Communications Officer

Position Description

Here you’ll make a difference

Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights development organisation, making a difference to children’s lives in more than 100 countries. From emergency relief to long-term development, Save the Children secures a child’s right to health, education, and protection. At Save the Children, we attract bright and big-hearted people who are inspired to make a difference. Together, we are fearless in our pursuit of making lasting change for the children and communities who need it most. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), Save the Children implements programs in the sectors of health and nutrition, education, child protection, child rights governance, and livelihoods.

Save the Children in Papua New Guinea (SCiPNG) is committed to be a platform for transformative and lasting change for children their families, and their communities. SCiPNG prides itself in being a child safe organization. For more information, please visit: www.savethechildren.org.au.

Here your skills will be valued - Role Purpose

The Communications Officer plays a key role in delivering Save the Children’s voice and visibility in PNG. Reporting to the Advocacy and Partnerships Manager, this role works closely with the program team, Advocacy, Communications, Campaigns and Media (ACCM) Team, and the regional team members to produce high-quality communications materials, facilitate media and digital engagement, and support implementation of advocacy campaigns and initiatives. Through storytelling, strong brand compliance, and effective coordination with internal and external stakeholders, the Communications Officer helps ensure Save the Children’s work and impact are clearly communicated to the public, partners, and donors.

Based in Port Moresby, you will play a hands-on role in delivering Save the Children in PNG’s communications activities. You will work with the program quality and operations field teams to capture stories, images, and content, support social media and media engagement, and ensure communications materials meet organisational and donor requirements. Your work will help ensure children’s voices are heard and that Save the Children’s impact is clearly communicated to the public, partners, and donors.

Working contacts

Internal: Advocacy and Partnerships Manager, Program Design and Quality team members, program managers, project leads, and various implementation team members, advisors, visitors, communication and advocacy teams from the regional office and member countries.

External: Media/influencers, consultants, civil society, service providers, government, local authorities, and development partners (local and international).

Key Areas of Accountability

Communications (External)

• With the Advocacy and Partnerships Manager, support the development and implementation of the PNG Advocacy, Communications, Campaigns and Media (ACCM) Strategy and Plan, including the development of photos, messaging, fact sheets and multimedia products for Save the Children’s key public audience.
• Support project managers and technical advisors (PNG and regional) identify and document stories of change and case studies, success stories that communicate the impact of our work and for use in media work and for quality reporting purposes.
• Prepare draft Communications Plans to support project deliverables.
• Support dissemination of relevant real-time humanitarian and development situational reports/materials.
• Ensure the Save the Children brand and donor requirements are understood, and fulfilled, by program and field staff.
• Train key staff on communications and media and support the Country Director and Senior Management team in their roles as the Save the Children in PNG designated spokespersons.
• Assist with and draft other external targeted products on an ad hoc basis as necessary and requested by the supervisor.

Communications (Internal)

• Compile and draft Save the Children’s country reports, sit reps, policy advocacy tools with thematic advisors and project managers as required.
• Draft content and layout of creative promotional materials where possible including liaising with Pacific Communications Lead and SCA Marketing Team.
• Draft the development of a communications calendar capturing priorities of actions and products for the PNG Country Office.
• Manage internal communications content documentation – including archiving, uploading on content hub, website and other platforms.

Media

• Assist with media and social medial strategy and guidelines to guide the engagement of Save the Children in PNG office.
• Where necessary, lead on identifying media opportunities and facilitate messaging and dissemination of information and actions required.
• Guide on media relations through establishing strong relationships with media that can help advance children’s rights at policy and program levels.
• Ensure all media actions undertaken in country are compliant with Save the Children’s communications and branding standards.
• Draft media briefings, talking points, Q&As, press releases and media statements based on programmatic and advocacy priorities identified by thematic technical advisors.

General

• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policies, procedures, work instructions and training, including all reporting requirements and processes.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Be aware of, document and manage the risks associated with the program activities, operations and workplaces, ensuring appropriate elimination or mitigation measures are applied.
• Any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Health, Safety, Security and Risk Management

• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policy, procedure, work instructions and training. Act safely at all times, including complying with all safety instructions and training given at the workplace.
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Lead and promote a culture of strong governance promoting employee health, safety and security and operational risk management.
• Ensure safety and security of staff and equipment during implementation of advocacy and communication activities.
• Be aware of, and consider, the risks associated with one’s daily work and apply appropriate mitigation measures in line with Save the Children’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure staff have completed all required training and have up-to-date background and working with children checks.
• Lead and promote a culture of strong governance promoting employee health, safety and security and operational risk management.

• Ensure safety and security of staff and equipment during implementation of advocacy and communication activities.

CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGURDING REQUIREMENTS

• Maintain a child safe environment at the workplace and safeguard children’s rights, acting in the best interests of children at all times.
• Comply with the Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct and child safeguarding and protection policies and standards (click here to view further details).
• Demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour towards children in both your private and professional life.
• Never abuse the position of trust that comes with working at Save the Children.
• Always maintain a safe and positive relationship when working with children and young people.
• Respond to any concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child in a program in accordance with internal reporting processes.

All roles at Save the Children contribute to our impact for children.

At Save the Children, every role, whether in our programs or support services, plays a vital part in our impact for children. We are committed to creating a positive impact on the lives of children and their communities. We value the contributions of every team member in achieving this vision.

Person Specification

Mandatory Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as policy, international development, international relations, public relations, strategic communications, media, journalism or a related field
• At least three (3) years of progressive work experience in advocacy, communications, media or international development.
• Proven experience in communications, media, or public engagement within government, civil society, or international development contexts.
• Experience influencing opinions and managing multiple social media and online platforms.
• Strong skills in developing communications content including stories, photos, social media, publications, or multimedia materials for diverse audiences.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively with program teams and external partners, translating programme information into clear, engaging, and accurate messages.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and follow approval processes.
• Fluency in English and Tok Pisin.
• Ability to think strategically, plan, prioritise, and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment; must be culturally sensitive.
• Exhibit a strong work ethic; ability to effectively plan and manage own time under pressure.
• High level of attention to detail and quality.
• Willing and able to travel widely in country to support field teams.
• Commitment to Save the Children’s values, including children’s rights, ethical storytelling, localisation, and child safeguarding principles.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING

This position may require the post holder to have regular contact with children or access to children and young people either frequently or intensively. S/he may have access to children directly through their data or direct visits. The holder will undergo police checking and vetting for their suitability to work with children.