Public Relations/Translation Coordinator - NIAMEY, NIGER
For Multi-Year Assistance Program (MYAP) to Niger

Background and Scope of the Position:

Chronic and transitory vulnerability to food insecurity continues to threaten the livelihoods of Nigériens as a result of inadequate physical and economic access to food and the inability to utilize food properly. In addition, regular crises such as drought, locust attacks, and epidemics impede development initiatives. The UNDP’s 2005 Human Development Index (HDI) ranks Niger as one of the poorest countries in the world.  With 63% of all Nigériens living below the poverty line and 41% suffering from malnutrition, USAID classifies Niger as a Low Income Food Deficit Country, and a USAID Title II priority country.

Three international PVOs including Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, Inc. (CARE), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Helen Keller International (HKI), have been awarded a new consortium-led Title II Multi-Year Assistance Proposal (MYAP).  This project complements the Government of Niger’s 2002 Poverty Reduction Strategy and is designed to build upon previous experience and consolidate the interventions already undertaken in Dosso, Tahoua, and Zinder regions under prior funding for USAID Food for Peace. The FY07-11 project uses a development relief methodology to support Niger’s development while helping households recover from the recent food and nutrition crisis. The FY07-11 MYAP helps increase food availability, access, and utilization, as well as reduces risk and vulnerability. The integrated approach addresses food insecurity through activities in agriculture, health & nutrition, and emergency prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response. The objectives of the project are as follows:

1. To protect and enhance livelihoods improving conditions for increased agriculture production and improved agro-enterprise: working with producers to adopt improved agriculture and natural resources management techniques, and to transform and market their products.
2. To protect and enhance human capabilities by improving household health and nutrition status, especially that of children under five and women of childbearing age, by increasing access to basic health care, enhancing the quality of Government of Niger’s health and nutrition coverage, and improving household health and nutrition behaviors.
3. To protect and enhance communities’ resilience by improving their abilities to identify and respond to crises; establishing or reinforcing existing community systems to monitor, alert, and respond to crises; reducing risks by fostering good governance; and improving communities’ abilities to overcome crises.

To take advantage of the consolidated approach and the resources within the three PVOs, the project needs to be well coordinated.  Clear communication of expectations, goals, and progress are key considerations for the Consortium Coordinating Body (CCB).

Key Responsibilities:

The Public Relations/Translator Coordinator will work under the supervision of HKI as part of the CCB, based in Niamey, Niger.  He/She will be responsible for:

• The establishment, management and maintenance of fruitful relations between the consortium (CARE, CRS, HKI) and its stakeholders (donors, Government of Niger, U.S. Mission, local communities, etc.).
• Preparing and implementing a public relations & marketing plan (outlining objectives to be accomplished, how we want to be perceived, the key messages and important facts that need to be shared and evaluation procedures and indicators).  Specific elements of a plan may be handled internally or accessed from reputable agencies, in accordance with the coordinated view of the board of directors.
• Preparing and organizing promotional communications of the program (brochures, pamphlets, videos, press conferences, article in journals, etc.). 
• Facilitating meetings, workshops, trainings sessions, etc.
• Writing speeches and other communications documents related to the consortium.
• Strengthening the capacity of all the consortium workers in communication and social marketing.
• Assisting the PVOs to document and publish/present interesting programmatic findings and lessons related to MYAP. Sharing information across PVOs, stakeholders and expanding lessons learned to other countries in the sub-Saharan region. In collaboration with HKI regional information technology advisor, maintaining the technical information in related sections of HKI and the West African Health Organization web sites.
• Acting as the translator of all the CCB’s documents.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The position does not have direct supervisory responsibility, but does assist the CCB Coordinator with planning, assigning, and directing work related to the implementation of the project and the dissemination of the outcomes. This individual will report to the HKI Country Director in Niger.

Qualifications:

• At least a Master’s Degree in Communication or Public Relations; or related field; with a focus on food security and health/nutrition. At least 3 years of experience implementing public relations activities, including, ideally, some experience in emergency settings.
• Strong track record in undertaking and supporting information collection, analysis and report and article writing, including publication in variable channels.
• Excellent technical skills in food security, HIV/AIDS, public health and nutrition programs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Ability to undertake extensive field travel.
• Communication and language skills:
  • Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with external contacts, as well as internal colleagues.
  • English and French fluency, both oral and written. Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex documents, and to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management and public groups.
• Demonstrated knowledge on the application of information technology in the MYAP program areas. Knowledge of various software to be able to prepare presentations and other work documents.
• Demonstrated ability in managing complex international operations.

Duration and Conditions:

HKI anticipates filling the position as soon as possible. The contract will be for 2 years; renewable.  Salary and benefits offered are in line with international NGOs.

How to Apply:

• Interested candidates should submit: (1) cover letter; (2) current curriculum vitae in English; (3) a short writing sample (2-3 pages) in English and in French. All correspondence should include physical and e-mail addresses as well as contact telephone number(s).
• Email applications are preferred and should be sent to: brakia@hki.org and brakia@hki.ne, with a copy to mknieriemen@hki.org and to Human Resources at hkihr@hki.org.  Please note MYAP NIGER in the subject line.
• Applications sent by mail should be forwarded to: Mme RAKIA BA, Helen Keller International - Niger, PO Box 11 728 Niamey, Niger, N0 97 Rue Issa Beri 067.
• Applications should be received by July 15, 2008. The position will be kept open until suitable candidates are identified. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.