Pathfinder Overview

Pathfinder International is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems in developing countries to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent. Our work ensures millions of women, men, and young people are able to choose their own paths forward.

Communications Officer

Kampala, Uganda

Summary: The purpose of this position to provide support to the communication function for the FPA project as well as the Pathfinder Uganda office. This will include enforcing branding and marketing guidelines, Managing social media platforms, development, and production of communication materials like photography, videography and support during project and Pathfinder Uganda Country Office events. Additionally, incumbents will be expected to work with the SBCC and M&E team to identify, research and develop high quality success stories which will be used by donors, Pathfinder Uganda and project staff to produce a quarterly e-Newsletter amongst other communication materials.

Key Job Outcomes: 

• Publications and Communication Materials:
  • Produce monthly internal bulletin with updates on all Pathfinder Uganda programs, as well as information from other departments.
  • Develop and disseminate quarterly FPA newsletter for staff, beneficiaries, key stakeholders and donors.
  • Cultivate stories and draft content for FPA and Pathfinder Uganda program publications, including newsletters, case studies, learning series, technical briefs and , and special reports.
  • The Communications officer will be responsible for drafting content: setting up interviews with other FPA team staff members, partners,  clients and beneficiaries, traveling into the field on a regular basis, developing interview questions, interviewing clients to collect stories, drafting stories using quotes/audio/notes taken and submitting finalized work, with photos (sometimes video) to the Communications Manager.
  • Research, draft, and update information related to Pathfinder Uganda’s projects; impact, trends and achievements on the Pathfinder Uganda Country page on I-share.
  • Respond to immediate requests from SMT for updates on programs and or events.
  • Take lead designing and printing of Information Education Communication (IEC) materials like T-shirts and other project giveaways.
• Organizational learning & Media Relations
  • Organize and manage Pathfinder Uganda’s document library, ensuring that all publications are well organized, up to date and accessible for program staff use and reference.
  • Will maintain strong relationships with all FPA teams and check in on a weekly basis for story leads, suggestions.
  • Provide assistance managing and evaluating mainstream and social media platforms as and when requested, including international communication platforms like I-Share. Conduct media monitoring on issues related specifically to FPA and alert headquarters to relevant stories.
  • Update the internal staff website/I-Share SharePoint platform with new content, especially new staff bios and stories of interest, photos from Pathfinder Uganda events, etc.
• Branding and Marketing
  • Take lead to ensure that all FPA supported facilities, equipment, offices and vehicles are correctly branded and marked in line with donor requirements.
• PR and Media Relations
  • Support the COP to develop and implement an effective PR strategy, an annual PR plan which will be updated and monitored monthly.
  • Work with the COP to develop and implement a Crisis Management Strategy.
  • Development and implementation of PR campaigns to improve coverage of pathfinder’s work, success stories etc… Including working with the communications manager to the organize media launches, briefings, photo calls and press conferences.
  • Writing editorials when needed to support Pathfinder Uganda and FPA’s events programs- targeting sector specific press relative to the theme of the event.
  • Participate in USAID IPs comm’s meetings

Minimally Required Job-Specific Competencies:

• Excellent writing skills (in English) are imperative to this position. Writing with a US-based population in mind will be required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (English fluency required).
• Applicants with photography and/or videography skills preferred. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite software is also a plus.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, especially geared towards a US based audience.
• Experience with popular social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).

Minimally Required Organizational Competencies: 

• A strong interest in the mission of Pathfinder International.
• Excellent interviewing skills, and communication skills in speaking, transcribing, contacting and following up with Pathfinder Uganda project clients.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidate will need to be a self-starter, someone who can manage their time and tasks independently and responsibly.

Required Education, Training and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, etc.). Degrees in human rights or international affairs will also be considered.
• A minimum of five years of experience in a related communications position.