Communications Officer

Position: Communications Officer 

Job location:   Gulu, Acholi Office

Starting date: April 2025

Vacancy closing date: 6th March 2025

Duration position: 1 year renewable contract 

Working hours: Fulltime (40 hours per week)

About ZOA

We are here for people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster.

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

Our work in Uganda

In Uganda, ZOA has offices in Kampala, West Nile (Arua), Acholi (Gulu), and Karamoja (Amudat). ZOA Uganda works both in relief and recovery on the themes of food security & livelihoods, primary/accelerated/vocational education, and conflict management with a special focus on land security.

ZOA Uganda is looking for a Communication Officer (Based in Gulu City -ZOA Acholi Office  )

Your challenge

A communications officer is to maintain a brand's image by creating  content, such as Project Fact Sheet , publications, website content, press releases, annual reports, and other Visibility materials, success stories etc. meant for reporting and accountability, sharing of learning both within and outside ZOA. The officer is responsible for communications within the LIFT project .

Your main tasks and responsibilities

General

• Review communication strategy for the projects including a content creation calendar
• Document success stories and critical project events (Written, Video, Photos)
• Responsible for internal communication across consortium including regular updates
• Prepare monthly communication updates for project donor
• Collaboration with meal to identify innovative ways to present survey and assessment findings
• Comply with ZOA safeguarding Policy and code of conduct, including seeking consent for any content creation.
• Capture inspiring photographs telling the story of the project
• Develop working relationships with journalists in different types of media outlets
• Ensure that all Visibility and communications material align with ZOA’s branding standards
• Maintain digital media archives (photos, videos)
• Prepare and manage the organization’s budget regarding communication
• Regularly visit the field for content creation.

Partner oversight

• Generate a consortium level visibility guideline and communications strategy
• Liaise with partner communications focal persons
• Project visibility guideline adhered to by partners

Reporting

• Provide inputs to implementation plans and activity/monthly reports;
• Identify, document lessons learned and best practices;
• Support Project team to Prepare and submit well written success stories;

Representation and coordination

• Actively participate in the required and relevant technical working groups;
• Participate in relevant coordination meetings concerning the project.
• Regular coordination with local government actors and relevant district offices; OPM, UNHCR and other NGO partners.

Procurement and finance

• Initiate timely purchase requisition of project goods/services;
• Provide support during visibility material procurement

Accountability

• Sensitize all stakeholders (beneficiaries, service providers, partners, government and other) on feedback and complaint mechanisms implemented by ZOA Uganda
• Upon receipt of a complaint or feedback, ensure that it is correctly documented following correct reporting procedures
• Understand ZOA’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies, ensure adherence to these policies and that project activities are implemented with a “Do No Harm” approach 

Your profile

Identity

• The candidate is expected to fully support the vision, mission and Christian values 0f ZOA (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity)

Knowledge

• University degree in the field of Communications, Public Relations or related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience in the International Development Sector, branding projects.
• Good understanding of the Uganda context; experience in Acholi region is a plus.
• Excellent photography and writting skills.
• Knowledge and experience in corporate communications
• Experience in localization approaches and working with local organizations
• A good command of English, including written and activity reporting and relevant local languages.
• Experience of working with People with Disabilities is a plus
• Experience working in the refugee context is prefered.

Skills/attitude

• Commitment to ZOA’s mission, vision and values (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity/)
• High level of networking capacities, with interpersonal, organizational and intercultural sensitivity
• Advocacy skills
• Commitment to inclusion for People with Disabilities
• Able to plan and coordinate and work in an organized manner
• High level of integrity
• Motivated to work independently / self-managing
• Be a self-starter

Special conditions/circumstances

The communications officer  will sit within ZOA office in Gulu. Regular travel to field locations, subcounty and for meetings with project stakeholders is expected.

Our offer

• ZOA offers a challenging role in a dynamic context, and you will be part of an inspiring and motivated team.
• We offer good benefits and remuneration which suits the NGO sector.

Do you need more information?

For more information about ZOA, please visit our website www.zoa-international.com.

Interested and ready to apply?

All interested and qualified candidates please apply directly via this link , at the latest by 6^th March 2025

CV’s of no more than 5 pages in length are appreciated. Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in the application. References of previous positions held should not be older than five years.

Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. 

ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace.
Qualified women and men, people of all nationalities, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

Please note that ZOA carries out background and reference checks (including COTER – Counter Terrorism check) for all candidates as part of the recruitment process. As ZOA participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire: the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment).

Please note that ZOA does not solicit for funds during any recruitment process.
To report any unethical conduct, please use; report.uganda@zoa.ngo or report@zoa.ngo or Call: 080-020-0121 Tollfree.