MANASO is a network of all INGOs, LNGOs and CBOs implementing HIV, TB and Malaria programs as mandated by Malawi Government National Strategic plans. It also coordinates CSOs in Global Fund grant application processes and implementation of activities. As a CSOs coordinator, it is responsible for capacity building, information sharing and resource mobilization.

In addition, it also links its affiliates to various local and international partners to access Technical and Financial support. MANASO now seeks to recruit capable individual for the position of:

COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVOCACY OFFICER

The Communications and Advocacy Officer will be responsible for developing, organizing and executing various activities to influence policy direction according to the scope of the programs, and specific results-oriented projects. S/he will carry out policy analysis and the writing of position statements of our organization for wider dissemination and sharing.

In liaison with Programs Manager and programs staff, s/he will be actively involved in networking, lobbying and representing the organization in a wide range of policy forums, conventions and media opportunities; and will integrate communication tools and channels in her/his work.

The incumbent will be reporting to the Programs Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND SPECIFIC TASKS

The communications and Advocacy Officer shall have the following responsibilities:

• Coordinate communication and advocacy-related interventions through active participation in strategic platforms in line with MANASO goals.
• Facilitate and guide MANASO institutional advocacy strategy and ensure effective implementation of such plans.
• Facilitate the development of joint advocacy strategies with associated networks, partners and other offices of our organization.
• Develop strategic partnerships with key actors to achieve organisational policy goals including visibility.
• Lead in organizing media outreach; arrangements of all media contacts, press briefings, and interviews; provide talking points and other materials as needed for senior staff; respond to media inquiries quickly and effectively.
• Coordinate production of a diverse range of Information Education and Communication (IEC) products including audio/visual communications, when needed to achieve specific policy goals and organisation visibility.
• Provide technical guidance on lobbying and advocacy.
• Ensure timely development of position papers, policy briefs, presentations and other advocacy materials and communication media.
• Identify key opportunities in the short and long term in which the organisation can influence policy processes.
• Advise technical staff and the management on meaningful engagement with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Support resource mobilization processes.
• Support and coordinate the relevant district and national policy processes and activities.
• Support the ED in drafting internal and external communications
• Promote MANASO branding and visibility

Competencies

• Proactive,
• Creative,
• Outspoken,
• Optimistic with interest in the organizational mandate,
• Passion for making a difference, with a preference for achieving outcomes in collaboration with others,
• Results-oriented and ability to ways to innovate and continuously improve communications products, practices, channels and messaging,
• Team Player and good facilitation skills.

Job Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as communications, humanities, or public relations and those with a Master’s degree will have an added advantage.
• At least 3 -5 years of working experience in policy analysis, lobby and advocacy.
• Demonstrable experience and achievements working in and advocating towards multi-stakeholder platforms and processes;
• Track record in policy analysis, writing and editing articles, website content, reports and press releases;
• Ability to quickly understand and absorb new topics, issues and disciplines and distill relevant advocacy strategies from them;
• Experience in stakeholder mapping and strategizing according to policy objectives of different projects;
• Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and vernacular.

How to apply

Send your cover letter and well-detailed Curriculum Vitae with at least three professional traceable referees to [email protected] quoting the relevant job reference as a subject line.

The closing date for receiving applications is 17th March, 2023.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note: MANASO offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, HIV status or disability.