Director Communications Communications and Public Information Director General, Noumea 8

Transcription

1 Job Reference: Job Title: Work Unit: Reports to: Number of direct reports or total head count (if relevant): Job Purpose: Date: Director Communications Communications and Public Information Director General, Noumea 8 The Director of Communications is located in the Director-General s Office and reports to the Director-General. The position manages Communications and Public Information, a team of media, audio-visual and online content management professionals, and as needed contractors, to oversee the strategic direction, consistency and impact of external and internal communications at the Pacific Community (SPC) to support the achievement of SPC s organisational objectives. November 2016 Vision: Our Pacific vision is for a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity, so that all Pacific people can lead free, healthy and productive lives. This is a shared vision for the Pacific under the Framework for Pacific Regionalism. Organisation Context: The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, proudly supporting development since It is an international development organisation owned and governed by its 26 country and territory members: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, United States of America, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, this unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. SPC is renowned for its knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Page 1

2 With over 600 staff, SPC has its headquarters in Noumea, regional offices in Suva and Pohnpei, a country office in Honiara and field staff in other Pacific locations. Its working languages are English and French. See Position Context: Strategic communications plans are considered to be essential tools that contribute to SPC achieving its goals. The Communications and Public Information team works as an integrated model of communication and event management with the services provided back to other SPC sections and divisions on a point-of-service relationship basis. An integrated model must incorporate a key focus on service quality and a strong customer interface in order to be successful. To achieve the effective implementation of an integrated model for communications services and ensure that SPC is equipped to address future demands, this position provides a key role that ensures engagement with all sections and divisions across SPC, delivers the required expertise and advice to meet their objectives and those of the Organisation as a whole. This approach also builds and promotes the Unit s commitment to customer service excellence and ensures that a service delivery culture is embedded at functional and individual levels across the Organisation. SPC has a diverse audience base that reflects the stakeholders of the organisation; not simply its member countries and territories, but also other international organisations, private sector partners, donors and nonmember countries. The position is accountable to the Director-General for: Leading and managing the Strategic and Corporate Communications team to maximize its potential Formulating communication strategies, services and advice to the Director-General, the Senior Leadership Team, Divisions and Sections; Developing, continually reviewing, operationalising and implementing a strategic communications plan and protocols to guide long and short term directions for the Organisation; Devising and implementing pro-active emergency communications strategies to ensure SPC s credibility and reputation is professionally managed and potential negative impacts of emergencies is reduced; Representing the interests of SPC on any communications related working groups or networks; Overseeing and supporting the achievement of high quality national and international events; Developing and facilitating internal communications to foster a whole of SPC mindset and culture. C&PI services are underpinned by highly creative, communications specialists offering cost-effective solutions that ensure SPC is recognised as an organisation that delivers sustainable Pacific development outcomes through science, knowledge and innovation. Page 2

3 Organisation Context Director-General DirectorCommunications (Suva) Communication focal points in all divisions and programmes Creative Writer & Reporter (Suva) Media Relations Team Leader (Suva) Head of Online Content (Noumea) Senior Audiovisual Producer (Suva) Communications Officer (Noumea) Video Editor and Camera Operator (Suva) Publications Distribution Controller (Noumea) Media and Administrative Assistant (Suva) Key Result Areas: The position of Director, Communications encompasses the following major functions or Key Result Areas: The requirements in the above Key Result Areas are broadly identified below. Jobholder is accountable for Jobholder is successful when Page 3

4 KRA 1 - Stakeholder Management & Relationship Building Maintain close working relationships with SPC s divisional directors and other senior staff of the organisation. Develop strong working relationships with key staff of member countries and territories, partner organisational and agencies, and is SPC s contact in relation to communication strategies/action plans. Provides specialist advice and actively contributes to the SPC Senior Leadership Team and its working groups. Continually develop and maintain contacts and networks with stakeholders across a range of key bodies. Build and maintain high level networks with national and international media and communication practitioners. Generates genuine partnerships, interacts confidently and employs astute perception with strong listening and questioning skills in complex, or unfamiliar situations; able to relate to and communicate with people from diverse cultures, locations and ages. Able to quickly and genuinely engage, and be engaging with a wide range of people, issues and intensities of activity. Demonstrates open communication including genuine interest, active listening and questioning techniques. Develops and maintains a network of contacts across the Organisation, member countries and territories, development partners, media and community sectors; capitalises on links between internal/external networks. Provide leadership and management to SPC Communications and Public Information team Page 4

