In its December 2023 meeting, SWA’s Steering Committee decided that the communications services for the partnership should be provided through a partner organization and that an open call should be advertised among SWA partners in order to identify such a host. All applications will be reviewed by an independent Task Team that will present a recommendation to the SWA Steering Committee, which will take the final decision. Subsequently the chosen host organisation shall proceed with recruiting the necessary workforce to undertake the functions and deliverables needed to achieve the strategic communications goals of the partnership. The Communications Services will need to be provided by a capable partner with a demonstrated track record through at least two dedicated professionals whose key results areas are summarised as follows:
Chief of Advocacy, Influencing and Communications, who will lead and manage a team to design and coordinate effective, integrated advocacy, influencing and communication strategies.
This will include, while not being limited to, the following:
- Advise and assist the CEO and Steering Committee on the global positioning and strengthening of political will at the highest levels in support of SDG6 and SWA’s vision and objectives, and enhance the partnership’s credibility and positioning, through effective communications, influencing, advocacy and brand management.
- Lead the development and implementation of an influencing and communication strategy with clear priorities to promote water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as SWA globally.
- Support the Secretariat and SWA partners in ensuring consistent messaging across the partnership.
- Ensure the effective communication and visibility of SWA mandate through the use of integrated communication strategies (media relations, Global Leadership Council, publications, digital and social media), and innovative communication platforms.
- Ensure a systematic approach to anticipate and manage reputational risks to the organisation and its leadership, as well as act as SWA’s spokesperson when needed.
- Represent the partnership in external events as relevant.
- Create communication and media partnerships with international media educational institutions and development foundations and others to advocate for and enhance international understanding of development issues and in particular water, sanitation and hygiene issues.
- Work closely with counterparts within partner organisations and key stakeholders, including UN agencies and identify opportunities for collaboration on joint communication and advocacy initiatives.
Junior Communications Officer, who will support the communications team in a variety of tasks and projects. This will include, while not being limited to, the following:
- Provide day to day support to the Communications Chief on a variety of projects
- Create high-quality images, pitch decks, presentations, GIFs, logos and other branding materials
- Build video and animation products.
- Manage SWA ad CEO social media accounts, as well as the partnership’s website.
- Act as Project Manager for the Communications Team, as required.
Organisation specifications
Interested partner agencies are required to send their submission by February 16, 2024.
Submissions from interested Partner agencies will need to provide the information as summarized in the table (please see link below). Preference will be given to a host organization that has experience in preparing and hosting complex and high-risk events also attended by political leaders; has strong institutional systems and processes for financial and human resource management; can provide services from a hub that is cost-effective, easy to connect technologically and for transportation; and has experience in working with multiple stakeholders in different time zones and languages.