Communication Officer

Background
The Asia Regional Biodiversity Conservation Program (ARBCP) is a USAID-funded project implemented by Winrock International in the Greater Mekong Subregion and headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam. ARBCP has been active since 2005. ARBCP will increase its activities during Fiscal Year 2010 focusing on four broad objectives: (a) consolidate policy and field activities in Vietnam, in anticipation of scaling up across the nation and a formally-legislated policy in the post-2010 period; (b) support Cambodia and Lao PDR’s requests for technical assistance and policy advice to develop their own national Payment for Environmental Services (PES) policies, and work with partners to initiate pilot activities on the ground in those countries; (c) build capacities to implement reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) programs in Mekong countries; and (d) strengthen cooperation and exchange of lessons learned with key regional platforms, including the Asian Development Banks’ Biodiversity Corridors Initiative, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, UNESCAP, and regional REDD efforts.

Position Description
The Communications Officer will provide external communications and public relations support to the ARBCP, as well
as develop and maintain internal communication systems and procedures as required.
Main Responsibilities

External communications and public relations
- Produce high quality communications materials, including press releases, news and magazine articles, newsletters, technical reports, updated website information, brochures, etc.;
- Build and maintain relationships with national, regional and international media agencies and independent journalists to ensure quality media coverage of key ARBCP activities;
- Coordinate with USAID and ARBCP partners events and media opportunities;
- Assist with ARBCP events including study tours, regional meetings, and national-level activities in our partner countries; and,
- Establish appropriate information-sharing relationships with other NGOs, government agencies and academic institutions in the region.

Internal communications
- Establish effective systems for management of communications materials (e.g. photographs, publications, reports);
- Work with Winrock International HQ and USAID/RDMA to ensure ARBCP communications products developed according to the branding and marking requirements; and
- Assist ARBCP technical managers with report editing, document preparation, and arrange translation when required; and,
- Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills
Vietnamese national with a University degree in a related field with excellent English and Vietnamese language skills and at least 3 years of work experience in a similar position with an international organization, or NGO. In addition, candidates with the following competencies are preferred:
- Previous work experience in the environment/development sector
- Experience working with or in the media or other communication field
- Knowledge of media networks, knowledge/information management
- Excellent communication skills, including excellent written and spoken English
- Excellent computer skills
   
Location
This position will be based in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, but will require extensive travel. The Communications Officer must be available and able to travel to other Southeast Asian countries.

Duration
This position will be implemented for approximately one year (October 1, 2009 – September 25, 2010)

Reporting Lines
The Program Officer will report to the Chief of Party/Deputy Chief of Party of ARBCP

Applications:
Applicants should send current resume and cover letter by October 15th, 2009 to: [email protected].
Please indicate in your letter (in English) the position of applying and why you are interested in the position.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please do not contact by phone.

Job Details
Organisation Name: 
Winrock International
Location: 
Ha Noi
Application Deadline: 
Thu, 2009-10-15