Communications Specialist

Background
The African Forest Forum (AFF) is an association of individuals who share the quest for and  commitment to the sustainable management, use and conservation of forest and tree resources of Africa for the socio‐economic wellbeing of its peoples and for the stability and improvement of its environment.

The purpose of AFF is to provide a platform for information sharing and expertise and create an enabling environment for independent and objective analysis, advocacy and advice on relevant policy and technical issues pertaining to achieving sustainable management, use and conservation of Africa’s forest and tree resources as part of efforts to reduce poverty, promote economic and social development, and protect the environment.

More information on AFF is available at www.afforum.org
AFF is currently implementing programmes in the areas of climate change and forests, forest policy and governance, sustainable forest management and forest ecosystem services. Over the past few years, as part of the results of our activities, we have produced various books, working papers, reports, and policy briefs. To enhance awareness of AFF activities we have put in place communication tools including a quarterly newsletter, press kit, posters, brochures, flyers, standard PowerPoint presentation, etc. These communication products are shared both in print and electronically through our website and listserve.

In order to enhance our impact, we understand the need for updating, streamlining and improving existing communication resources as well as the need for developing new products,platforms, processes, and activities based on a fully‐fledged communication strategy.

Scope of Work
AFF maintains a lean full time staff at its Secretariat and engages experts based on demonstrated need to assist with the undertaking of specialised functions like those in communications. In this regard, AFF is looking for a short‐term consultant who, with respect to realising the foregoing, will function as a core member of AFF’s team.

Under the supervision of the relevant Senior Programme Officer, and in close cooperation with senior staff of AFF, the consultant will be responsible for streamlining, improving and strengthening AFF’s communications work. Specifically, the consultant will be expected to deliver on the following five key end‐results and corresponding tasks:

1. Communication strategy:
KEY RESULT: AFF has a clear communication strategy (within the framework of the existing overall AFF strategy) and associated work plan that is in line with the programmes that are currently being implemented.
TASKS: Develop, maintain and update the AFF communication strategy and associated workplan. Strategy and work plan include: an environmental and stakeholder assessment, objectives, target audiences, messages and media mix, resources, specific actions, activities and products, monitoring and evaluation of impact, successes so far and opportunity for future improvement, and on‐going refinement of the strategy. Ensure the AFF’s results based programming approach is appropriately reflected in the communication strategy,
work plan and products.

2. Communication resources and tools:
KEY RESULT: AFF has sufficient, effective and updated communication resources, tools, and products appropriate to each targeted audience.
TASKS: Based on the AFF Communication Strategy developed in #1 above: Develop and/or improve existing AFF communication materials, including reports, policy briefs, blogs, newsletters, press kits, posters, brochures, flyers, standard presentation, displays and graphic work. This will include overseeing the writing, translation (English to French and vice versa), layout, proof‐reading, copy editing and image sourcing/editing. Lead in the improvement and maintenance of AFF’s web‐based platform, by assisting in its day‐to‐day
management, helping to improve it further and developing new content as well as adding new functionalities. Help implement effective knowledge management practices for the AFF team.

3. Networking and partnerships:
KEY RESULT: AFF has a regular and well‐functioning knowledge sharing mechanism with individuals, groups, organisations and fora whose support is essential for achieving the AFF’s advocacy and communication objectives as well as programmatic goals.
TASKS: Develop, maintain and update partners contact list/database. Establish, document, review and refine process of working collaboratively with partners, including meetings, joint projects, information sharing etc. Ensure or enhance the quality, consistency and appropriateness of AFF communication materials, activities, processes and messages shared with partners. Identify opportunities to strengthen the capacity of partners through appropriate advocacy, access to information, and through knowledge sharing. Monitor,
evaluate and share results and findings with partners.

4. Media relations:
KEY RESULT: AFF has a streamlined and continually developed process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media to share the results and lessons from its work.
TASKS: Develop, maintain and update media relations contact/database. Establish, document, review and refine process of communicating with media contacts, including press conferences and events, issuing of media materials, etc. Identify, develop, distribute and evaluate a variety of media materials in multiple, appropriate formats (press releases, feature stories, etc.). Ensure or enhance the quality, appropriateness of AFF communication materials, activities, processes and messages transmitted to the press, partners and public.

Collaborate with mass media through activities such as organizing side events, facilitating photo coverage, video footage, and utilizing both web‐based and traditional media as appropriate. Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials and share results and findings.

5. Monitoring and evaluation:
KEY RESULT: assessment and analysis on communication activities is undertaken to continuously improve the effectiveness of AFF’s communication strategy and activities;results and reports are prepared and shared.
TASKS: Establish baselines against which achievement of objectives of the communication strategy are regularly evaluated. Provide technical support to ensure that a set of communication performance indicators and targets are identified and adjusted as necessary, and these communication indicators and targets are incorporated in or forwarded in the Annual Work Plan, etc. Conduct timely and accurate monitoring and
evaluation activities to ensure the communication objectives are met and the strategy is effective. Undertake lessons learned review of successful and unsuccessful communication experiences and share observations/findings.

Qualifications
a) Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or related fields (or an undergraduate degree plus at least 5 years of demonstrated professional experience in the field of Journalism, Communications, External Relations, Public Affairs, Public Relations or Corporate Communications).
b) A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in communication (such as in
print, broadcast, web and social media) and public relations in international organisations. Demonstrated experience in creating and implementing communication strategy is needed. Ability in the use of ICTs, including developing and using web‐based resources is a plus.
c) Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of the French language is an added advantage; Expected Scope and Duration of Assignment

The tasks in this TOR are estimated to be the equivalent to 6 (six) person‐months of work load, commencing on September 01, 2012 and spread over a period of one year. The consultant can work from his/her location but in close consultation with AFF and according to agreed delivery schedule.

How to apply
Please email a cover letter (stating how the above qualification and experience requirement are met), draft work plan (clear deliverables plotted against work weeks for each key results) and updated CV with the following subject line: “AFF – Communications Specialist” to:

Executive Secretary
African Forest Forum (AFF)
United Nations Avenue, Gigiri
P.O. Box 30677‐00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: g.kowero@cgiar.org

Application deadline is August 17, 2012. The successful applicant will be contacted by August
24, 2012.