Advocacy and Communications Officer

Qualified and experienced individuals are encouraged to apply for the position of Advocacy and Communications Officer, which is based in Harare - MUSASA. The Advocacy and Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing the communications and advocacy strategy for MUSASA. Excellent written and oral communication skills are a must.

MUSASA is a national NGO that started work in 1988 focusing on Violence Against Women (VAW). MUSASA mainly focuses on offering direct services such as counselling, legal advice, emergence medical assistance, life skills and temporary shelter services to survivors of gender-based violence. The organisation also promotes social transformation and raises awareness on issues to do with gender-based violence.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement a comprehensive communications strategy and advocacy strategy for MUSASA.
• Provide technical support and advice to project staff on advocacy and communication deliverables.
• Engage with the media, identifying opportunities for media advocacy and awareness raising. Produce press statements, press releases, and newsletters for MUSASA. Represent MUSASA at press conferences and other advocacy platforms.
• Crafting key messages for promotional material to enhance the organization’s visibility and developing informative and educational communication materials for awareness raising.
• The officer will compile, write and edit articles for social media and the organization’s website. Write annual reports, speeches for the organisation.
• Preparing policy briefs, facilitating policy dialogues, including meetings with parliamentary portfolio committees.
• Ensure that brand and visibility guidelines for MUSASA and donor are adhered to during project implementation, procurement and external communications.
• Manage advocacy and communications budgets and align donor reporting to advocacy and communication deliverables.
• Support in fundraising efforts by contributing in concept notes and proposals in advocacy and communication framework designs including budgetary requirements elements.

Qualifications and Experience

At least a degree in Communications, Journalism, Media or a Higher National Diploma plus at least 4 years of relevant experience in a communications role in a related field.
Proven and relevant experience as a Communications Officer in an NGO environment (equivalent to a degree) may be considered.
At least 2 years of relevant experience in a communications role.
Experience in handling complex communications campaigns.
Experience in producing a range of marketing and/or advocacy materials.
Possession of a Class 4 driver’s license is an added advantage
Language skills in Shona and Ndebele are an added advantage.