Director of a small non-profit trust  The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of RAU communications and advocacy (C&A) activities Uses position to identify opportunities to influence policy and decision makers about RAU research findings and recommendationsIs principle liaison officer with the media, partners and other stakeholders seeking information about RAU;Plans and implements advocacy initiatives and campaigns for the organisation; andPromotes an open, inclusive and collaborative work environment that emphasizes cooperation and teamworkStrategic Vision � understands and advances the organisational mission and values:Identifies opportunities for building relationships with the media, communication officers of key institutions, and the public;Contributes to the unit�s assessment of the external environment and proposes C&A campaigns, activities, including approaches appropriate for specific audiences that achieve organisational goals;Develops C&A work plans and collaborates with other staff in developing C&A strategies for the organisation, individual products or specific activities; andCommunicates effectively internally and externally about organisational strategic, research and program activities.Managing for Results (MFR) � is accountable for C&A products, maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders and managing assigned resources: Routinely writes and edits reports, publications, briefing papers, press releases, campaign dossiers, speeches and other materials designed to inform and/or influence expert and non-expert audiences often under tight deadlines, including managing all aspects of document production, copy-editing, lay-out, reproduction and dissemination;Manages all aspects of C&A activities, including planning, regular weekly reporting and successfully meeting production deadlines and directing effective outreach activities;Ensures accountability for use of assigned resources including day-to-day management of the communications budget with tasks that are likely to include obtaining bids, evaluating proposals and making recommendation to Director for printing and other reproduction services; Establishes/maintains organizational reference library and responds to request for electronic or printed resources, including exercising principle responsibility for ensuring that all research products, outreach and communication activities are continuously documented and updated, both in soft and hard copy, ensures that extracts of relevant press and research materials are scanned, filed and shared, and any other duties that entail reference and documentation;Routinely updates and improves RAU website. Facebook, Twitter, blogs and other social and multi-media outreach platforms; andTrains, or arranges training, for colleagues and new employees in C&A and IT skills.Representation & Building Coalitions:  Forges multiple alliances and partnerships with C&A colleagues in other organisations, both public and non-governmental with purpose of broadening outreach, collaborating on shared strategic goals or to leverage resources:May represent the organisation domestically in the presentation, discussion and defense of organisational products, and on rare occasions in regional or international settings, but representation is principally with domestic audiences;Builds network of cordial relationships with civil society, academia, students/youth, government and media and serves as point of contact and principle liaison in responding to requests for information; andRemains informed of media events, maintains media contact data base, and routinely informs RAU staff of relevant opportunities to build relationships with the press or other civil society organisations.Conducts self, according to the highest ethical standards and recognizes organisational values, including: open communication:Promotes expression of a range of views and encourages consideration of alternative approaches;Recognizes contributions of others;Ensures workplace is free from harassment and discrimination; and Constructively gives and receives performance feedback, volunteers to train peers in use of information technology and problem solving office IT equipment problems      At least a Bachelor Degree, preferably in journalism or information/communications technology, or an appropriate mix of study in media, public relations, development studies or fields that relate to RAU work;   5 years able to independently design, formulate and conduct assigned work with only periodic oversight from supervisor; able to organize information and glean essential messages to convey in both written and verbal communications;able to provide on-the-job training and mentoring in IT and C&A; inspires confidence and recognized as trustworthy and credible; and is self-aware and known to foster/support continued learning for self and others.able to develop, plan, organise and effectively align assigned resources to achieve unit goals with only periodic supervisory oversight; able to conduct work independently while collaborating with colleagues in research and finance to take personal accountability for effective and transparent use of resources;shown to promote positive change; learns from failure/champions best practices; communicates effectively at all levels, encourages dissenting views; welcomes questions and responds persuasively; and consistently meets high standards for service to colleagues and customers.Technical:  demonstrated writing skills, able to capture essence succinctly and accurately, including both summarizing documents and writing persuasive arguments;possesses thorough knowledge of information technology, including basic computer hardware and telephone maintenance, systems networking, troubleshooting, use of the internet, the full Microsoft Windows environment; experience with social science softwares highly desirable, but not required;possesses or able to quickly acquire knowledge of laws regarding access to information and freedom of expression, including the media; and experience or training that demonstrates public affairs liaison skills and/or knowledge.Teambuilding:  able to evaluate the interpersonal characteristics and demeanor of individuals or groups in order to respond appropriately to a variety of personalities and situations;able to act tactfully and in a politically sensitive manner even under duress;possesses excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to work harmoniously with others and promote respect for diverse groups and views; and exhibits a history of exemplary personal integrity and fosters it in others and admits mistakes.  

Job evaluation subgrade: D