Communications and Advocacy Officer – National Youth Council of Malawi

Job Description

The National Youth Council of Malawi is a statutory corporation established by an Act of Parliament-The National Youth Council of Malawi Act (Act No 22 of 1996). Its functions include developing, promoting, and controlling youth activities, registering youth organizations, organizing scholarships, establishing cooperation guidelines, and promoting training courses. The Council’s vision is to build a Malawi where young people can develop their full potential and contribute to sustainable development. It is an implementing arm of the Ministry of Youth, comprising the General Assembly, Board of Directors, Secretariat, and affiliates (registered youth organizations). The Council works collaboratively with youth organizations, government agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders to empower young people and advocate for policies that promote their development and participation in national decision-making processes.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVOCACY OFFICER

Profile of the position

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications and Advocacy Officer will be responsible for leading communication and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about youth issues, promote the work of the National Youth Council, and advocate for youth-friendly policies and programmes.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement comprehensive communication and advocacy strategies to advance the objectives of the National Youth Council of Malawi.
2. Lead the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns and initiatives aimed at influencing policy decisions and promoting youth participation in decision-making processes.
3. Create compelling communication materials, including press releases, fact sheets, policy briefs, and social media content, to effectively convey key messages and amplify the voice of young people.
4. Manage the Council’s communication channels, including website, social media platforms, newsletters, and email lists, to engage with stakeholders and mobilize support for youth-related initiatives.
5. Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure media coverage and raise awareness about youth issues and initiatives.
6. Coordinate the organization of events, workshops, and forums to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among youth stakeholders and decision-makers.
7. Provide communication and advocacy support to internal teams, including drafting speeches, talking points, and briefing materials for senior leadership.
8. Monitor and analyze media coverage, public opinion, and policy developments related to youth issues and provide regular updates and recommendations to management.
9. Represent the National Youth Council in external meetings, conferences, and advocacy events, as needed.
10. Collaborate with youth organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to build partnerships and coalitions in support of youth development and advocacy efforts.
11. Assist the Executive Director (ED) and the Director of Programmemes (DoP) in the development and implementation of an effective communication strategy,
12. Assist in identification of capacity gaps for improved communication and coordination with affiliates, stakeholders and development partners,
13. Build capacity of NYCOM staff and affiliates on effective communication systems and tools.
14. Work with Programmeme Officers to enhance communication and advocacy on youth development issues,
15. Assist the Director of Programmemes to produce and disseminate reports on best practices including quarterly report and annual reports, success stories and newsletters.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Media for Development, Public Relations, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field from reputable institutions.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in communications, advocacy, or public relations, preferably in the youth development sector or a related field.
• Strong understanding of advocacy strategies, campaign planning, and policy analysis.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear and persuasive messages.
• Proven experience in managing social media platforms, websites, and other digital communication channels.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of youth issues, development challenges, and policy frameworks in Malawi is desirable.
  Fluency in English and Chichewa (both written and spoken) is required
• High sense of professionalism, work ethics and confidentiality.
• Possession of graphic designing and website management skills.

Mode of Application

An application letter, an up to date Curriculum Vitae (CV) and academic as well as professional qualifications with names and contact details of three traceable referees should submitted to the following address by close of business Thursday, August 8, 2024. Submissions can be hand delivered to the address or through the email provided below.

Applications should clearly be marked with the position being applied for.

The Executive Director
National Youth Council of Malawi
Area 14/106
Off Presidential Highway
Private Bag 389
Lilongwe 3
Email: jobs@nycom.mw

In our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability