Introduction

Large mixed migration movements continue to top the global political agenda, as reflected in the 2016 UN New York Declaration, and remain at the forefront of concerns, discussions and collaboration across the multilateral system and beyond. These movements create considerable challenges for countries of first asylum, transit and destination, as well as countries of origin, including through impact on socio-economic environments, such as labour markets of host countries, particularly where these may have already been under pressure and there is high unemployment. The majority of refugee populations are hosted by low- and middle-income countries. As displacement has become increasingly protracted, responses are becoming more focused on durable solutions to support more dignified, inclusive and comprehensive programmes for refugees and the communities that host them to facilitate self-reliance and empowerment and strengthen social cohesion. It is paralleled by regional and country-level efforts in several areas, including in the Middle East and North Africa region and in the Horn of Africa.

In this context, the Government of the Netherlands in 2019 launched a new partnership initiative - the PROSPECTS Partnership Programme (hereinafter referred to as the “programme”) – built on the combined strengths, experience and values of specific development and humanitarian organizations to develop a new paradigm in responding to forced displacement crises. The partners include: the Government of the Netherlands, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the ILO, the UNHCR, UNICEF and the World Bank. The programme aims to help transform the way governments and other stakeholders, including the private sector, respond to forced displacement crises – and in particular:

• to enhance the enabling environment for the socio-economic inclusion of forcibly displaced persons (to mitigate their plight during years of exile and to best prepare them for their return);
• to enhance access to education and child protection for vulnerable children on the move; and
• to strengthen the resilience of host communities through inclusive socio-economic development that also benefits forcibly displaced persons.

Currently in its second phase, the programme is grounded on results-based and country-led approaches (“bottom up”) in two identified regions: MENA, including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, and the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Sudan. It aims to accelerate efforts to find sustainable solutions for countries confronted with large influxes of refugees. It also aims to develop and implement evidence-based solutions, tailored to each context – as well as to test, and learn from, innovative operational solutions, including improving the availability, collection and use of data and evidence.

ILO’s overall vision within the programme is to strengthen decent work in countries impacted by forced displacement to mitigate stress factors at all levels and support inclusive socio-economic enablers for access to labour markets and empowerment of host communities and of forcibly displaced populations. In Uganda, the PROSPECTS Partnership is targeting the refugee-hosting districts of Arua, Madi-Okollo, Terego, Isingiro and Kampala.

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The ILO is seeking to hire a Sr. Communications Officer who will lead delivery of the PROSPECTS communications function in Uganda. The role is responsible for planning and producing timely, high quality, visual and digital communications that increase visibility of results for forcibly displaced persons and host communities, with particular focus on field-based storytelling, mobile first multimedia production (photo and short video), and effective use of digital platforms, including the ILO PROSPECTS Uganda webpage and social media channels. All outputs must be fully aligned with the PROSPECTS Uganda communications approach, donor visibility requirements, and ILO communications guidelines.

The Senior Communications Officer will work in close coordination with the PROSPECTS Communications Officer based in Geneva and communications colleagues at Country Office, Regional Office (ROAF) and HQ levels to ensure that editorial, publications, branding and safeguarding guidance is followed. The incumbent will be based in Kampala and will support implementation of all communications and visibility activities of the programme, including developing and executing the ILO PROSPECTS communications plan for Uganda and producing regular digital and visual content from project locations.

The role is expected to deliver a steady flow of communication outputs without relying primarily on outsourcing for routine photography, short video production and basic graphic design.

The incumbent will be based in Kampala, Uganda and facilitate and support the implementation of all communication and visibility activities of the programme, including implementation of the ILO-PROSPECTS communication strategy and plan. The National Programme Coordinator (Communication) will closely work with all project staff and, external collaborators and partners with regard to communication issues. In particular, the assignment will focus on increasing visibility of the programme, ILO and the donor in its activities.

Reporting lines

The incumbent will be under the direct supervision of the CTA of the PROSPECTS Partnership Programme for Uganda and under the overall responsibility of the Director of the ILO Country Office for the United Republic of Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda (CO Dar es Salaam).

For communications deliverables, the incumbent will receive technical guidance from:

• The PROSPECTS Communications Officer based in Geneva (editorial direction, PROSPECTS global visibility standards and donor visibility requirements),
• The ILO communications function at CO Dar es Salaam and ROAF Abidjan (ILO brand alignment, editorial standards, publishing workflows, and digital content quality),
• Relevant HQ departments as needed,

The incumbent will coordinate closely with communications focal points of PROSPECTS partners in Uganda (UNHCR, UNICEF, IFC, World Bank) to ensure complementarity and coherence.

Description of Duties

• Identify communication and information needs and priorities and provide strategic technical guidance to the PROSPECTS team on the most effective communication approaches, tools, and products to convey key messages and engage diverse target audiences.
• Develop and implement a communications strategy (audiences, key messages, channels, content calendar, KPIs) aligned with inter-agency efforts and the ILO global communications strategy. Suggest new innovative platforms and tools for communication.
• Produce and lead high-quality multimedia content with PROSPECTS key messages, including human-interest and impact stories.
• Undertake field visits to refugee settlements, host communities and project sites to capture and document progress along the different PROSPECTS components, using :

a. photo stories (edited, captioned, consent-managed),
b. short vertical videos for social media (basic mobile editing),
c. simple graphics/visual explainers using templates (e.g., Canva or similar).

