Communications Officer Orbis International

JOB SUMMARY:

The Communications Officer supports Orbis Zambia Country Program contributes to the implementation of Orbis’s communications, marketing, and reporting initiatives in an effort to be recognized as the most trusted, inspiring partner in global ophthalmology.

The Communications Officer provides strategic, administrative, and logistical support across all Orbis Zambia projects and Orbis Zambia management and collaborates with the team to enhance Orbis’s impact in Zambia. Based in the Orbis Office in Lusaka or Ndola, they will travel regularly in Zambia and occasionally to other Orbis offices or other international locations.

REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Communications Officer reports to the Senior Programs Manager, receives guidance from the Country Director and other Orbis Senior Managers, and works closely with other members of the country program team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Lead the preparation of events and conferences, including supporting AV needs, creating signage, coordinating onsite photographers, and participating in design of print and digital informational and promotional materials.
• Support press/media initiatives by assisting in the creation and distribution of media materials, including press releases, fact sheets, talking points, photo selections, media lists, media monitoring reports, etc.
• Contribute to the production of print/digital PR tools and materials, including paid advertisements, sponsored content, marketing collateral (e.g., brochures, annual reports, etc.), TV spots, etc.
• Supports editorial works to documentation and development of IEC/BCC materials
• Assist in a full range of activities related to summarizing, proofreading, and transcribing programmatic reports to donors and partners.
• Support Orbis program work through the documentation of case stories
• Support interactions with consultants and vendors to ensure smooth production of IEC/BCC materials and other promotional products.
• Regularly update photo database with Orbis photography/video, captions, and keywords for internal and external use.
• Assist NY Communications team in updating and maintenance of Orbis Zambia website and intranet pages by providing updates as needed and directed by the team.
• Support staff members with brand identity inquiries, ensuring proper distribution and use of all logos, brand colors, and other brand assets.
• Support cost center managers in implementation and monitoring of communications and IEC/BCC related budget.
• Develop, compile and distribute the Orbis Zambia quarterly newsletter
• Create documents, presentations, and spreadsheets for Orbis Program leadership team as needed.
• Liaises with Embassies, other Government & Non-Government, and international organizations to build Orbis’s image/brand and promote its accomplishments.
• Performs other activities assigned by the supervisor.
• Liaise with global communications team and other colleagues across all offices to ensure proper management of all communications initiatives.
• Travel to different project locations in the Copperbelt, Northwestern Province, Eastern and Lusaka provinces, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Proficient in written and spoken English
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related field.
• Six years’ worth of work experience in a media and communications, marketing or public relations field is desirable.
• Formal experience working on an international team with irregular hours

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Superior written and oral communications skills.
• Keen attention to detail and organization.
• Able to both multitask and work independently amidst tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills
• Flexible, proactive, and hands-on work style.
• Resourceful and creative approach to problem-solving.
• Must be able to quickly turn around professional-quality PowerPoint presentations/slideshows
• Will use Microsoft Office 365, Skype for Business, SharePoint, Zoom
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or any other graphic design tools a plus
• Video editing skills a plus
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholder across different cultures and locations
• Proven time-management skills
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, domestically
• Authorization to work legally in Zambia