Organization Overview:
Tostan is a Senegalese-born nonprofit organization currently operating in six African countries. Our vision is human dignity for all. Our mission is to empower African communities to bring about sustainable development and positive social transformation based on respect for human rights. In addition to our Community Empowerment Program, we implement other projects such Reinforcement of Parental Practices, the Prison Project, Child Protection, the Fistula Project and the Peace & Security Project. Tostan’s core values include the following: communities’ first, learning and innovation, partnership and dialogue, passion and pride in our work, respect, and humility toward others. Tostan Canada and Tostan Sweden are affiliates. This vibrant organization is rapidly scaling its successful model across Africa. For more information, please visit: www.tostan.org.
Department overview
The function of the International Communications department is both service-orientated and consultative. We are responsible for promoting and raising awareness of Tostan’s work internationally and supporting the work of the six countries in which Tostan implements our program together with building the communications capacities of those countries. Our functions include PR and External Relations, Design and Media, Translation, Communications Services and Support to all Tostan staff and Board, and Communications Research and M&E.
The Headquarters of Tostan are in Dakar, Senegal and the communications function is run from there, with some team members also based in our office in Washington DC. This role is based in the Dakar office.
Roles & Responsibilities:
The Content Management Officer contributes to the communication of Tostan’s work externally. He/she works in collaboration with the Project and Program staff as well as country Communications Focal Points.
The Content Management Officer will:
- Manage the Editorial Calendar of the Tostan’s English & French websites and blogs with upcoming events/stories
- Develop relationships with Countries’ Communications focal points for stories generation
- Edit, write and rewrite news & blog pieces and success stories across Tostan’s key impact areas and cross-cutting issues to be posted on the websites and blogs on time
- Manage the Tostan visual media library (photo & video) and the requests from journalists, INGOs, researchers, editors, partners, colleagues and Tostan’s affiliates (Tostan Canada and Tostan Sweden)
- Coordinate the production of the Tostan’s Annual Report in close collaboration with the Projects Managers, the Departments Directors and the National Coordinators and Communications Focal Points
- Produce publicity materials (in French and English), such as factsheets and brochures for a wider internal and external audience
- Manage social media channels and promote Tostan’s work in English/French
- Building writing capacity for Tostan International and Country level staff
- Work in close collaboration with the Visual/Graphic Designer on digital materials
- Identify and tell the stories of people on the ground: interview (for text, video or audio) people who may be vulnerable, and have awareness of security issues around the publications of these materials.
- Work with the DC-based Senior Communications Officer to effectively manage the social media channels.
Qualifications and Selection Criteria
Knowledge & Experience
- Relevant undergraduate degree or Masters
- At least three years communications experience (including some internal and partnership/country management)
- Experience working in a development context.
Languages
This position requires high levels of written and oral English and French. Other languages that Tostan works in would be an advantage – especially Wolof, Pulaar or Portuguese.
Characteristics
- A commitment to international development and Tostan’s work in Africa
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent relationship-building and management skills
- Good presentation and public speaking skills
- A willingness to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment
- Ability to work under pressure and meet multiple quick deadlines
- Excellent attention to detail
- Enjoys working in a multilingual, multicultural environment.
How to apply:
Please email resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position, to hr@tostan.org with "Content Manager" in the Subject Line. The deadline to apply is November 10, 2014. Please be prepared to submit references should you be contacted for an interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Tostan is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all candidates without consideration of race, religion, age, sex, origin, nationality, handicap or other criteria made illegal by applicable laws.