5 KRA 2 Strategic Direction Provide leadership to develop long and shortterm strategic communications of the directions and priorities for SPC as a driver of sustainable development that aligns with the Strategic Plan, international development processes and the development goals for SPC s member countries and territories. Expertise is provided to ensure that communication policy and related guidelines, media protocols and information processes across the agency are consistent and effective in shaping a politically sound communication environment. Develop a Strategic and Corporate Communications Unit Business and Action Plan developed annually to support and contribute to SPC s strategic direction and a consulted organisation wide communication framework which promotes SPC s sustainable development across the entire value chain. Prioritise and incorporate SPC s communication directions and stakeholder interests into long and short-term communication strategies and action plans. Provide promotional plan of opportunities that reflect the organisation s strategic direction, to DG and SLT. Develop communications strategies, for incountry and regional development opportunities are facilitate, consulted, developed and implemented. Strengthen the Pacific Community brand and brand recognition, including application of the visual identity. Provide communication and engagement strategies to SPC divisions and sectors to engage stakeholders and identify options and impacts of in-country and regional development opportunities relating to SPC s programmes. Optimal communications service delivery requirements are identified, negotiated and managed with the divisions and sections across SPC to ensure customer service excellence is achieved and needs are met. External and internal opportunities, risks, conflict and threats, that may impact the profile and reputation of SPC and its programmes and services, are identified and managed with political sensitivity. Maintains clear sense of strategic direction for communications within the national, regional and international political and development context; persistently builds and sustains momentum and direction in an environment of ongoing change. Demonstrates clear understanding of the Organisation s strategic objectives, and also of relevant development processes and/or plans. Continually monitors and questions direction and progress. Links strategies and service delivery to strategic priorities. Page 5

6 KRA 3 Consultancy Services Provide expert and timely communications advice to DG, DDGs and SLT on a broad range of issues that emerge that impact the political and operating environment of SPC. Processes are in place and managed effectively to ensure that consultation and advice on communication issues, events and VIP s is provided to key staff members, when required. The SLT and divisional communication officers receive media management direction, advice and assistance that ensure a consistent message and professional image of SPC. Regular briefings and reports for the DG, DDG s and SLT members. KRA 4 Service Delivery Ensure influential leadership is provided to create and deliver targeted, flexible, internal and external communication services and product which will ultimately drive Pacific islands development whilst promoting and protecting SPC s reputation. Maintain the confidence of members and partners in a crisis and ensure engagement with staff. Provide leadership in crisis communications management along with a range of contemporary strategies to ensure that the potentially negative impact of emergencies and major crisis events on SPC s credibility and reputation, is reduced and managed. Ensure strategies are development to identify media utilisation opportunities and ensure that media coverage promotes continuing confidence in the organisation. This may involve: Liaising with the media and preparing media releases. Engaging champions and political community opinion leaders. Developing promotional material. Identifying pro-active opportunities and integrated communications strategies to promote key achievements. Development of integrated communications strategies to effectively promote key messages including utilising media management. Collaborate with the SLT and other SPC staff, members, partners and donors. Page 6

7 Communication Strategies are developed and implemented in collaboration with representatives of SPC major donors to project and promote internationally, the image and reputation of SPC and donors. Internal communication strategies initiatives are initiated, developed and led to establish and maintain collaboration and cross-pollination across SPC, showcase opportunities, celebrate achievements and ensure SPC changes are perceived positively. KRA 5 Programme Management and People Management Provide high level leadership and guidance to ensure the successful management and collaborative delivery of high quality communications services to a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Processes are in place to ensure the adoption of best practice and technology advances, which monitor, evaluate and achieve optimal customer service delivery and economic efficiencies. Staff roles and accountabilities are clearly identified and team members are qualified, empowered and confident to use their initiative within established frameworks. Staff continuously improve their performance through professional support, coaching, direction and training and development opportunities. Feedback on the performance of team members is regularly sourced from internal and external stakeholders and responded to accordingly. Workforce plans ensure Strategic and Corporate Communications is recognised as an employer of choice in the market and attract and retain the right skills and capabilities for current and future business needs. Leading-edge continuous improvement standards and leadership practices create a work environment that encourages, recognises and rewards creativity, initiative, collaboration and excellence in all activities. The principles of Public administration and best practice personnel management including Managing Diversity, EEO, and OHS&W are promoted and implemented. Note The above performance standards are provided as a guide only. The precise performance measures for this position will need further discussion between the jobholder and supervisor as part of the performance development process. Page 7

8 Work Complexity: Most challenging duties typically undertaken: The position is on call 24/7 when required to the SPC executive and after-hours media. Significant out of hours work and international travel will be required. The incumbent will be required to maintain a safe working environment by adopting appropriate hazard management practices consistent with the role. The incumbent will be expected to uphold the standards required of senior SPC staff members and operate within the limits of delegated authority for financial and human resources established for the position. K Functional Relationships and Relationship Skills: Internal Key internal and/or external contacts Director-General Senior Leadership Team C&PI SPC Communication network focal points External CROP agency communication focal points Development partners Implementation partners Nature of the contact most typical Strategic advice and assistance Support and guidance for Director-General s external and internal outreach Writing Strategic advice and assistance Support the development and implementation of communication plans for divisions, programmes, and existing and new initiatives Involve directors in improving internal communication Brief fellow directors on strategic communications planning, impact and performance Consult on overarching communication and outreach policies, coordination and activities Issues management Lead C&PI team Guide team work plans and ongoing monitoring, evaluation and learning Central coordination of communications and public information activities at SPC. Strategic advice and capacity building Promote collaboration to support campaigns and special events Guide monitoring, evaluation and learning from communication plans Oversee consistent use of SPC logo and visual identity Ongoing collaboration and coordination on joint campaigns and common issues Manage relationships with communication focal points within development partner organisations Drive development and evaluation of donor visibility plans in close cooperation with partners Meet formal visibility requirements Lead collaboration on communication activities in Page 8

