Communications Officer , University of Cape Town

Communications Officer

Collaborative Adaptation Research in Africa & Asia (CARIAA)

(This is a contract position ending December 2018)

African Climate and Development Iniative (ACDI)

Faculty of Science

Applications are invited for the post of Communications Officer for the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI).  The ACDI is a strategic initiative at UCT that coordinates and enhances research and teaching in climate and development across departments and faculties.  From Jan 2014 to Dec 2018, ACDI will be leading a multi-partner, CAD$ 13.5 Million research project, ASSAR (Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions).  ASSAR is a part of a larger multi-consortium research programme, CARIAA (Collaborative Adaptation Research in Africa and Asia) funded by IDRC and DFID.

The main role of the Communications Officer is to act as a focal point and coordinator of all internal and external communications activities related to the ASSAR project under the direction of the ASSAR Consortium Research Manager and the ACDI Director (who is the ASSAR project PI).

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of communication including information management, website management, editorial duties (writing, editing, quality control and assurance), coordinating and disseminating research knowledge products, maintaining an effective internal data storage and retrieval system and maximising the outreach and uptake of research outputs of the project.

Minimum qualifications:

• Honours degree either (i) in a subject related to climate change or (ii) in communication and/or marketing

Requirements:

• (i) An Honours degree in climate change related subject, a minimum of 4 years’ communications and marketing experience; OR  (ii) An Honours degree in communications and/or marketing, a minimum of 4 years’ experience working on topics closely related climate change and development.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective communications strategies
• Experience in writing and editing complex and high quality documents for a wide range of audiences, from semi-professional to non-expert
• Ability to review, analyse and synthesise long and detailed information for specific target audiences including project teams, donors, the wider research and practitioner community, policy makers and international scientific community
• Experience in knowledge management principles and digital communications including online knowledge sharing platforms and emerging technologies
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to deliver on multiple priorities
• Advanced computer literacy including MS Office suite, web content management, social media tools and graphic and/or publishing software
• Willingness and flexibility to frequently travel in Africa and Asia.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Advantageous Experience and Skills

• Previous direct experience in climate change research communication management
• Good knowledge of development issues in semi-arid regions in Africa and Asia
• Familiarity with a tertiary education environment
• Project management skills applied in a research environment
• Written and oral communication in French

Enquiries about this post should be directed to Professor Mark New at mark.new@uct.ac.za

The annual remuneration package for 2014, including benefits, is between R426 312 and R501 531.

To apply, please e-mail the completed UCT Application form (HR201) and all other relevant documentation as indicated on the form with the subject line “Communications Officer - ACDI”,followed by the reference number SR018/14 to Ms Edith Graham at recruitment04@uct.ac.za

• The application form can be downloaded at http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/hr201.doc
• An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.    
• Interviews are provisionally scheduled for the 17th June 2014.

Address:   Staff Recruitment and Selection, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700

Telephone:  +27 21 650 5405                                    Departmental website:http://www.acdi.uct.ac.za

Reference number: SR018/14                       Closing date:  26th May 2014

UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at

http://www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf

UCT reserves the right not to appoint