WaterAid in Uganda
Job Description
Programme Effectiveness
Doc Version: HR-JD/01/2015
Job title:
Programme Coordinator Communications and Learning
Reporting to:
Head of Programme Effectiveness
Grade Level:
D
Place of work:
Based at the Head Office, Kampala, Uganda (including regular field
visits and occasional international travels)
Responsible for:
N/A
JD revised:
May 2015
Summary
WaterAid’s Vision is of a world where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation.
Our mission is to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation
in the world’s poorest communities.
WaterAid Uganda (WAU) aims to strengthen local organizations and governments to deliver
equitable and sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services. WaterAid also
seeks to influence the policies of governments, donors and other key organizations to
secure and protect the right of poor and marginalised people to safe, affordable and
sustainable water and sanitation services.
Job Purpose
This is a crucial function in Media, Public Communication, Documentation and
Dissemination of WAU’s experiences and key learning to enhance visibility and scalability
of best practices amongst the development sector and the WASH partners (both
government and civil society organizations). The primary objective of this role is to
systematically capture and disseminate experiences in a manner that facilitates learning
and influences policy and practice.
The Programme Coordinator Communications and learning will coordinate and support the
planning and delivery of internal and external communications activities for WaterAid
Uganda which includes working across the different units, among partners and other key
sector players. The post holder will maintain and establish relationships to share
messaging and content among diverse audiences both national and international including
key WaterAid partners.
Essential Accountabilities:
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Leads on developing and executing an appropriate and effective overall
communication strategy and media engagement plan for WaterAid Uganda
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Works as the focal point of contact of WAU within the media fraternity by developing
and maintaining positive and proactive relationships in order to support the work of
WaterAid and its partners.
Develops and manages all media channels in order to expand WaterAid presence and
influence online using social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook and others as
appropriate through a coordinated approach.
He/she works with the programme heads and other coordinators to develop specific
communications strategies for programs and projects. s/he ensures that these
strategies are adequately implemented and coordinated across the teams and partners
Undertakes documentation, packaging and dissemination of key WAU experiences and
approaches following well defined documentation needs and plans.
Provides training and support for WAU and partners to document and communicate
experiences from our work with communities, government and other WASH actors.
Facilitates multi-stakeholder platforms and journeys to share and learn from WASH
experiences to improve programme delivery and influence policy and practice
Undertakes internal and external communications work including marketing of specific
approaches; WASH products and research work, as well as planning, developing and
managing special events.
Develops and delivers specific promotional materials; including managing the design,
development and dissemination of effective communication and advocacy products for
key projects, including briefs, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, web features,
blogs, newsletters, press releases, researches, reports, and website content etc.
Writes and edits content for the web and communications pieces, including ENewsletter, brochures, advertisements, etc. for all WAU and sector related activities,
manage all updates both locally and internationally. This will also involve the
management and contributing content for the WAU page on the “The Source” and
website.
Coordinates the editing of selected technical papers, including the preparation of short
summary briefs of longer reports, with colleagues from the policy, programmes and
fundraising teams.
Supports WAU teams in preparing communication materials for conferences,
workshops, media, and other events at the district, national and global level.
Supports partners in ensuring visibility of their work among the target groups,
government, other partners and donors
Promotes understanding of the WASH sector and other development issues within WAU
and partners
Represents WAU in key WASH advocacy and government meetings especially at local
levels where partners work.
Tracks the impact of WAU’s communications work by monitoring media work and
written publications, social media, and other statistics.
Undertakes field visits to support partners to develop and implement clear
documentation and communication strategies and activities
Analyses partner documentation and communications needs and provides relevant
technical support and training, coaching, advice to partners in areas of documentation
and communication.
Facilitates and supports partners to develop and utilise WASH communication materials
for advocacy and public campaigns at international, sector or district levels
Works with the voices from the field coordinator to collect and share content as and
when required.
Serves as a key contact/liaison between Uganda and other sector communicators and
media networks
Undertakes planning, monitoring and reporting on all communications activities and
handles related budgets
Undertakes any other job related duties as assigned by the line manager.
Required Qualifications:
Education and aptitude:
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Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, International Development, or
related field, preferably with an international organization.
Exceptional communicator - with excellent writing, editing, presentation, and
conversational skills.
Appreciates multiple points-of-view – the ability to think from the audience
perspective, relate to needs and timeliness, and tailor messages in the best interests
of each audience.
Collaborates – proactively contributes ideas, seeks input, shares information to diverse
audiences in an engaging and concise manner.
Exceptional interpersonal skills – in keeping with a highly respectful workplace and
partnering centres.
Respects confidentiality – with utmost care and privacy for Institute members and
partnering organizations.
Superior project management – prioritizing projects, maintaining organized workflow,
meeting commitments and deadlines to others.
Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
Commitment to addressing inequalities and use of pro poor approaches.
Highly output-focused, good planning and organisation with a strong attention to
detail.
Ability to work independently and multitask under tight deadlines in a fast-paced
environment.
Ability to train and mentor others in the techniques for preparing and disseminating
information to the public and target groups.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with internal and external
stakeholders; ability to provide complex and strategic information and advice to
partners, key sector actors and the public.
Ability to direct the development of content as part of the overall communication
strategy; ability to teach others how to edit and analyse material. Ability to set and
enforce communications standards and protocols.
Job related experience and knowledge:
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Proven 5 years’ experience and extensive knowledge in Communications and Media
Advocacy related work with a strong media links and contacts.
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Technical ability – Excellent Microsoft computer knowledge of packages like InDesign,
Desktop Publishing, Adobe, MS Word, Photoshop, and website design. Proficient with
content management systems or similar web-based functions. Command of top social
media formats. Ability to rapidly learn and adapt to changing technical tools.
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Good understanding of National Development Plan, Sector-wide approaches,
development financing and functioning of government policies like decentralisation.
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Experience of coordinating messages across social media channels’
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Excellent relationship-building skills across different sectors and in the media
fraternity.
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Track record of successful social media engagement and other online audience
interaction.
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Excellent writing and editing skills coupled with good interpersonal relations.
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Experience of working with and supporting partners.
Competencies
Essential Character:
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Personal Integrity (& 
Concern for Standards)
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Proactivity
and
creativity
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Results Orientation
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Understanding Others
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Team player
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Essential Skills:
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Inclusive and value for
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diversity
Leadership
Good skills in presentation,
public speaking , documentation
and information management
Building and managing
relationships with key
stakeholders
Writing, Editing & Presentation
Desktop publishing and media
relations
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Representation & influencing
skills
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Analysis and writing
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Effective communication
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Developing capacity of partners
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Strong ability to multi-task and
work independently.
Preferred competencies:
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Strategic Focus
Project management
Planning, Organising
and Reporting
Problem solving
Decision making
Accountability/Trustw
orthiness
Compelling vision for
change
Date of issue: May 2015
This Job Description is not incorporated in the employment contract. It is intended as a guide
and should not be viewed as an inflexible specification as it may be varied from time to time in
the light of strategic developments and following discussion with post holder. The post holder
will be expected to work to agreed objectives in accordance with the performance review
process.
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