Country: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Closing date: 28 Feb 2020
Project Background and Scope of Work
The UK government funds over £1 billion in programming per year through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF). Operating in over 70 countries, CSSF is central to the UK government’s work overseas. CSSF has contracted Integrity Research and Consultancy, and our partner LTS-Niras, to support the development of a stronger, more agile and more sustainable ‘ecosystem’ for monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and their application in decision-making. To achieve this we shall, among other things:
- Support CSSF in putting in place effective M&E frameworks, processes and tools, including evidence synthesis, at Fund and portfolio levels; and sharing promising practice at programme level;
- Support CSSF in developing and implementing a capability-building strategy for MEL;
- Strengthen CSSF organisational learning processes and incentives and support CSSF systems for the commissioning and use of applied research; and
- Enhance CSSF use of digital tools in MEL knowledge management.
The programme is currently well into its 6-month inception phase, and implementation plans are therefore being developed, including scaling up the project team to meet the anticipated requirements of project implementation.
Terms of Reference
Appreciating the importance of effective communications in embedding and engaging people across the CSSF network with the new approach to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, we are looking for a Communications Adviser to lead on refining the project communications and stakeholder engagement strategy developed during the inception phase, and rolling out communications initiatives during implementation. In particular, the Communications Adviser will:
- Oversee and lead the implementation of a strategic approach to project communications and engagement, regularly reviewing and refining approaches to respond to the changing context.
- Ensure project communications support and inform the overall strategic change process.
- Maintain consistency and coherence between internal and external communications, and ensure effective, timely and engaging communications with the CSSF network.
- Lead on interface and coordination with the Joint Funds Unit communications team.
- Lead on Crisis Communications for the project team
- Develop and explore the use of various technology platforms in order to maintain effective and timely communications.
- Identify and develop positive ‘news’ or ‘change’ stories that can be disseminated in order to influence the narrative around the project in particular and the CSSF in general.
We also anticipate that the Communications Adviser will perform a quality review role pertaining to deliverables and outputs within their respective field of expertise, and against standards as set out in our contract quality management plan.
We anticipate that the role will be home based and/or London based where our project HQ is located. The anticipated start date for the role will be during project implementation scale-up from April 2020 onwards.
Your Experience and Expertise
We are looking for a Communications Adviser who understands the important of effective communications in a change process. We are looking for professionals who have extensive experience in communications and/or journalism and are particularly interested in individuals who combine this experience with sufficient understanding of MEL as well as project management and delivery in fragile and conflict-affected states and/or highly fluid and complex contexts. In particular:
- 15+ years’ experience (with 5+ years in senior roles) in journalism, communications, knowledge management or another field relevant to the role. The ideal candidate will have experience of organisational learning in an international development context.
- Curiosity and drive to understand the diverse communications needs and opportunities of different stakeholders, and the ability to develop effective communications for a geographically dispersed stakeholder community.
- Substantial experience of working collaboratively with others to identify the various needs of teams in relation to communications.
- Confidence to engage with senior level stakeholders in UK and HMG country offices.
It is desirable that the Communications Adviser also have:
- A professional degree in a relevant subject such as economics, political science, international relations, sociology, social anthropology, international development or related subject.
- Excellent knowledge of digital publishing technologies, including video and websites, and experience working with IT technical teams.
- Experience of using strategic communications to enable behavioural and cultural change.
- Experience using web-based tools to develop online communities of practice.
- Good understanding of international development issues including MEL (understanding of basic MEL terminology, prior experience of development programmes etc).
- Experience of working on donor government programmes.
- Experience in one or more of the following thematic areas: Governance and public sector reform; Stabilisation, recovery and peacebuilding; Migration; Serious and organised crime; Climate change; Gender and social inclusion; Conflict sensitivity.
- Experience operating in FCAS states and appreciation of the challenges in such contexts.
- Familiarity with the CSSF network.
Languages: Written and oral fluency in English, with the ability to write clear and compelling narrative.
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form at www.integrityglobal.com/apply and attach a CV and Cover Letter at the bottom of your application.
The closing date for applications is 28 FEBRUARY 2020. However, we will review candidates on a rolling basis and the vacancy may be filled before this deadline. We encourage early applications. Please be advised that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Integrity is an equal opportunities employer. And positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We will respect your confidentiality and abide by UK data protection laws.