Vacancy: Communications Specialist

Job Description

KEY JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

[1]  Corporate Branding  

•  Drive brand management, quality control, and coordination for all corporate communications in respect of branding including promotional materials, outdoor signage, directional signs, exhibition booths, event, and venue branding, etc.


• Use principles and elements of corporate brand identity to promote the development of the brand promisE 


• Anticipate brand identity needs and develop key corporate brand attributes


• Develop corporate image/brand standards and utilize brand standards in corporate branding 


• Propose publication guidelines and graphic standards and utilize these to promote the brand


• Apply approved plan to support position the WAPCo brand in the market and execute plans to  attain and maintain the  desired reputation of the WAPCo brand 


• Design and review branding materials to align with the company’s image standards and implement strategies for the company’s image and reputation management.

[2]  Image and Reputation Building/Management 

• Assess the general brand perception of the company through research and develop strategies to build and maintain the brand reputation.


•  Monitor and participate in online social networking, blogging, and other online media to build and manage WAPCo’s corporate image and reputation. 


• Track and analyze the company’s online reputation using online monitoring tools such meltwater, google analytics, etc.


• Propose strategies to build the company’s online reputation, plan and organize activities to build the Company’s online reputation. Propose and implement strategies to create and develop online platforms to build the company’s online reputation. 


•  Monitor/analyze media stories, including digital reports on the company, and assess implications on the company’s reputation.


• Develop advertising plans and strategies and embark on an approved advertising campaign to build and manage the company’s image and reputation.


• Design and coordinate media campaigns, advertising, and all kinds of PR visibility in print, online and social media to build and manage the company’s image and reputation. 

 [3]   Issues Management and Media Relations 

• Monitor public opinion, identify and propose solutions for the management of issues likely to impact the company’s operations and/or image.


• Handle field Communications and media relations activities, and ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and guidelines in Ghana and Nigeria.


• Develop and maintain relationships with key local media in Ghana and Nigeria including arranging interviews and visits and developing proactive strategies to achieve positive media coverage.


• Identify, collect and generate ‘good news' stories for internal and external use and for internal and corporate campaigns on particular themes (for example, WAPCo’s contribution to social developments, improving access to energy, regional integration, etc.)


• Carry out daily media review and report all information related to the energy sector and/or likely to impact the companies in Ghana and Nigeria.


• Monitor developments in the news media as they relate to WAPCo in Ghana and Nigeria, and recommend strategies to address media reports on WAPCo and its activities.


• Develop and maintain relationships with the media, including bloggers, influencers, print, electronic and digital outlets. 


• Coordinate appropriate responses to all inquiries from external bodies including the media, and ensure communication of correct information to the various publics and promote other external communication activities in the two countries.


• Handle field Communications and media relations activities, and ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and guidelines in Ghana and Togo


• Propose and execute media sponsorship opportunities and plan and execute media engagement activities.


• Develop media monitoring strategies, use media monitoring tools to monitor media campaigns, reports and produce regular media monitoring reports with analysis and recommendations.


• Develop Social media engagement strategies and plan and execute social media engagement activities.


• Proactively address issues that might have an adverse impact on the company’s image and reputation.


• Establish relationships with key individuals and groups in the media to promote greater awareness and understanding of WAPCo’s operations. ; Develop communication messages/materials and identify the most appropriate media/channels to deliver messages targeted at defined audiences and achieve corporate communication objectives. 

 [4] Public Relations / Corporate Communication  

• Acquire and maintain a detailed knowledge of the company’s policies, principles, and strategies, and keep up-to-date with relevant developments.


• Research and write press releases, and content for the company website, infographics, blogs, and newsletters.


• Develop and implement a communication strategy that includes media outreach and social media content creation.


• Evaluate communication campaigns, manage internal communication channels/tools such as newsletters, intranet posts, staff durbars, etc.


• Execute corporate internal and external communication plans in the two countries.


• Engage internal channels to promote Public relations activities.


• Develop and disseminate public relations materials that increase our visibility among key stakeholders.


• Propose and implement communication strategies for engagement of internal and external channels.


• Develop communication channels for crisis management, make recommendations to address early warning signals, and develop a communication plan for crisis management.


• Draw and implement strategies to rebuild an organization’s image after a crisis.


