The position will be located in Panama (or other country in the region), under a local contract following the local laws and regulations.

Please forward all applications to ROARH@plan-international.org with the reference ROA 177 before July 6th

About the Role

Working in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas, Plan International works through high performing teams whose behaviours reflect the corporate values. This position aims to contribute to the development and promotion of a strong internal communications culture in Plan International, Region the Americas, promote Plan externally through Social Media, and to act as a liaison among internal stakeholders, including Country Offices, Regional Offices, National Organizations and International Headquarters.

Dimensions of Role:

Works with IH, ROA, and 12 Countries in a multi-language, multi-cultural environment.
Reports to the Regional Communication Manager in the Regional Office (Panama).

Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position:

Writing and editing in Spanish and English a range of communications materials, including articles and reports, for internal communications platforms including Plan’s intranet, staff magazine, Internal Communication Outlets, and Newsletters.
Selects and produces news articles, features, picture stories (photo essays), key messages, to populate ROA´s internal communication channels –at least 24 stories per month.
Production of a range of internal communication materials, including newsletters, research reports, quarterly reports, brochures, corporate videos/DVDs.
Handle the Team Briefings at the Regional Office and collate feedback from Country Offices.
Provide open access and strong oral communication, representation and negotiation liaising with stakeholders at various levels and from all areas of the organization.
Selects, produces, writes, edits, and ensures activity on Plan ROA social media accounts (on a daily basis) and website, procuring at least a 10% increase in visits monthly.
Works and coaches the countries on developing their websites –content, design, and supports, and guides them throughout the process.
Supports countries in Social Media Guidelines, including providing Workshops and coaching when needed.
Monitors all website and Social Media accounts for the region -12 countries - plus ROA, always following Plan´s guidelines and Manuals.
Provides support in sensitive, and sometimes crisis situations arising from online information, working with the Regional Communications Manager.
Supports Regional Communications Manager in outputs related to digital and audio media (producing videos, photo essays).
Manage Social Media (Twitter/Facebook) for the RO, and support countries with their media, aligned with our key messages and using stories and information.
Support and train CO staff in their internal communications efforts.
Support during emergencies to IH, ROA and COs.
Supports Plan Academy when required.
Manages Publications / Plan Branding (Reference Frameworks, etc.).
Support countries in activities / campaigns.
Support events in the RO and in countries, such as the Photo Contest.

Dealing with Problems

Coordination with other members of ROA Communications Team to ensure effective liaison between internal and External Communications.
Coordination of activities with staff across Plan, especially in Headquarters, but also in NOs, countries, and field staff, in a multi-cultural, multi-language environment.
Supports all of ROA´s countries on articles and other communication pieces for internal dissemination, with a rapid problem-solving approach.
Dealing with quick decisions with little or no supervision especially in cases of emergency response.
Selects with little or no supervision information to write on Regional Newsletter (monthly), post on PlaNet (weekly), and share with IH and other stakeholders (weekly).

Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:

Full bilingual in English and Spanish is a requirement.
Excellent writing and editing skills in the required languages.
Knowledge of Social Media, and other Communication Platforms.
Experience in event management and production of internal communications materials.
Knowledge of Portuguese and/or Creole is a plus.
Disaster / emergency communications management experience are a plus.
Branding knowledge a plus.

Good organizational abilities; able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Good verbal communication skills - able to explain complex issues in clear simple language.
Creative thinking.
Able to work independently and in a team.
Good skills working with people at all levels, from different countries and cultures.
Able to work in a fast-paced environment, and react quickly to emergency situations.
Able to translate in English and Spanish.

Behaviors

Striving for high performance.
Strategic thinking and innovation.
Decision making and risk management.
Influence and communication.
Building effective teams and partnerships.
Developing people.
Self-awareness and resilience.  

Communications and Working Relationships:

Communications team in the Regional Office and IH.
Communications Managers/Coordinators in each country.
Emergencies team in IH and RO.
Program Advisors in the RO.

Service providers: Photo, video, web designers.
Publishers / printers.

Physical Environment and Demands:

Typical office environment yet needs to be able to travel with very little notice to emergencies and work in highly sensitive situations when needed.
Works in high-stress situations, where quick problem solving is required with little or no supervision.

Level of Contact with Children:

Low level:        Very little interaction with children.

Please forward all applications to ROARH@plan-international.org with the reference ROA 177

Your application should include:

A covering letter
A comprehensive CV
Details of 2 referees
For internal applicants, your most recent performance appraisal

The closing date for applications is July 6th, 2016.

Please quote reference: ROA 177 – Internal Communication and Social Media Specialist 

Only applicants with valid work permit will be contacted for interviews.

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plan`s Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.