Communication Officer

Country Programme Pakistan

Place of work: Islamabad, with frequent travel to WaterAid Pakistan intervention areas

Grade: PK-D

Salary: Competitive with excellent benefits

Contract type: Core Position

Reports to: Communications Coordinator

Budget responsibility: Yes

Job Purpose:

The Communication Officer plays a crucial role in enhancing WaterAid Pakistan's visibility, reputation, and impact through effective communication with external and internal stakeholders. By effectively showcasing WAP's work and achievements, the Communications Officer contributes to the organization's overall mission of transforming lives through improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

Key working relationships:

Internal: Country Director (CD), Communication Coordinator, Project Team, Senior Management Team (SMT) and programme staff of WaterAid Pakistan.

External: Partners, sector stakeholders, media, Government officials, consultants, and other I/NGOs.

Publications and Research Materials:

• Contribute to the creation of publications and research materials that effectively communicate WaterAid's mission and impact.
• Utilize excellent writing and editing skills to convey messages to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with WaterAid's messaging and branding.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and researchers to develop engaging and informative content for reports, policy briefs, and other communication materials.
• Conduct thorough research to gather data and evidence to support the development of compelling publications.

Design Oversight:

• Provide guidance and supervision for all design-related activities, ensuring adherence to WaterAid's brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with graphic designers to create visually appealing graphics, illustrations, and infographics for social media, reports, and other communication materials.
• Review and approve design concepts, layouts, and final designs to ensure consistent and high-quality visual representation across all communication materials.
• Stay updated with design trends and best practices to continuously improve the visual appeal and impact of WaterAid's communication materials.

Website Management:

• Manage the content of the WaterAid Pakistan website, ensuring it is regularly updated with relevant articles, news, success stories, and resources.
• Collaborate with the web development team or external suppliers to implement website enhancements and ensure a user-friendly experience.
• Monitor website analytics to assess user engagement and make data-driven decisions for content optimization.
• Ensure that the website content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with WaterAid's messaging and branding.

Digital Communication:

• Support Communication Coordinator in Manage WAP's digital platforms, including the website and social media channels, ensuring regular updates and engaging content.
• Monitor social media trends and analytics to identify opportunities for engagement and develop strategies to grow WAP's online presence.
• Create multimedia content, such as videos, infographics, and interactive content, to effectively communicate WAP's impact and stories.
• Respond to inquiries, comments, and messages received through digital platforms in a timely and professional manner.

External Communications Suppliers:

• Maintain relationships with external communications suppliers, such as designers, copywriters, video makers, and photographers.
• Provide clear briefs and specifications for their work, ensuring they understand WaterAid's mission, branding guidelines, and communication objectives.
• Review and provide feedback on deliverables to ensure they meet the desired quality standards and align with WaterAid's messaging and visual identity.
• Manage contracts, budgets, and timelines for external communications projects.

Case Study Management and Asset Bank:

• Support the Communication Coordinator in designing case studies following WaterAid's protocols and guidelines.
• Ensure that all data, including photos, videos, and written case studies, are properly archived in the asset bank.
• Regularly update the asset bank to maintain an organized and up-to-date resource library for easy access to visuals, stories, and other communication assets.
• Collaborate with program teams to gather and document impactful case studies, ensuring that they highlight WaterAid's work and the communities' transformation.

Media and Public Relations:

• Maintain a database for Press Clippings
• Draft and distribute press releases and media pitches highlighting key initiatives, achievements, events, and research findings
• Prepare reports on media coverage, highlighting key messages, reach, and impact.
• Update WASH Media Action Website

Education

Essential

Qualification

• Bachelors or Master’s degree in mass communications or Social Sciences

Professional Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience handling/ leading communications in an I/NGO or corporate

Key Competencies

• Familiarity with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, or other graphic design software.
• Understanding of design principles and ability to provide guidance and feedback on visual materials, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.
• Knowledge of creating visually appealing graphics, infographics, and layouts for both digital and print media.
• Proficient in Using MS office to support making research publication in house
• Proficiency in managing digital platforms, including websites, social media channels, and content management systems.
• Understanding of social media best practices and ability to develop engaging content for various social media platforms.
• Basic knowledge of analytics tools to measure and optimize digital communication efforts.
• Strong research skills to gather information, statistics, and data to support communication materials and strategies.
• Photography and basic knowledge of handling DSLR Camera would be a plus.