Communication Manager - Landesa (Apply by: 04 April 2014)

Position Title: Communication Manager– Uttar Pradesh

Status:                        Full Time –3 year contract

Location:                     Uttar Pradesh

Classification:              Not applicable. Not eligible for overtime pay

Date:                            21 March 2014

Job Summary: 

The individual will be primarily responsible for the preparation and implementation of a communications plan relating to Landesa’s work in UP to help poor, rural families, mainly women obtain land and fulfill project objectives in timely manner.

The communications plan will include the preparation and dissemination of communication products in coordination with the National Advocacy and Communication Manager. Communication products will include fact sheets, high quality videos, press releases, press kits, newspaper articles, television and radio pieces, brochures, human interest stories intended for audiences such as Government officials, Policymakers, Project partners (including funder), media, Landesa’s local and global offices. The individual will also be responsible for editing, formatting, and otherwise improving various Project communications; including policy briefs, power point presentations, technical reports, reports to Project funders and Landesa internal office.

Reporting and relationships: Reports to State Director, Uttar Pradesh

Travel Requirements: Local and regional travel.

Availability: The Communication Manager will be expected to work a standard workweek of 40 hours plus additional hours as necessary to get the job done. Travel within the state would be on-going and might be more than 10 days a month.

Essential Job Functions:

Prepare, implement and periodically revise state communications plan for Project consistent with Landesa’s mission, strategic objectives, and UP Project objectives.

Implement communications plan for Project and coordinate with other team members to develop quality products that help achieve program goals and objectives.

Fully understand and be supportive of Landesa’s mission, strategic objectives, and Project objectives.

Prepare various external communications material called for in communications plan.

Research media and communications avenues for project objectives and outcomes.

Obtain, understand, and effectively communicate and disseminate project research results to a range of audiences.

Contribute stories, videos, and pictures to the National office in a timely manner.

Organize, coordinate and foster media relations, including the development and maintenance of a media contacts list.

Contribute regular stories and news for the social media sites of Landesa

Obtain, through photography/video and other media, human interest stories related to project outcomes and share internally and externally in a timely manner

Develop and maintain UP media contacts list.

Coordinate media, NGO and other briefing events and Project workshops.

Edit, format, and improve Project communications prepared by other Project staff intended for training or advocacy with government departments, policymakers, partners and internal offices of Landesa.

In coordination with National Advocacy and Communication Manager and State Director UP, support the implementation of Landesa’s overall strategic communications plan, especially as it relates to UP and India.

Initiate and ensure intra organization communications on UP communications priorities, production and especially distribution of all communications projects, material and initiatives.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A deep commitment to the mission of a better, safer future for the world’s poorest people through land ownership and secure land rights.
• Ability to work with government officials.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams regardless of role within team and to proactively seek ways to contribute to team success.  Ability to both lead and work as a member of teams, including consensus building, communications, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Suite of products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Movie Maker, Publisher and other software.
• Commitment to Landesa’s core values of Impact, Respect, Collaboration, Dedication, and Learning.
• Fluency in English and Hindi required.
• Ability to work in support of and collaboratively with a range of people at all levels, including Landesa global staff, project management team, Landesa donors, Landesa partners including government officials, visitors, contractors and subcontractors, outside vendors and services suppliers, and other administrative staff members. 
• Superior abilities to communicate in English and Hindi (writing, orally, and non-verbally) and excellent drafting ability.   Includes an ability to make and use distinctions as to types, frequency, tenor, and levels of communications, depending upon the circumstances, audience, recipient, and content. 
• Work Habits should include but are not limited to accuracy, creativity, efficiency, thoroughness, regularity, timeliness, neatness, orderliness, and punctuality.  A strong drive for excellence in work products and personal performance. 
 

Education and Experience:

 • University degree in Social work, Communication, Journalism or Public Relations/relevant area, preferably supplemented by technical courses or equivalent professional work experience in a field of communication, related to the work of the organization.  Knowledge of the media/ communication environment.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience that includes the performance of some or all of the duties described above.  Excellent writing, communication, documentation, interviewing, videography and research skills required. Self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals; exacting attention to detail; working knowledge of budgets and financials; flexibility and ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects.
• Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Knowledge of internet-based research, rural development and poverty issues a plus. 
 

Work Environment and Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to working conditions and hazards which are prevalent in the location of assignment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is primarily performed indoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to electronics work. The employee may be required to travel overseas and domestically. When traveling, the employee may be exposed to Physical Hazards (illnesses, noise, extreme temperatures, wet or humid climates, etc.) and Road Hazards (unfinished/dirt roads, potholes, traffic-related accidents, etc.), and Atmospheric Conditions (odors, dust, fumes, smog, etc.). 

Additional Comments: The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Landesa is an equal opportunity employer. Women candidates are encouraged to apply.

Qualified candidates may send their application and updated CV to jobsrdiindia@landesa.org with the position applied for marked in the subject line latest by 4th April 2014.

No phone calls please. Due to the high volume of applicants, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.