• Create a clear and comprehensive research document that provides a basis for decision-making and option generation.


• Build positive relationships with key media to the enhancement of the company’s image and reputation.


• Communicate clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner, all relevant information to the public 

[5]  Content Development and Management

• Design and produce media content for the appropriate audience and appropriate media. Prepare media packs, including photos and videos as required.


• Adhere to and ensure adherence to the company’s style guide/brand standards and ensure that high-quality and error-free copy is produced.


• Take quality photos and videos for the corporate directory, calendars, website, and digital media and for use in all other corporate communications and publications.


• Engage in communication research and work with key contacts to develop news releases, media response statements, key messages regarding the business as well as the development of communications tools such as newsletters, printed content, speeches, videos, photographs, etc. to promote a positive image of WAPCo.


• Provide creative support for internal and external communication efforts including print publications, websites, electronic communication, community engagement, media, and video productions. 

[6]  Event Planning and Management

• Plan and manage corporate events to promote the company and its operations.


• Identify the risks and issues associated with corporate events and propose mitigation measures.


• Direct and control the content derived from the corporate events and ensure timely generation and dissemination of reports/articles.


• Setup, update, and monitor approved calendar of events; Coordinate the planning and management of internal events such as staff durbars, staff monthly parties, end-of-year parties, send-off parties, etc., in Ghana and Nigeria.


• Support key external events e.g. major stakeholder meetings and sensitization workshops, media briefings, commissioning activities, etc.; Ensure video and still photo records of corporate events and manage corporate photo library (hard copy and electronic).


• Develop scope and plan for corporate events, determine required resources for events, prepare event logistics, plan and budget within approved resources.

[7]  Finance, Contract, and Procurement 

• Procure all public relations and brand-related items and materials for WAPCo and promote corporate image in line with the company’s procurement policies and procedures.


• Manage vendor relations and procurement contracts in line with the company’s policies and procedures.

 [8]   Digital Communications (Digital Public Relations)

• Set up and manage the organization's digital media presence including social media platforms.


• Develop and manage internal and external websites in line with communication policy, company standards, and best practices.


• Select and utilize appropriate content management systems for managing external and internal websites.


• Develop website management plan and strategies for periodic content re-design.


• Analyze external website performance utilizing online tools such as google analytics; analyze audience needs to develop content for internal and external websites.


• Exercise awareness of job requirements and expectations for the management of WAPCo’s external and internal websites and manage the websites without external assistance.


• Review and provide timely updates for WAPCo’s external and internal websites; maintain and update section on company’s activities in respect of Ghana and Nigeria. Support to establish key communication points answer frequently asked questions, respond to emails inquiries, etc. for all digital platforms.


• Develop social media strategy and propose appropriate social media platforms suitable for the organization.


• Draw up social media engagement plan and ensure that social media activities conform with the company’s image reputation policy.


• Support develop a crisis plan to manage issues.


• Select the appropriate content type meant for each social media platform and use the appropriate tools to analyze social media performance. Use audience insight to create and develop content strategies for social media.


• Develop social media campaigns when required; create digital ads and Electronic Public Relations  (EPRs) campaigns for WAPCo and select appropriate platforms for digital ads and EPRs campaigns. Create and maintain positive relationships with EPRs platform owners.


• Build and maintain positive relationships with influencers and use influencers to enhance WAPCo’s image. 

 

[9] Reporting and Documentation Duties

• Ensure all documentation generated by the Unit is regularly filed and updated on SharePoint/Livelink.


• Participate in departmental meetings and help set goals and evaluation techniques to assess the effectiveness of the work of the department.


• Generate and submit media reports, assessments, and recommendations; monthly budgeting reports, and all other reports as required.


• Educate WAPCo employees and management (as appropriate) on laws, policies, and procedures related to external and media relations in Ghana and Nigeria, and provide/coordinate media training for relevant personnel. 

Required Skills or Experience

 Academic/Educational Qualifications

• A first degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field, with a minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience.


• A member of a professional Communication or Public Relations institution in Ghana would be an advantage

Knowledge

• Understanding of social media and solid experience working with bloggers.


• Fluent in English with a working knowledge of French.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Content writing experience for all media platforms.