Head Communications

HEAD, COMMUNICATIONS

Duty Station: Harare, Zimbabwe

Position: HEAD, COMMUNICATIONS

Reports To: DIRECTOR, LEGAL AFFAIRS & INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Job Type: Contract

Available Slots: 1

Application Deadline: 29 Jun 2023

Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term contract of five (5) years (renewable, subject to satisfactory performance

Nationality: To be eligible for appointment, candidates must be nationals of a Member State of the Organization.

Job Purpose

Plan, execute and optimise business focussed and outcomes-based communications strategies  and programmes to elevate the brand visibility, positioning, and equity of ARIPO. Drive momentum, inspire creativity, and deliver high-quality communications to support the organization-wide user and stakeholder engagement initiatives in the Intellectual Property space.

Key Result Areas

• Communications strategy definition and implementation

• Social Media Management

• Content Creation

• Channel Management

• Advisory Services & Risk Management

• Performance Management

Principal Duties

1. Champion organization-wide communications strategy to create high impact, purposeful brand visibility for ARIPO.

2. Formulate high quality, long term strategic communications plans and provide overall editorial control for communications ensuring appropriate content, tone, brevity, and consistency.

3. Raise ARIPO’s profile and image in key local, regional, and international media, and generate regular coverage in top-tier Intellectual Property (IP) and international trade media.

4. Generate compelling narratives and content, including media releases, story pitches, by-lined articles, digital content, factsheets, and speeches.

5. Monitor and analyse global IP trends and media coverage for circulation internally and externally.

6. Participate in outreach initiatives, exhibitions, and symposiums to build greater awareness of the ARIPO system and benefits among users and potential users.

7. Develop and execute ARIPO’s social media strategy in support of the Organization’s communication and stakeholder engagement goals.

8. Ensure the substantive accuracy of content emanating from the Communications Department, maintain quality assurance and adherence to brand guidelines.

9. Develop and publish quality institutional documents, reports, and publicity materials.

10. Prepare relevant research and talking points for high-level public speaking engagements, diplomatic engagements, and media interviews.

11. Manage the organization’s website including methods to deliver message, ease of navigation, and clarity of information; ensures that all content is current and relevant.

12. Provide strategic counsel to management on reputation management, crisis and issues management, communications, and social media tactics.

13. Develop communications metrics and analytics to inform high-level decision making.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Journalism/Public Relations/Marketing, or related field.

• Full professional qualification in Communications/Public Relations/Marketing Body is an added advantage.

• 7 years’ relevant experience.

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration is an added advantage.

Competencies and Skills required

• Subject Matter Expertise in communications strategy formulation and implementation.

• Track record of managing new media and digital channels, including website development; and demonstrated ability to manage reputational risk.

• Adept in translating corporate business goals and complex concepts into targeted communications messages for different stakeholders.

• Creative thinker with an ability to develop unique story angles and a keen eye for detail.

• Demonstrated understanding of local, regional, and international media landscape.

• Outstanding writing skills supported by speed, clarity, and simplicity.

• Experience in crisis and issues management.

• Strong team player with polished interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, supported by ability to exercise sound judgment, and make significant decisions.

• Ability to collaborate with a highly diverse teams, and internal and external stakeholders.

Conditions Of Employment

Salary and allowances on first appointment shall be those applicable to Grade L3 Step 1 of the ARIPO salary scales of the professional category.

Base Salary:  US$41,812 per annum.

Post Adjustment Allowance: 50.8% of base salary (This depends on the rise and fall in value of the United States dollar).

Dependency Allowances: US$1,800 per year for a dependent child. Maximum number of children three (3).

Other benefits include:

• Payment of travel and removal expenses;

• Once-off installation grant;

• Education grant of US$9,000 per year for each eligible dependent child up to a maximum of three children;

• Housing allowance;

• Contributory medical aid scheme;

• 30 days annual leave; and

• Paid home leave every two years.

Medical examination:  The appointment is subject to a satisfactory United Nations type medical examination to be conducted by an ARIPO nominated medical practitioner.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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