SUMMARY OF THE POSITION The Communications Manager will be responsible for the creation, design and publishing of communications material related to Cowater projects and will support the Cowater HQ Communications and Public Engagement Director to ensure that communications are locally contextual and suited to the various audiences they will be disseminated to in Ukraine. The Communications Manager will also capacity-build and support Cowater staff and implementing partners with communication, marketing and social media campaigns.
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECTS - Ukraine Recovery Support for Transparency, Outreach, Resilience and Empowerment (U-RESTORE) is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Cowater International in partnership with Ukrainian civil society and academic institutions. The project aims to enhance the resilience of women, vulnerable groups, and communities across hromadas in two oblasts of government-controlled Ukraine by promoting inclusive and transparent recovery processes. U-RESTORE works to improve the effectiveness of national ministries and local governments in managing gender-responsive and inclusive recovery, while strengthening the role of civil society in holding public institutions accountable. The project encompasses the reconstruction of social infrastructure and the implementation of small-scale economic initiatives aligned with community priorities.
- The Support to Ukraine's National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide is a CA $ million project funded by Global Affairs Canada through its Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs). The project aims to promote increased resilience and safeguarding of Ukrainian cultural heritage and identity in conflict recovery and prevention, while aligning with Canadian and Ukrainian diplomatic and public diplomacy efforts to counter Russian influence through education and information. The project has four major areas i) enhancing the capacity of the Museum to generate and utilize high-quality research on the Holodomor, ii) increasing the management capacity of the Museum including in alignment with principles of gender equality, inclusion and diversity, iii) strengthening the operational continuity and sustainability of the Museum; and iv) increasing understanding and awareness, particularly among the international community of the Holodomor genocide, including its gendered impacts.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Functions - Support the adaptation and implementation of the Communications Strategies, including branding of Cowater activities and projects.
- Manage public affairs and public diplomacy efforts for the project in line with Cowater and GAC policies and priorities.
- Provide high level strategic communications advice to Cowater staff and implementing partners
- Engage key media and other influential stakeholders that can promote the approach and achievements and raise the profile of the projects.
- Proactively identify topics and issues for knowledge management and communications internally/externally.
Operational Functions - Produce and effectively manage the production of the program communications products through the preparation of ToRs which meet Cowater/GAC requirements for information materials, print and audio-visual for media, and other public outreach.
- Manage the project websites and social media accounts as information sharing platforms, including ensuring the project website is kept up to date by producing and managing website content (in both Ukrainian and English) uploading of media materials, photos, MSC (Most Significant Change) stories, related media, research, achievements etc.
- Effectively share information, promote issues, disseminate achievements, and link resources and stakeholders.
- Provide support in planning, organizing and implementing interactive internal and external joint-learning activities, networking events, and conferences on the areas of focus, as required.
- Contribute to the development of Annual Work Plans and Program Progress Reports through identification of priorities in communications/learning activities and/or areas for partner capacity building, as well as lessons learned and best practices on relevant interventions.
- Undertake regular scans of media sources in Ukraine and share key pieces of media with Project Leadership Teams, GAC and others, as required.
- Assist with development of communication, advocacy and engagement materials tailored to project stakeholders to help inform capacity building on successful media campaigns, including, but not limited to, communication and marketing strategies, social media campaigns awareness building etc.
- Support the preparation of quality ToRs to engage high calibre consultants related to communications, media, journalists, website etc. and effectively manage those contracts.
- Anticipate and act upon any additional communications needs as they arise.
Partners Engagement Function - Provide advice and support to partners in the implementation of annual work plans in the areas of communications management with an aim to enhance the quality, consistency and appropriateness of partner-specific communications materials, activities, and processes.
- Work with partners to identify appropriate avenues, channels, and tools for improved program communications, including both vertical communication between national and local partners, and horizontal communication among partners and stakeholders, through the life of the program.
- In coordination with project teams, identify opportunities to strengthen the capacity of partners in communications through appropriate advocacy and training, and other capacity development activities.
- Provide support to effectively and strategically utilise funding earmarked for communications activities to support Partner's areas of focus.
JOB REQUIREMENTS Education - Master's degree in communications, Marketing, Advertising, Business Administration, Public Relations or other relevant discipline.
Minimum Experience - 5-7 years of experience in communications specifically within the international development sector.
Essential Skills - Exceptional communication abilities, including writing, speaking and active listening
- In-depth knowledge of writing and messaging practices for social and cultural impact correspondence, public relations, advertising, marketing and social media
- Experience in developing and implementing capacity building sessions on communications, marketing and social media strategies and campaigns
- Professional understanding of media crisis management,
- Ability to effectively engage with team members of all levels and across the project
- Great project management skills, including time management, goal setting, multitasking and prioritization
- Good data analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Advanced organizational abilities
- Leadership abilities, including training and mentorship
Language Proficiency - Professional abilities in English and Ukrainian essential
Employment Conditions - The position will be full-time and based in Kyiv. Only candidates with the existing ability to work in Ukraine will be considered.
APPLICATION PROCESS Candidates are encouraged to
apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed:
Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position. Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
ABOUT US Founded in 5, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 0 projects and assignments in more than countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 7.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.