Communications Officer – Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada

Job Description

Formed in 1947, the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) has focused its efforts on advancing self-reliant, member-owned co-operatives on a global scale. The strength of CDF Canada is grounded in its mission – Acting on Co-operative principles, we partner with communities to achieve sustainable economic and social development – and is at the heart of all strategic activities the organization undertakes. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do! We recognize the immense value that different experiences and perspectives bring to our organization. As a result, we intentionally seek people from diverse backgrounds and empower them to inspire our teams to nurture new processes and ideas.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

CDF Canada implements projects to establish and grow community-owned co-operatives that help farmers achieve more prosperous, self-reliant lives. CDF Canada pursues the goal of increasing the economic performance of co-operative enterprises to improve the livelihoods of their members and contribute to build more inclusive and resilient communities.  Over the years, CDF Canada has partnered with co-operatives across the world to improve their governance and help improve business performance in response to evolving co-operative ecosystems.

The Communications Officer will play a vital role in promoting the Integrated Aquaculture Agriculture to combat food insecurity in Malawi (IAAM) Project by developing and implementing effective communication strategies to engage stakeholders, enhance visiblity, and share key project acheivements.  The Officer will work closely with project staff, local partners, government departments, and the project beneficiaries, while receiving guidance from the Country Manager.  This role will also include capacity building for project staff to improve their communication skills, ensuring high-quality storytelling and visual documentation of project outcomes. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communication Strategy and Implementation

• Develop and execute a communications strategy aligned with project objectives, stakeholder needs, and donor requirements. 
• Ensure all communications adhere to CDF Canada’s brand standards and guidelines. 
• Coordinate communication efforts across CDF Canada’s Malawi and Ottawa offices, local partners, and government stakeholders. 
• Facilitate regular knowledge-sharing sessions among partners to promote collaboration and cross-learning.

Content Development, Storytelling, and Digital Presence 

• Create compellng content, including success stories, newletters, press releases, and blogs, showcasing the project’s impact. 
• Develop case studies and human-interest stories that highlight the experiences of beneficiaries, especially fish farmers and rural communities. 
• Create regular, engaging posts for CDF Canada’s social media platforms. 
• Track online engagement and provide recommendations to improve visibility and impact through digital channels. 
• Maintain digital media archives including photos and videos for the project and provide them to CDF Canada’s Ottawa office. 

Training and Capacity Building

• Train project staff and partners on effective storytelling, photography, and documenting project activities. 
• Offer guidance on content gathering for social media, reports, and newsletters to ensure consistency and quality. 

Media Relations and Visibility

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local media outlets to ensure positive and accurate coverage. 
• Organize press briefings, media events, and site visits to showcase key achievements and partnerships. 
• Advise project staff on how to work with journalists and other stakeholders to showcase the project and CDF Canada. 

Branding and Compliance

• Design all communication materials for the project. 
• Ensure all communication materials align with CDF Canada’s brand standards and meet donor visibility requirements. 
• Monitor compliance with CDF Canada’s style guide, including the respectful portrayal of beneficiaries in communications.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Track the performance of communication efforts, including media coverage, social media metrics, and stakeholder feedback. 
• Contribute communication content and metrics for donor reports and project documentation.

Crisis Communication

• Assist in developing and implementing crisis communication strategies to manage crises and reduce reputational risks. 
• Ensure timely and appropriate responses during crises to maintain trust and transparency with stakeholders. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. 
• Proficiency in design and publishing software is a must. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, preferably within the development or NGO sector. 
• Strong writing, editing, and content creation skills. 
• Proficiency in social media management and digital communication tools. 
• Experience in media relations and working with journalists. 
• Ability to train and mentor staff in storytelling and visual documentation. 
• Familiarity with agriculture, aquaculture, or rural development projects is an asset. 
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Fluency in English is required, proficiency in Chichewa or other local languages is an asset. 

TO APPLY

We require all applications, including cover letters and resumes, to be submitted through the web portal.

Application Deadline: Friday December 13th, 2024 4:00 p.m. CAT

Applicants must be Malawi Citizens or have legal authorization to work in Lilongwe, Malawi. Please note that we are unable to provide visa assistance or offer relocation support for this position.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and unsolicited communication will not be accepted.

CDF Canada is committed to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or age.