In-Country Communications Consultant- South Africa

IMMEDIATE
PART-TIME Limited Opportunity
In-Country Communications Consultant
South Africa
April 1 – June 30, 2020

The Global Health Advocacy Incubator, a program of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, is seeking a communications consultant to support civil society organizations in the design and execution of media advocacy strategies that support public health policy campaigns aimed at reducing obesity levels in South Africa. The goal will be to create a media environment conducive to policy change by reaching the public, but especially influencers and key decision makers, through strategic communications support. This consultancy will be based in South Africa; applicants must have current authorization to live and work in South Africa. The communications consultant will report to the Associate Director, Communications located in Washington, D.C. and will work closely with the GHAI Coordinator based in South Africa.

Summary of Tasks:
•    Facilitate development of a communications strategy to support policy advocacy campaigns with partners in South Africa and assist in the implementation of the strategy.
•    Develop communications materials (template press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, digital resources) for coalition members to participate and engage in the public debate.
•    Help organize and facilitate workshops and training sessions to help build partner communications capacity and spokespeople.

Key Deliverables:
•    Provide ongoing communications support and technical assistance to in-country partners, including refining communications strategy, developing key messages, and assisting in conducting ongoing proactive and reactive media outreach.
•    Media outreach in collaboration with partners in South Africa in support of key activities, including press conferences, media briefings, forums, data releases, journalism trainings, etc.
•    Draft, edit and distribute high-quality media relations and other communications materials, including news releases and statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial memos, etc.
•    Tracking media monitoring reports and, when helpful, engaging in rapid response to diffuse negative stories generated from the opposition. This includes working with South African partners to develop rapid response plans to counter negative stories generated from the opposition to include: monitoring of stories and analysis on appropriate response, development of talking points, development of rapid response tactics (op-eds, media interviews, media statement, as appropriate), and ongoing media tracking.
•    Work with GHAI and country teams to organize, participate in and facilitate workshops and training sessions, including possible media trainings, media advocacy workshops, and strategic communications planning sessions.
•    Develop monthly media reports for GHAI that outline communications highlights. Participate in planning/update calls with GHAI on an ongoing basis. Provide ongoing updates to GHAI on communications activities in South Africa.

Ideal Qualifications:
•    Proven experience utilizing traditional and social media as a tool for policy change with a deep understanding of the elements of both campaign development and implementation paired with the ability to leverage the power of civil society to achieve policy change goals;
•    A broad client-service centered approach gained from experience in media strategy, public relations, and/or particular experience serving NGO clients in a consulting relationship;
•    Demonstrated ability to develop and implement media (including social media) and communications strategies in support of policy change and implementation in South Africa;
•    Keen ability to assess and identify areas for increased capacity and provide technical assistance and/or training, as needed;
•    Strong program or project management experience. Fine attention to details, and ability to deliver project goals in a timely fashion;
•    Flexibility, focused organizational skills, and good humor required to handle multiple tasks in fast-paced environment;
•    Experience or interest in healthy food policy, a plus.

Timeline: April 1 – October 31, 2020, with potential for renewal.

Level of Effort: this assignment is expected to require 20 hours of work per week, on average.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, salary requirement, and attach your resume to: jobs@tobaccofreekids.org.  Please reference the position code: CC-JB-13 in the subject line of your email.  Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.  No Phone calls please.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a leader in the fight to reduce tobacco use in the United States and around the world. By changing public attitudes and public policies on tobacco, the Campaign works to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. A non-profit organization established in 1996, the Campaign works with more than 130 organizational partners, including public health, medical, education, civic, corporate, youth and religious organizations. The Campaign does not accept any government or tobacco industry funding.