About the OECS
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an inter-governmental organisation dedicated to economic harmonisation and integration, protection of human and legal rights, and the encouragement of good governance among independent and non-independent countries in the Eastern Caribbean. Under the Treaty of Basseterre (RTB, 1981) and now The Revised RTB (2010), Member States agree to cooperate with each other and promote unity and solidarity, including participation by Protocol Members in an Economic Union. Read More…
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Head- Communications Unit the Communications Specialist is a technical expert who leads the visibility, awareness, and education objectives of the OECS Commission. Guided by the OECS Communications Policy and other branding guidelines of the OECS Commission and partner agencies, the Communications Specialist will support the implementation of the OECS Commission’s Communication Strategy and unit and the development and implementation of specific unit and project Communication plans. The Communications Specialist will seek to deliver results by developing OECS content for international, regional, and national channels across media, print, radio, television and online, targeting various audiences.
Working closely with the Webmaster, Multimedia Production Specialist and Graphics Artist, articles and multi-media content will be populated on the OECS Website and prepared for mass dissemination. The role will contribute to the coordination and facilitation of the Organisation’s mandates under the Revised Treaty of Basseterre.
More specifically, the Communications Specialist will be expected to:
- Support the development and implementation of Communications plans that drive the implementation of the organisation’s Communications Strategy and Strategic Priorities;
- Prepare official communication documents including communiques and media reports for the OECS Authority and Ministerial meetings.
- Work closely with individual units and projects, the graphics artist, and the Multimedia Production Specialist to elicit and develop content for the OECS e-newsletter and email marketing campaigns.
- Oversee or carryout the design, production, distribution and dissemination of communications and public awareness/knowledge products/materials associated with the implementation of activities undertaken under relevant programmes or projects;
- Coordinate and carry out the publication and/or distribution of information/knowledge documents (newsletters, brochures, press releases and other public awareness materials) through traditional and postmodern channels associated with the promotion of the goals of the programmes and projects and in support of the various activities undertaken;
- Review and edit content of communications materials to ensure content meets established communications standards and guidelines before publication;
- Lead in the planning and delivery of engagement activities such as media sensitization sessions, exhibitions, tours, demonstrations, school campaigns and other grassroots events;
- Provide communications expertise and execution support to units and projects as needed;
- Facilitate mobilization in for strategic initiatives in communities and Member States;
- Develop, maintain, and leverage constructive and durable relationships with key media, journalists, stakeholder contacts and complementary initiatives;
- Manage reports, decisions, and results of the organisation in relation to established goals related to Communications;
- Support the facilitation of dialogue among stakeholders and staff participation in public relation activities;
- Implement branding guidelines for the management and safeguarding of the Commission’s marks such as its Intellectual Property;
- Support the development and implementation of the Communications Unit’s Annual Work Plan;
- Grasp complex development and advocacy issues to develop compelling, newsworthy, politically sensitive articles, feature stories, press releases, statements, opinion pieces and multi-media content on a tight deadline;
- Engage with (and contribute to) campaign strategies, and maintain a good understanding of the political nuances associated with effective messaging;
- Develop strategic press briefings and organise media conferences;
- Record events using digital photography and videography;
- Perform other related duties as may be required by the Head of Communications.
Experience and Knowledge:
- A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field.
- A minimum of five (5) years proven experience in development communications, content writing, implementing communication plans, creation and implementation of digital marketing strategies and creative social media campaigns.
- Knowledge of branding, communication guidelines and policies of international lending institutions (such as the European Union and the World Bank).
- Strong knowledge of user experience principles, social media platforms, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media optimisation (SMO) principles, traffic monitoring tools, and digital marketing best practices across website, social media, and email marketing.
- Experience in researching and analyzing trends in media, social media and web technologies.
- Excellent writing skills with a high proficiency in grammar.
- Ability to manage social media.
- Ability to operate audiovisual (AV) equipment including cameras and microphones;
- Ability to write quickly and concisely on a broad range of complex issues.
- Demonstrated competence and knowledge of principles, practices and procedures governing Communications.
- Knowledge of copyright rules and regulations governing Communications.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with tight, sometimes conflicting deadlines.
- Creative and detail-oriented team player at all levels able to collaborate with units and other functional partners.
- Strong interpersonal skills as duties will entail working with a diverse number of people including leadership, executives, development partners, (i.e.: digital marketing agencies, web developers, political leaders, government officials, students, and everyday citizens.
- Proficiency in French and Kweyol.
- Keen understanding and knowledge of regional integration and regional matters.
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
Terms of Appointment
Job Location
The OECS Commission is headquartered in Castries, Saint Lucia. The position of Communications Specialist is open to nationals of OECS Member States and is stationed at the OECS Commission headquarters.
All nationals of the OECS Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, The British Virgin Islands, Martinique, and Guadeloupe are encouraged to apply.
Benefits
The position is on a fixed-term establishment. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and exempt from income taxes. In addition to the basic salary, this post attracts allowances.
The incumbent will be eligible for membership in the Organisation’s non-contributory Group Health and Life Insurance Scheme.
The deadline for all submissions is Friday 5th January 2024.
Only applications under consideration will be acknowledged.
