Communication Adviser

PLACE OF VOLUNTEERING: Kigali, RWANDA

DURATION: 3 months

DESIRED START DATE: As soon as possible

THE CLE PROGRAM

This mandate is part of the Competencies, Leadership, Education Volunteer Cooperation Program (CLE Program) implemented by a consortium composed of the Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie, Éducation internationale and the Fédération des cégeps and funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The CLE Program started in 2020 and will run until 2027 in 6 countries (Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo). The program aims to increase the economic and social well-being of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations, particularly girls and women, by improving the quality of basic and secondary education and vocational and technical training (TVET). To achieve this, the CLE Program intends to strengthen the capacity of some 40 partners to implement quality education initiatives and services that are more inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable, and that advance gender equality.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MANDATE

A mandate for a public communication advisor is available in Rwanda (Kigali) at the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), specifically with the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB). The RTB was created under the aegis of the Ministry of Education to be at the forefront of all efforts to promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Its mission is therefore to promote quality education aimed at accelerating the socio-economic development of the country.

As an accountable public institution, the RTB often has to take a position or publicly disclose or announce information. The institution is therefore seeking to train a small group of its staff to get the knowledge and tools to carry out effective communications. As such, the RTB will be supported to increase the reach and influence of its public communications, including in the media.

Depending on the needs and without being limited to what is mentioned, the advisor will have the following responsibilities:

• Supporting the development of internal communication mechanisms that help the efficient flow of information;
• Conduct training sessions for the RTB communication team on different aspects of public communication:

1. Organizing and holding a press conference;
2. Conducting effective interviews;
3. Developing and delivering strong speeches, adapted to different audiences;
4. Media relations management;
5. Proper usage of media channels for the institution, including the website;
6. Other topics identified as needing reinforcement.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Degree in communication, journalism or any other relevant field;
• Experience in public communication and media relations;
• Knowledge and experience in the field of education or public institution communication (an asset);
• Knowledge of and experience in participatory approach;
• Professional experience in a developing country (an asset);
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken;
• Functional command of French, as the program documentation and training are conducted in French;
• Good intercultural communication skills.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
• Meet the country of assignment’s requirements in relation to COVID-19;
• Successfully complete the criminal background analysis procedures;
• Meet the criteria to complete visa procedures to reside and work in the country of intervention;
• Be in good physical and mental health and able to work in difficult conditions (supporting medical examination report);
• Adhere to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.

CONDITIONS OFFERED

• Mandate as a short-term voluntary cooperating person;
• Living allowance adapted to the cost of living;
• Medical insurance;
• Certain pre-term medical expenses;
• A complete training process.