Communication Specialist - Right To Play

Right To Play is a global organisation that protects, educates and empowers children to rise above adversity using the power of play. By harnessing play, one of the most powerful and fundamental forces in a child’s life, we helped 2.3 million children last year to stay in school and out of work, to prevent life-threatening diseases and to stay safe from exploitation and abuse. We are the only global development organization focused exclusively on using play to transform the lives of children and youth impacted by poverty, war, disease and inequality.  

Established in 2000, Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and has operations in 22 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.   

With a shared passion for our mission, our Culture Code guides how we act and interact based on five core pillars:  

• Accept Everyone – Be intentional about inclusion  
• Make Things Happen – Seek opportunities to lead and innovate  
• Display Courage – Act with integrity  
• Demonstrate Care – Look after yourself and one another   
• Be Playful – Have fun at work    

Please visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do and watch this video to find out about the five pillars of our Culture Code.   

Job Description

• Department/Division: Coms
• Work Location: Accra, Ghana
• Work Arrangement: In-office 
• Authorized to work in: Ghana (Eligible to work legally without requiring sponsorship or work permit)
• Target Hiring Range: A gross salary of GHS 8000 – GHS 9000.00 per month  per month
• Target Start Date: Immediate
• Contract Duration: Full-time / Permanent / One (1)-year contract with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding
• Application Closing Date: Open until the position is filled

ROLE SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist reports directly to the Country Director (CD) or Head of Office (HOO) in the respective country and technically to the Communications Manager, Country Programs (HQ). The incumbent also works closely with and receives guidance from the Marketing and Communications Team at Right To Play’s Headquarters. 

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing the Country Office’s communication strategy, plan, and communications activities, which contribute to the organization's marketing and communications objectives. The Communications Specialist contributes to building and enhancing Right to Play's overall public image and brand awareness in the country through public outreach, media relations, and social media management.

The incumbent supports local advocacy and fundraising efforts and project success by creating effective advocacy and communications materials. The incumbent acts as a spokesperson for the organization when/where appropriate and supports with coordination and communication for events and visits from key stakeholders.

The Communications Specialist is an important part of the Global Communications Team. The incumbent contributes to Right To Play’s global fundraising and awareness efforts by collecting and developing multimedia content that communicates the impact of our programs on the lives of children and youth. The incumbent works closely with the Country Office’s Program Manager, and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Required Skills or Experience

WHAT YOU’LL BRING (ESSENTIAL)

EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field

EXPERIENCE

• 7 years experience with I/NGOs in the country of operation in a communications role.
• Experience with brand management
• Experience in media relations and managing social media accounts
• Experience developing communication plans and material.
• Experience creating high-quality written, photographic, and video content 
• Experience working with global colleagues
• Experience with graphic design
• Experience providing communications and brand training
• Experience being a spokesperson for an organization
• Experience managing building relationships with and managing external communications vendors 
• Experience in working according to child protection and child safeguarding best practices, especially with regards to photography and videography involving minors.

COMPETENCIES / PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence using these in a cross-cultural environment 
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal 
• Ability to proofread and ensure consistency and the highest quality of professional presentation in all communication products.
• A solid team player with respect for others 
• Ability to understand and motivate others 
• Proven ability in transferring knowledge and experience 
• Adaptable with the ability to deal with stress and competing priorities
• Demonstrated professionalism and positive attitude 
• Effective organization skills

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Strong Office 365 skills, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint 
• Experience with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms
• Experience with Canva

LANGUAGES

• Excellent in written and spoken English and local language(s). French is an advantage.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (An Asset)

• Experience in photography and videography (filming and editing)
• Demonstrated experience in networking 
• Fluent with standard photo and video editing software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro
• Understanding of human rights and social change issues 

WHO YOU ARE

• You are highly driven, results-oriented, collaborative and well-rounded leader with a passion for working with
• children and youth. You are an exceptional communicator with excellent networking skills. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET

The opportunity to collaborate with an innovative global team who are passionate about working with children and youth. You will gain experience working for a globally recognized organization with a healthy culture premised on our Culture Code (accept everyone, make things happen, display courage, demonstrate care and be playful). You will be immersed in an environment where learning and development is encouraged and valued, and “play” is appreciated as a core avenue to building community.

Competitive salary and benefits (e.g. Transportation allowance, medical insurance for staff, spouse and 3 children, life insurance cover and funeral cover for staff’s parents)

• Flexible work arrangements (e.g. work from home and flex hours) 
• 20 days annual leave
• Up to 3 personal days per year
• Up to 5 personal learning and development (L&D) days per year
• Maternity/paternity/parental leave top up and support
• Annual learning week
• Annual staff recognition awards
• Opportunity to connect with employees across our offices (Global Buddy Chat, Facebook Workplace)
• Opportunity to engage in global projects and initiatives
• Wellness programs
• Playful activities and events