9 Key internal and/or external contacts Nature of the contact most typical support of the partnership objectives Communications staff within Pacific Community member governments Media Collaboration as needed on updates for the SPC website, including cross-links to government sites Partnering with governments on online campaigns Oversee SPC s media relations to build and maintain strong working relationships with target media Manage media liaison during crises Level of Delegation: The position holder: - Manages operational budget totalling 550,000 CFP units and cost recovery initiatives - can authorise costs in own budget - Approval of communication strategies at SPC. - Approval of all SPC media releases - can sign standard letters on recruitment, conference centre operations and protocol. Person Specification: This section is designed to capture the expertise required for the role at the 100% fully effective level. (This does not necessarily reflect what the current jobholder has.) This may be a combination of knowledge / experience, qualifications or equivalent level of learning through experience or key skills, attributes or job specific competencies. Qualifications Essential: A Masters in journalism/marketing/communications or equivalent industry experience. Desirable: A Post Graduate qualification in management. Knowledge / Experience Essential: Desirable: At least ten years of work experience in corporate communications and/or communications for development. Demonstrated high level experience and measurable communications achievements in a variety of media outlets (such as broadcast media, print, public relations etc.) or other international organisations. Demonstrates expert knowledge and skills in media relations, communications, marketing and issues management. Demonstrated track record in development and implementation of strategies, provision of direction and consistent leadership in a changing environment. Page 9

10 Demonstrated track record in providing expert media and communications advice and leadership in a meaningful manner to variety of key stakeholders, particularly in relation to major events. Expert in reading and working within high-level political/international agendas across a complex matrix of stakeholder groups; exercises astute political judgement in situations that have major impact within/outside an organisation. Proven ability in practising and modelling highly developed communications skills, adapting style to suit the audience and situation; even in the most difficult situations, consistently leaves other parties with the message that they have been heard and understood; communicates complex ideas clearly, coherently, fluently and articulately, both verbally and in writing. Ability to successfully manage crisis issues. Sounds understanding of political processes, Highly skilled in delivering messages to influence both Internal and external audiences. Offers high credibility in the media industry. Ability to skilfully handle media briefings. Ability to provide expert media and communications Key Skills / Attributes / Job Specific Competencies The following levels would typically be expected for the 100% fully effective level: Expert level Advanced level Working Knowledge Awareness Key Behaviours All employees are measured against the following Key Behaviours as part of Performance Development: Change and Innovation Interpersonal Skills Teamwork Page 10

11 Promotion of Equity and Equality Judgement Building Individual Capacity CAPABILITIES PROFILE This position requires a person with the following capabilities: CHANGE MANAGEMENT Provides a clear and compelling overview of the Organisation; develops and implements strategies, providing direction and consistent leadership in changing environment. Recognises the likely implications of issues and change upon the range of stakeholders and the general public. Makes critical decisions confidently under pressure, and follows through with firmness of purpose in strategic action. Manages the communication and implementation of decisions to counter opposition and promote acceptance. Reduces complexity and ambiguity for people. Identifies and acts on organisational need requirements. POLITICAL AWARENESS Expert in reading and working within high-level political/international agendas across a complex matrix of stakeholder groups; exercises astute political judgement in situations that have major impact within/outside the Organisation. Understands the paradigm under which the Organisation currently operates. Knows how far to push given the political/financial constraints. Exercises tact and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and complex issues. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Practices and consistently models highly developed communications skills, adapting style to suit the audience and situation; even in the most difficult situations, consistently leaves other parties with the message that they have been heard and understood; communicates complex ideas clearly, coherently, fluently and articulately, bot verbally and in writing. Selects and adapts content, language and style to gain leverage with the audience and situation. Objective in difficult situations. Knows when and how to cut through timidity or confusion to communicate the essence of a situation or message. Delivers hard decisions and bad news clearly and responds constructively to the impact. Understands the importance and use of explicit and implicit messages to an audience. INITIATIVE Independently seizes appropriate opportunities; anticipates problems and takes initiative to implement necessary action to ensure results are achieved. Anticipates and prepares for specific opportunities or problems that may not be obvious to others. Proactively identifies and seizes opportunities to work towards successful outcomes at an inter-agency, region-wide or international level. COMMITMENT AND VALUES Page 11

12 Widely and actively promotes SPC s interest at all times, encouraging and empowering others to do the same; creates a new sense of shared commitment; sets an example by promoting and living the values of the Organisation. Champions the Organisation with staff and others. Promotes a culture that balances work and play, to which people can commit fully. Represents the organisation positively and with integrity to enhance its profile in a wide range of situations. Promotes the credibility of SPC through communicating a congruent view of the Organisation that people trust. Change to Job Description: From time to time it may be necessary to consider changes in the job description in response to the changing nature of our work environment including technological requirements or statutory changes. Such change may be initiated as necessary by the Director Corporate Services. This Job Description may be reviewed as part of the preparation for performance planning for the annual performance cycle. Approved: Manager/Supervisor Date Employee Date Page 12