• Manage digital dissemination of content in coordination with the project team and ILO communications focal points (web/social), including packaging assets for partners (UNICEF/UNHCR) when appropriate.
• Maintain and compile PROSPECTS library for photos and audio-visual o the programmes’ activities (photos/videos with captions, credits, consent records, dates/locations, partner visibility notes) following ILO guidance.
• Track and report communications performance (basic analytics on reach/engagement, content outputs produced, learning and improvements).
• Oversee the procurement, contracting, and management of communications partners including individual consultants (excolls) and firms, to produce multimedia content, ensuring quality execution and strategic alignment. Monitor performance and provide guidance to ensure impact and effectiveness.
• Engage national and international media by leveraging established media contacts and maintaining a comprehensive database, ensuring timely dissemination of media kits and press releases, and coordinating high-impact engagement activities such as training workshops, media breakfasts, mini press conferences, radio spots, and television appearances, all in close consultation with the country and global team, to align with strategic communication objectives.
• Provide communications guidance and capacity-building to ILO PROSPECTS staff and partners through physical and online trainings and guidance materials - enhancing their capacity to effectively communicate their contributions and successes within the PROSPECTS framework.
• Review partners’ communications materials to ensure consistency with the ILO PROSPECTS brand. Ensure proper coordination and alignment with other UN partners’ communication teams
• Commission, research, write, edit and/or translate from/to the local language audience-specific communication and information products; including website materials, news releases, comment pieces, feature stories, fact sheets, brochures, talking points and speeches that communicate persuasive, evidence-based and solution-oriented messages. .
• As part of ILO/CO-Dar Es Salaam, provide inputs and feedback as requested to the drafting of communication materials in accordance with the strategic priorities established by the Country Office, Regional Office and headquarters.
• In collaboration with the M&E officer, identify, document and disseminate lessons learned and led on knowledge management activities within the ILO and PROSPECTS Partnership.
• Participate in the preparation and conduct conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions and consultative meetings. Undertake missions to project sites if required.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/ or the Country Office Director.

Required qualifications

Education

Education: Advanced university degree in relevant field of study, including Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Information Management, social sciences, public administration or any other related field. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least three years of relevant professional experience in the field and familiarity of refugee and displacement policies and responses would be an advantage.

Demonstrated experience producing digital and visual communications content (photography, short-form video, and social media content) for programmes, campaigns, or community/youth initiatives. Experience working with youth-led storytelling and community-based content creation in displacement or humanitarian-development contexts is an asset.

Familiarity with ILO policies, technical programmes and procedures, including experience working with the United Nations, Ministries of Labour, Education and other ministries, departments and agencies, would be an advantage, as would experience of working in crisis settings.

Languages

Excellent command of English and working knowledge of at least one local language from the PROSPECTS target locations in Uganda.

Competencies

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and demonstrate gender-sensitive, non-discriminatory behaviour.
• Integrity, accountability, and ability to meet commitments within time, cost, and quality standards.
• Strong drafting, reporting, and communication skills.
• Established and verifiable media contacts at national and/or international level, with ability to leverage these networks for advocacy and visibility.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use digital communication and social media tools to plan, produce, publish and monitor content.
• Familiarity with managing organizational social media platforms (such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and similar channels),
• Proven ability to produce visual and digital communications content, including:
• Photography in field settings (composition, lighting basics, captioning, ethical/consent-aware documentation),
• Short-form video recording and basic editing using a smartphone and/or simple online tools (e.g., trimming, subtitles, audio levels, export for social media),
• Creation of simple graphics using templates (e.g., Canva or similar),
• Writing social media-ready captions and packaging content for web/social dissemination.
• Ability to translate technical project work into clear, human-centred stories that resonate with youth, women, host communities and forcibly displaced persons.
• Solid understanding of digital safeguarding, consent, privacy and ethical storytelling (especially with minors and vulnerable groups).
• Ability to work with branding/visibility requirements and produce content that is partner-appropriate (ILO, Government of Netherlands/PROSPECTS).
• Basic understanding of digital analytics (engagement, reach, audience growth) and using insights to improve content.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), graphics design software (Canva, Adobe CC), basic video editing apps, and podcast/audio software.
• Experience initiating and implementing youth-led socio-economic initiatives.
• Strategic thinking and ability to provide policy advice.
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to synthesize research using qualitative and quantitative methods and present evidence-based proposals.
• Capacity to promote knowledge sharing and learning culture.
• Adaptability to cultural and gender differences and displaced contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to support development cooperation programmes with ILO constituents, youth-led organizations, media entities, NGOs, and negotiate with governments and partners.
• Resilience and flexibility in changing work environments.