About the role
We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
Working in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas, Plan International works through high performing teams whose behaviours reflect the corporate values. Our Communications focuses on children’s rights, especially girls, and is aimed at Influencing to provide positive change in the lives of boys, girls, adolescents, and young people.
This position aims to contribute to the development and promotion of a strong communications culture in Plan International, Region the Americas, focused on Influencing.
Dimensions of Role:
Lead the development and implementation of a Communication Strategy in the region based on the Global Communications Strategy aligned and focused on reaching Influencing goals of the regional influencing and SDG action plan.
Strategically positions Plan International through Influencing, including plans focused on information, education and networking, the publication of case studies, regional research, media campaigns and other influencing actions.
Leads and supports the internal communication processes and Change Management process.
Works very close with the head of gender transformative programming and influencing to position PLAN as leader on gender equality and girls rights
Guarantees a permanent relationship with the media press to achieve a broad coverage of PLAN work in the region
Works closely with PLAN global communications team at the headquarters to socialize and position the work of the region in the global level
Develop a working strategy on digital platforms and young cyber activism
Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position:
Strategic Planning
Identify, coordinate, develop, and lead the Regional Influencing / Communications strategy in line with the Global Communication strategy, always focusing on children’s rights, especially girls.
Position Plan in the Region as the leading international children’s NGO and first stop for anything related to children and development, through Influencing (Media, Forums) particularly for girls.
Implement and Share Global positions and policies for the Region
Coordinate with Influencing a diary of media, sector, and other events for the Region
Support the Head of gender transformative programming and influencing in positioning and implementing the BIAAG movement in the region.
Position Plan as a strategic partner for Resource Mobilization and support the visibility of the organizational changes within and outside Plan.
Advise the Regional Resource Mobilization Manager and the Regional Director and provide media guidance on any potential issues.
Communication
Provide advice to the Regional Office Management Team and the Regional Director.
Ensure strong communications processes and procedures
Develop and Maintain the global identity and Plan Brand
Support countries during Emergencies
Media
-Position Plan as the leading children’s organization, especially focused on girls, in the Region
-Provide media training for spokespersons and experts
-Design, develop and implement media campaigns
-Design and develop press and media material – case studies, profiles, fact sheets etc
-Provide regular press releases, press conferences, and proactive and reactive commentary
-Identify and cultivate a network of international and regional media contacts
-Work with Advocacy and Gender to reach Influencing results
-Supervise all Publications
Marketing
Use marketing knowledge in order to increase the impact of the Plan International Brand and add value to its presence in the Region.
Networking
Lead the Regional Communications network
Identify, nurture and cultivate journalists to establish a robust media network
Establish strong links with peer organizations, governments, corporate, and academia for Influencing results
Be part of Partnerships and alliances for Influencing in the Region.
Emergencies
Provide emergency communications support, advice, and timely updates to the global organization
Ensure robust disaster communications processes, procedures and reporting
Arrange local interviews, commentary, news material, and information in times of emergency
Capacity building
Document and share information and best practices
Provide media training for the region
Dealing with Problems
Coordination with other members of regional Communications and Influencing Network to ensure effective liaison between all in different contexts and in different locations.
Coordination with staff across Plan, especially in Headquarters, but also in NOs, countries, and field staff, in a multi-cultural, multi-language environment..
Dealing with quick decisions with little or no supervision, especially in cases of emergency response.
Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives
Knowledge
Experience on working in a global organization;
Professional in the area of communications or similar, with experience in the management of communications, journalism, or public relations.
Media management, access to free press tools for Plan to access the large media network in the region and outside.
Excellent command of English and Spanish (Portuguese and French desirable)..
Social media and web journalism experience.
Disaster / emergency communications management.
Branding knowledge a plus.
Skills
Proven and relevant knowledge of communication in the region and international media networks.
Dynamic, and self-motivated manager with proven networking and journalist abilities.
Excellent written, oral, presentation and negotiation skills in Spanish and English.
Strategic thinker
Attention to detail
Capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment
Ability to represent Plan to journalists and external institution
Training skills desirable
A commitment to diversity issues, gender equity, equal opportunities and capacity building
Client/customer service orientation.
Team player
Team leader
Willingness to travel at short notice to difficult areas
Proactive in problem solving and seeking solutions
Behaviours (Plan International’s Values in Practice)
We are open and accountable
Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organization for all children, girls & young people.
We strive for lasting impact
Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
Focuses resources to drive change and maximize long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
Evidence based and evaluates effectiveness.
We work well together
Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
Develops trusting and ‘winwin’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
We are inclusive and empowering
Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
Develops trusting and ‘winwin’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
Physical Environment
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
Closing Date: November 7th, 2017
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
https://performancemanager5.successfactors.eu/sf/jobreq?jobId=23826&company=PlanInt&username= (Internal Candidates)
https://career5.successfactors.eu/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=23826&company=PlanInt&username= (External Candidates)
Note:
A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Child Protection Policy. As an international child centred community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realisation of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for further interviews.
Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.
Plan policies and procedures always ensure the welfare of children comes first.