Director, Communications and Public Affairs

Freetown with travels to operational sites, Sierra Leone
Full Time
Executive
Position:Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Division:Communications
Report to:Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location Freetown, Sierra Leone (with Frequent travels to other operational districts)
Job Type Full Time and onsite
Band:D
About MCA Sierra Leone
The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in Sierra Leone, collaborating with the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the Government of the United States of America, delivers projects under the $500 compact that addressing development challenges in the country through the implementation of the Power Sector Reform Project, the Transmission Backbone Project, the Distribution and Access Project.

Position Objective
The Director of Communications and Public Affairs is responsible for leading the Communications unit under the guidance of the CEO. The Director of Communications and Public Affairs is accountable for the successful communications surrounding the implementation of the compact (from initiation to execution to completion), building collaborative relationships with Project and Sector Directors to build out communications on the compact, and overseeing communication department budgets, contracts, and staff if applicable. The Director of Communications and Public Affairs ensures the alignment of project execution with the overall objectives of the compact and the judicious management of its resources.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead the Communications and Public Relations for the compact, ensuring alignment with established strategies, frameworks, budgets, and resources.
  • Manage events, media and stakeholder outreach, and public information campaigns related to the compact and its projects.
  • Develop an integrated communications strategy in compliance with MCC and GoSL guidelines, targeting local and national media, government officials, stakeholders, and other relevant audiences.
  • Engage with stakeholders and project-affected persons to amplify compact work and advance project success through various communication channels.
  • Coordinate with the Environmental and Social Performance (ESP) Director and Environmental and Social Oversight Consultant (ESOC) to review and provide input to the Compact Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
  • Adapt the communications strategy to address emerging needs, tailoring the approach to reflect organizational priorities and enhance messaging.
  • Establish a work plan to guide and track work against the communications strategy, providing guidance to project staff and team members.
  • Build a strong communications network with local and regional media, serving as the official spokesperson for MCA-Sierra Leone and the compact.
  • Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Economic Analysis Director and Project Directors to keep stakeholders informed of progress via targeted channels.
  • Manage the implementation of MCC branding guidelines, develop and maintain a library of communications tools, and oversee communications consultant and PR firm contracts.
Requirements (Education, Experience, Technical Competencies)
  • University degree in Communications, Journalism, Community Development, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • Approximately ten years of relevant experience in corporate and public communications, community and public outreach, or advocacy communications, with at least three years at a senior management level.
  • Ability to think strategically and manage projects.
  • Experience working with national and local media houses and agencies; previous on-the-record experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in managing public information campaigns.
  • Proven ability to craft and deliver messages to diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong and documented writing skills.
  • Experience coordinating communications across technical teams.
  • Experience managing a team of communications professionals, PR firm contracts, and/or outside consultants.
  • Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English; communication skills in Krio strongly desired. Experience working cross-culturally in Sub-Saharan West Africa, especially Sierra Leone, and with international organizations or donors is strongly desired.
Method of Application
If you are interested and eligible to work in Sierra Leone, then submit your application through the following website: Vistant - Career Page (applytojob.com). In your application, please make sure to include names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) references not later than 5pm GMT on 6th December 2024.                                                                                                                
Equal Opportunity Statement
MCA Sierra Leone is committed to equal opportunities for all, and does not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, religion, disability or any other status. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
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