Job purpose
–    To provide ICT-enabled communications, information sharing and networking support to the Youth Forum
–    To promote the visibility of the organization’s work

Duration of contract: 15 months
Information and Communications officer will report to the National CoordinatorJob purpose
–    To provide ICT-enabled communications, information sharing and networking support to the Youth Forum
–    To promote the visibility of the organization’s workDuties
–    Coordinate the development of the Youth Forum’s Communications strategy for increased visibility and impact
–    Write and support members to write media advisories, press releases, backgrounders, letters to the editor and opinion articles, and pitch these materials to targeted audiences
–    Coordinate responses to media requests, write and coordinate the production of the Youth Forum’s communication materials
–    Edit, proofread and publish Youth Forum publications, including reports, booklets, info sheets, Q&A documents, and briefing papers
–    Promote Youth Forum profile, knowledge, interventions and products through a range of social and other media forms in order to provide a base for implementation of strategy and plans
–    Build a growing bank of applied knowledge in online tools, online campaigning, and other online supporter engagement strategies
–    Manage, design, and evaluate usability and impact of the Youth Forum website with a bias towards Youth Forum members through involving them in the organisation’s campaign work
–    Establish and maintain online platforms to engage with Youth Forum members, networks and spheres of influence
–    Making information relevant and accessible to members -Provide effective rapid response to unplanned situations through having an influential online presence via our website, blogs and other relevant online spaces
–    Advise the organization on public interest issues, strengthen and grow our stakeholders’ base as well as Youth Forum’s influence in public discourse
–    Integrate standardized data capture of activities in community organizing and other forms on offline communications activities
–    Contribute to Youth Forum mass mobilization planning, implementation and ongoing evaluation and provide regular update to relevant senior staff
–    Assist in drafting M& E protocolQualifications
–    Academic Degree in communication or similar
–    Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
–    Confident user of all Microsoft Office applications, databases and web management
–    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (orally and in writing), ability to write in a range of styles, precision and ability to be self-organized within a complex team
–    Confident manner when acting externally
–    Ability and willingness to work independently and as part of a team
–    Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks and produce good quality work within tight time constraints
–    A quick learner with a positive attitude is ideally suited to this position
–    Experience in grant proposal writing
–    Clean class 4 drivers licence will be an added advantage

Selection criteria
Please address the following selection criteria in no more than three pages.

1: Highly developed writing, editing, interpersonal skills and proactive communication
2: Demonstrated ability in grant and funding proposal writing skills
3: Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of political dynamics and the situation of youth in Zimbabwe.
4: Demonstrated ability of ICT-based information and communications skills.
5: Ability to work effectively autonomously and as a member of a small team and contribute to further development of the service.
6: Excellent oral and written communication skills.

To apply
Please send a covering letter describing your interest, qualifications, salary requirements, traceable references and all official documents including your CV to Youth Forum, at:youthforumzim@yahoo.co.uk or drop your application at: Youth Forum Zimbabwe, 7th Floor FBC House, 113 L. Takawira Street, Harare.
Application deadline: 5 July 2013
Only short listed candidates will be contacted

The Information and Communications officer