JOB SUMMARY:

The incumbent is required to contribute to the achievement of the communications targets of the Ministry/Department and assist in monitoring their implementation. Duties include coordinating media relations strategies, producing and disseminating materials for communicating information about the Ministry/Department and its services; coordinating the content of the intranet or external website and the production of a quarterly newsletter; disseminating reports and publications; and maintain an updated database of contacts and an effective communication system within the Ministry/ Department. Depending on work assignment, the incumbent will be required to perform duties in one or more of the Communications functional areas.

REPORTS TO: Senior Communications Officer/designated officer

SUPERVISION GIVEN TO: N/A

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy and Measurement

• Assists in tracking developments in the Ministry/Department’s sector nationally and globally.
• Participates in the design, organisation and implementation of a creative and effective Marketing/Communications Strategy, including content management for the Ministry/Department’s digital media and that it is adequately integrated into the Ministry/Department’s Operations.
• Participates in the preparation and execution of programmes geared towards educating and informing the Public.
• Conducts research and utilizes other data in the analysis and evaluation of information for the preparation of policy documents, briefs, working papers and presentations.
• Assists with relevant research including but not limited to the conduct of interviews to determine the success and outreach of Information Programmes and initiates corrective action as appropriate.
• Assists in identifying stakeholders needs and proposes relevant engagement strategies.
• Liaises with Media Services to monitor print and electronic media to keep the Ministry/Department informed of developments within the Communications environment.
• Interprets HR policies and procedures to assist clients with queries and concerns.
• Prepares communications reports, Cabinet/Ministerial Notes, Internal notes and other documents.

  Product and Events

• Develops and implements marketing, media placement and distribution strategies for the Ministry/Department
• Assists in the production of literature formats such as booklets, posters, brochures for public outreach and sensitization.
• Assists in the development of information and activities such as health and wellness, safety awareness and other cultural and workplace enhancing projects.
• Performs day-to-day management of the intranet site through the use of a Content Management System, including design, content and technical functions, to ensure that it is useful for staff and that content is up-to-date, accurate and consistent with the Brand Identity Guide.
• Develops and manages internal communication activities involving, engaging, and informing all employees, utilising appropriate communication tools.
• Prepares, develops, writes and edits content for the intranet, staff newsletter, team briefings, notice boards and other internal communications channels, as well as for project briefs.
• Maintains and regularly updates a detailed calendar of events or Forward Diary for the Ministry/ Department.

Media and Advertising

• Develops a Media Strategy for each announcement, launch or significant media event.
• Organises and manages press, radio and television interviews.
• Writes a variety of communications (e.g. press releases, personal interest stories, newsletters, etc.) for the purpose of keeping the media and public informed of the activities of the Ministry/Department.
• Coordinates collateral completion, printing, and distribution to selected media representatives.
• Drafts appropriate responses to adverse publicity.
• Undertakes research on current digital media technology and marketing and communications trends to improve Ministry/Department communications.
• Monitors national, regional and international news to identify evolving trends and opinions which may impact the work of the Ministry/Department.
• Monitors media scanning databases and redirects any issues to the relevant authorities.
• Provides media summaries and alerts on breaking news.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Performs protocol duties for the Ministry/Department in accordance with established standards to ensure appropriate etiquette is used in interactions with individuals such as dignitaries and officials.
• Assists in identifying stakeholders’ needs and proposes relevant engagement strategies.
• Contributes to the implementation of stakeholder engagement strategies including citizen
  engagement and events management.
• Develops, manages and controls procedures for all internal and external correspondence.
• Researches and assembles information for members of the public.
• Distributes relevant educational material on the activities of the Ministry/Department.
• Creates and updates a database/directory of stakeholders’ contact information, profiles and services.
• Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of current theories and practices in communications research, planning and strategy, and the role of mass media.
• Knowledge of media issues, social marketing theory and practice, communications strategies and implementation and behavioural sciences.
• Knowledge of marketing, stakeholder engagement, citizen engagement, public relations, advertising, promotion and other communications methods.
• Knowledge of modern techniques of news gathering and release.
• Knowledge of key Government policies, National Development Strategies, and
  priorities
• Some knowledge of the Constitution of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago;
• Some knowledge of the organisational structure of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago;
• Knowledge of modern techniques of news gathering/event management.
• Knowledge of protocol procedures

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Skills in project implementation
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, HTML, wiki-mark-ups, and Adobe Photoshop CS5.
• Skill in the use of personal computers.
• Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.
• Ability to use the internet for research purposes.
• Ability to plan and organize, and supervise the work of support staff.
• Ability to communicate at a high-level, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, members of the media and the public.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in Communications or Public Relations, preferably in the Public Sector.
• Training as evidenced by a recognised University Degree in Communications Studies or a related discipline.
• Any suitable combination of experience and training.