Communications Officer

Emerging Public Leaders (EPL)

Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) of Malawi specialises in building young professionals for public service at the heart of Government and public service in particular. The organisation nurtures exceptionally talented young leaders, making them ready for decision-making roles and high-level responsibilities in public service. This is done through EPL’s mission of partnering with Governments and local organizations to rigorously identify diverse young professionals committed to practicing and promoting good governance throughout Africa. With our support throughout their career journeys, this network influences and strengthens their country’s institutions for delivering democracy, with excellence, care, innovation, and integrity.

Brief about the Public Service Fellowship Programme

Started in 2024, the Public Service Fellowship Programme, creates pathways for young and talented university graduates aged 18 to 35, offering them the tools and support to develop into future leaders within the public sector. This is a one-year fellowship programme jointly implemented by the Emerging Public Leaders of Malawi and Government of Malawi through the Department of Human Resource, Management and Development (DHRMD), Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Malawi School of Government (MSG) in partnership with thee Mastercard Foundation.

We are looking for a passionate and suitably qualified candidates to fill up the following role:

Job Title: Communications Officer

Job Specification: The Communications Officer

The Communications Officer, will be a pivotal member of the EPL Malawi’s middle management team, collaborating closely with the Senior Programmes and Learning Associate and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning officer to develop, implement, and oversee Programme communication and ICT to drive brand visibility, efficiency and simplification of processes through use of digital innovations.

Key Responsibilities

Content Development for internal and external Engagement

  • Produce high-quality fellow-focused written stories that demonstrate
  • EPL Malawi’s impact for engagement on digital channels, marketing, fundraising, and public engagement.
  • Produce high-quality, fellow focused visual content (photo and or video) that inspires, engages, and positively transforms diverse audiences.
  • Support the production of high-impact communications products to facilitate EPL Malawi’s external engagement efforts and resource acquisition.
  • Initiate relevant topical content in support of EPL Malawi’s key priorities and key global moments for use to engage audiences.
  • Support EPL Malawi to reach its target audiences and inspire meaningful change in the public service.

Advocacy and Resource Mobilization

  • To support in developing, implementing and reporting on advocacy campaigns, plans and initiatives.
  • Support development and implementation of the Partner Engagement and Resource Mobilization Strategy.
  • To lead in establishing strategic partnerships with the media for advocacy in the country.
  • Lead in the production of materials for advocacy and partnership engagement.

Media Communications

  • Develop and maintain key media contacts and build strategic relationships with media in Malawi, including international correspondents and news agencies.
  • Proactively pursue opportunities to pitch compelling story ideas including press releases to the media.
  • Facilitate and coordinate EPL Malawi’s engagement with the media in Malawi to position the organization as a partner of choice, voice for young people.

Internal Communications

  • Participate in the design of communications business plans and initiatives that ensures the communications department delivers on high-value results.
  • Support the production of content for EPL Malawi’s internal communications/engagement initiatives.
  • Support staff training to effectively communicate the impact/contribution of EPL Malawi.
  • Support planning and coordination of EPL Malawi’s public events.
  • Support all communications aspects of internal and external engagement for other departments.

Branding and Reputation

  • Ensure EPL Malawi’s reputation and brand is protected and strengthened through effectively managed external engagement.
  • Ensure EPL Malawi’s brand consistency, and appropriate implementation across all departments

Social Media Strategy and Management

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy aligned with EPL Malawi’s goals.
  • Manage social media accounts across platforms, ensuring timely and relevant content delivery.
  • Monitor social media trends, tools, and platforms to recommend improvements.
  • Manage and enhance EPL Malawi’s online presence through strategic and captivating social media content.
  • Create and manage engaging content, fostering fellows and partner engagement, and analysing performance to drive brand awareness and client engagement.

ICT Duties and Responsibilities

  • Design, develop and implement ICT systems for EPL Malawi.
  • Ensures that the organization’s electronic data is secure, and records are regularly maintained
  • Ensures that ICT equipment for staff and the Public Service Fellows is functional and protected from malware, virus and other digital threats.
  • Ensure that the website and email systems are always in good working conditions.
  • Recommend innovative and appropriate ICT systems to be purchased and used by the organization.
  • Develop and review ICT policies, strategies, systems, work plans, budgets and protocols.
  • Troubleshoot system and network problems and rectifying faults.
  • Provide end user support and training.
  • Train and mentor staff and Public Service fellows on ICT best practices, security protocols, and proper use of technology tools and resources.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

  • Ability to capture and edit videos
  • Graphic designing skills
  • Web designing skills
  • ICT infrastructure management
  • Network administration
  • Security management
  • Technical support
  • Problem-solving
  • Project management
  • Communication

In order to be successful, you will bring/have:

  • Degree in ICT, Computer Science, or any relevant field.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in programme communications and ICT in a development firm.
  • Strong technical and managerial skills in the management of social media.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing, facilitation skills, coordination and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 package.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with young people and in government settings.
  • Commitment to and an understanding of the Emerging Public Leaders’ mission and vision.
  • Ability to work within a multicultural setting.

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions of nurturing a diverse network of public leaders who strengthen their public institutions.

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates who meet the above requirements should submit their cover letters (maximum one page), CV and certificate only, before close of business on 31 March, 2025 using this link (https://forms.gle/BCiihahQKzV2Kftv9).