Main Functions
The position of the Program Assistant - Communications and Visibility will provide support to the Resilient Feed and Fodder Systems Project and work closely with the Senior Knowledge Management Officer AU-IBAR to undertake the following responsibilities:
Specific Responsibilities

Develop and implement a Knowledge Management, Communications, Visibility and Advocacy Strategy and Plan for the RAFFS Project.
Develop and roll-out mechanisms for dissemination of key messages, project activities and achievements.
Contribute to content on feed and fodder on the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems Project Microsite, and Online Community platform.
Develop and maintain Media relationships with relevant media organizations, journalists and science communicators at continental, regional and national levels.
Facilitate the usage of communication platforms and tools and conducting training activities for various internal and external stakeholders.
Work closely with Senior Knowledge Management Officer to capture and document information and knowledge, in the form of lessons learned and best practices, success stories, and data visualisation.
Develop communication materials, newsletters, and key messages and manage their dissemination widely among target groups through a wide array of online platforms, social media channels, multimedia productions, knowledge fairs and exhibitions, radio, television and media networks.
Provide support to stakeholders in advancing good communication practices to enhance the visibility of feed and fodder resources development activities across the continent.
Promote the visibility of the RAFFS Project, the project donors and implementing partners on various communication outputs and platforms, working closely with the graphics designer.
Submit a monthly progress report on the implementation of this contract.

Requirements
Academic and Professional Qualifications

A minimum of a university degree in either Communications, Science or Development Communications, or Journalism.
A relevant Master’s Degree will be considered as an added advantage.

Relevant Experience

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience working in developmental projects, with in the public and private sector;
Experience working in development agencies beyond national level, at regional and continental levels;
Evidence of engagement and relationships with media associations, or science media supporting agricultural or animal resources or environment and relevant cross-cutting issues. Specific experience in feed and fodder programmes will be an added advantage;
Demonstrated experience in knowledge synthesis; content management and communication packages for target audiences;
Demonstrated experience in use of communication and knowledge management tools, and production of reports, newsletters, and multimedia products;
Experience in generating advocacy messages tailored to persuade target audiences; and
Proven sector-level engagement and understanding of feed and fodder, resilience, animal resources development would be an advantage.

Required Skills

Good networking skills and ability to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and relationships with key institutions operating in different regions;
Self-starter with the ability to strategically plan own work and follow-up on implementation;
Sector related project development, management and implementation of communication strategies at national, regional and continental levels;
Very strong writing, analytical and communication skills are necessary;
Ability to complete assignments and tasks on time; and
Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership and foster team environment is required.

Competences

Strategic Perspective
Skills Development
Change Management
Managing Risk
Building Relationships
Learning Orientation
Communicating with Impact

Functional Competencies

Conceptual Thinking
Knowledge and information sharing
Drive for Results
Fosters Innovation