Protection Act, Anti-Bribery, Confidentiality and Security
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a similar discipline.
- Master’s degree in any of the above related fields will be an added advantage.
- A post graduate qualification in education in emergencies or related field will be and added advantage.
Experience:
- At least three (3) years demonstratable experience in a similar role
- Sound working knowledge of digital and social media platforms.
- Demonstrable experience in developing compelling and high quality documentation
- Previous NGO /development experience particularly supporting education projects is an added advantage.
Skills/Abilities:
- Able to develop clear and realistic plans to deliver agreed objectives within deadlines, involving key individuals in the process.
- Strong verbal and written communications skills
- Presentation and influencing skills.
- Video content and editing experience.
- IT (MS office) proficiency
- Flexibility to undertake national and international travel away from home base (up to 50% of the time in peak periods) and to work the occasional weekend and evening.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision.
Desirable:
- Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
- Proven ability in delivering relevant content to digital and social media.
- Strong in expressing creativity in all different channels and ability to quickly change between them.
- Practical experience within a volunteering INGO context and volunteering for development approach at grass root level (in the field).
- Commitment to VSO’s vision, mission, values and people first principle and core approaches (social inclusion and gender, social accountability and resilience).
How to Apply:
All candidates are encouraged to apply online at the link below.
Deadline: 30th May 2025
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