Communications Officer

Knowledge & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.
  
• At least three years’ experience in communications/visibility within the international development or humanitarian sector.
  
• Strong understanding of the Uganda context; experience working in the refugee response is an added advantage.
  
• Proven writing and editing skills in English, including the ability to produce clear, accurate and audience-appropriate content.
  
• Experience producing and managing digital content, including basic photo/video capture and editing, and maintaining content archives.
  
• Experience using AdobeInDesign, Canva or other design softwares.
  

General

• Develop and implement a project communications and visibility plan in line with ZOA Uganda and donor branding/visibility requirements.
  
• Produce high-quality content (stories, captions, case studies, fact sheets, briefs, articles) for reports, web and social media, ensuring informed consent and safeguarding considerations.
  
• Capture and edit photos and short videos from field activities; maintain an organised digital archive with metadata, permissions and usage notes.
  
• Support management and programme teams with key messages, presentations, talking points and communication products for internal and external engagements.
  

Partner oversight

• Support partners to understand and apply project visibility guidelines and donor/ZOA branding requirements.
  
• Maintain regular liaison with partner organisations to plan joint communications, collect content and ensure consistent documentation of results.
  
• Build partner capacity in communications through trainings and mentorship.
  

Reporting

• Provide communications inputs to implementation plans, monthly/quarterly reports and donor reports, as required.
  
• Identify, document and package lessons learned and good practices in close collaboration with programme and MEAL colleagues.
  
• Produce and/or support the production of success stories and case studies that meet donor and ZOA quality standards (including consent, accuracy and respectful language).
  

Representation and coordination

• Participate in relevant coordination and technical working group meetings when communications/visibility inputs are required.
  
• Coordinate with district stakeholders and partners (e.g., Local Government, OPM, UNHCR, INGOs/NGOs) to support visibility and dissemination of results, in line with agreed protocols.
  

Procurement and finance

• Initiate timely purchase requisitions for communications and visibility goods and services, in line with ZOA procedures.
  
• Support procurement of visibility materials (e.g., banners, branded items, prints) by providing specifications and ensuring correct branding.
  

Accountability

• Promote awareness of ZOA Uganda’s feedback and complaints mechanisms among communities, partners and other stakeholders, using appropriate communication channels.
  
• Ensure feedback and complaints received through communications activities (including media/social media) are documented and referred through the correct reporting and response procedures.
  
• Apply ZOA’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies and promote a “Do No Harm” approach in all communications, including safe and dignified representation of programme participants.