Communications Specialist at UNCDF

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) promotes innovative "last mile" finance models that unlock public and private resources, particularly at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF is the Fund Manager and implementing partner for the Clean Cooking Solutions Project (CookFund), a key component of the Integrated Approach to Sustainable Cooking Solutions (IASCS), funded by the European Union Delegation in Tanzania.

The CookFund Programme collaborates with key government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Energy (MoE), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT), and the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS) Agency. It aims to advance Tanzania's climate change commitments by increasing access to sustainable cooking solutions, improving public health, creating jobs, and promoting environmental sustainability.

To raise awareness and facilitate advocacy, UNCDF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, will launch a nationwide clean cooking awareness campaign targeting diverse audiences across Tanzania.

Key Objectives of the Campaign

1. Raise Awareness: Highlight the health, environmental, and economic benefits of clean cooking solutions.
2. Promote Adoption: Encourage the use of clean cooking technologies, especially among rural households.
3. Engage Stakeholders: Foster collaboration among government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and private sector actors.
4. Support SDGs: Build public understanding of clean cooking’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, climate, and energy.

Position Overview

Title: National Expert – Communications Specialist
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Duration: 6 months
Supervisor: CookFund Manager

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy Development and Planning (50%)

• Design and implement a comprehensive national communication strategy for the campaign.
• Create impactful messages tailored to diverse audiences, highlighting health, environmental, and economic benefits.
• Develop campaign materials, including radio spots, TV ads, social media content, brochures, and posters.
• Identify and engage key stakeholders, influencers, and media partners.
• Coordinate grassroots outreach to effectively reach rural and underserved communities.

2. Campaign Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement (25%)

• Establish and maintain relationships with media outlets and partners for enhanced campaign visibility.
• Lead execution of campaign activities to maximize outreach and engagement.
• Organize events, workshops, and community forums to promote clean cooking solutions.
• Integrate traditional and digital media strategies to ensure comprehensive audience coverage.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (25%)

• Develop indicators to monitor and evaluate campaign performance.
• Prepare monthly progress reports and a final evaluation report summarizing outcomes and lessons learned.
• Provide training to partners on effective communication strategies and campaign management.

Results and Deliverables

• A comprehensive communication strategy and action plan (within the first month).
• High-quality campaign materials across various platforms (radio, TV, digital, print).
• Monthly progress reports tracking activities, results, and adjustments.
• Final evaluation report summarizing the campaign’s impact and insights.

Eligibility and Requirements

Age: 18–80

Nationality: Must be a national or legal resident of Tanzania

Required Experience

• Experience: Minimum 7 years in communication, media relations, and public outreach.
• Focus Areas: Public health, environmental sustainability, or renewable energy sectors.
• Campaign Management: Proven track record in managing large-scale national campaigns.
• Media Relations: Demonstrated experience working with diverse media outlets, particularly in rural areas.
• Digital Expertise: Proficiency in managing multi-platform campaigns, including social media.

Languages

• English: Fluent (Required)
• Swahili: Fluent (Desirable)

Education

• Level: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Fields: Communications, Media and Public Relations, Social Studies, Community Development, Clean Energy, or related areas.

Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Skills

• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Advanced communication and writing skills in English and Kiswahili.
• Strong stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Knowledge of clean cooking solutions is an advantage.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and analytics.

Areas of Expertise

• Administration
• Communication
• Community Development