Competencies and Behaviour

At VSO we believe progress is only possible by working together. Whether you want to join us as an employee, or as a volunteer working in your own country, overseas or online, our selection process includes an assessment based on these core competencies:

• Ability to be open minded and respectful
• Ability to be resilient and adaptive to new situations
• Ability to facilitate positive change and build sustainable working relationships
• Ability to seek and share knowledge.

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.

Role 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.

Skills, knowledge, and experience.
Essential:
Knowledge/qualifications:
• 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