Job Title: Principal Communications Officer (Salary Grade ZSA04/K)
(1Position)
A Job Purpose
To promote a positive image of the Agency, to lead the development, implementation, and coordination of an organization’s communication and public relations strategies to enhance its image, promote stakeholder engagement, and ensure effective dissemination of information to the public, media, government, development partners, and other key stakeholders. The officer will provide strategic guidance on corporate communications, branding, media relations, and reputation management in support of the institution’s mandate and objectives. The officer will also undertake public relations functions in order to keep the stakeholders, media and the public informed and enhance the image of the Agency.
B The job holder will perform the following functions:
i. Develop and implement corporate communication and public relations strategies.
ii. Develop and implement communication strategies and plans aligned with the organization’s overall goals
iii. Manage media relations and coordinate press briefings, interviews, and public statements.
iv. Oversee effective dissemination of publications, reports, and statistical information.
v. Manage the organization’s brand identity and reputation to strengthen Corporate image
vi. Coordinate stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns.
vii. Provide communication support during major surveys, censuses, and events.
viii. Supervise Dissemination and communication staff and ensure effective performance management.
ix. Manage digital communication platforms, including websites and social media.
x. Prepare communication plans, speeches, newsletters, and other corporate publications.
xi. Organise statistics publicity shows and forums to enhance visibility and awareness
xii. Coordinate and manage preparatory activities of exhibition shows
xiii. Monitor and evaluates media coverage and advise management on communication risks and opportunities.
xiv. Ensures effectively the documentation of media reports, videos, publications and magazines/brochures for future reference and retrieval
xv. Develop Communication Content and promotional materials
xvi. Undertake timely the production of promotional materials in order to promote statistical awareness
xvii. Dissemination strategies:Organizes effectively PR events in order to facilitate information sharing
C. Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
i. Grade 12 School Certificateor its equivalent with five (5) O levels
ii. Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations, Media and Journalism Studies, Communication and Media Studies, or equivalent
iii. Must be a member of Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication.
iv. Master’s Degree in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
v. Eight Years (8) experience of which three (3) years must be at supervisory level
D. Desired Knowledge
i. Corporate Communications and Public Relations
ii. Media Relations
iii. Strategic Communication
iv. Stakeholder Engagement
v. Digital Communication
vi. Writing and Editorial Skills
vii. Research and Communication Analytics
viii. Government and Institutional Communication
ix. Legal and Ethical Frameworks
x. Project and Event Management
xi. Use of infographics, data visualization, and statistical storytelling
xii. Statistical literacy and data communication techniques.
xiii. Knowledge of the National Statistical System (NSS).
xiv. Statistical confidentiality and data protection requirements.
xv. Communication of complex statistical information to diverse audiences.
xvi. National, regional, and international statistical frameworks and standards.
E. Desired Competences and Personal Attributes
i. Result oriented
ii. Integrity and confidentiality;
iii. Problem-Solving Skills
iv. Stakeholder engagement & diplomacy
v. Strategic Leadership and Management;
vi. Media and Public Relations Management
vii. Media and Public Relations Management
viii. Planning and Organizing
ix. Communication, Interpersonal and Advocacy Skills
x. Risk and change management,
xi. Project and risk management