Job Summary / Job Statement:

The job holder is to increase the ability of the MRC to effectively communicate and consult with key stakeholders and partners (general public, media, development partners, NGOs and others). S/he maintains good internal communication on key issues, and informs the external audiences, in particular through the media, to raises awareness about the activities of the MRC in the region and internationally. S/he supports the development of MRC policies and strategies for international cooperation and public relations and ensures those policies and strategies are effectively implemented.

Main tasks and responsibilities: 

Under the management direction of the CEO and technical guidance of the Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer, the incumbent performs the following duties:

• Work primarily on press and media relations, responding to media queries, drafting press releases, preparing FAOs and press kits, organising press conferences, arranging media interviews with the senior management and experts, monitoring and analysing media trends and opportunities, and acting as spokesperson;
• Support public relations, assisting Communication Officer (Outreach) in responding to public queries, engaging with civil society, technical institutions and donors, organising outreach events for the public and engaging in public speaking;
• Formulate the organisation’s communication strategy including crisis communication, develops annual work plans and implement communication campaigns in close consultation with the MRC’s leadership and the Chief Strategy & Partnership officer, in order to foster the positive image of the organisation to win the public support;
• Provide communication support to the MRC’s substantive organs, including the Council, the Joint Committee, and the Secretariat’s divisions and teams, and closely work with the National Mekong Committees;
• Lead the in-house communication/media activities and the production of knowledge-based information materials for public dissemination;
• Draft texts for articles on MRC news and events, web and social media-contents and other public information materials such as brochures, infographics, and newsletters;
• Take photos and/or video footages on MRC activities for public information and archiving;
• Oversee the production of multimedia products, conceptualising storylines for audio-visual materials and supervising the work of photography and videography consultants;
• Closely work with Web/Graphic Designer to ensure the MRC websites, social media platforms and publications’ graphics are well designed and user-friendly;
• Support fund-raising and public campaigns to secure funds for the organization;
• Lead the establishment of work relationships with the key stakeholders, including government agencies, media, NGOs, civil society, researchers and other interested members of the general public;
• Provide strategic communication advice to the senior management as well as the member countries;
• Lead the capacity building of the National Mekong Committees in communication work;
• Support all divisions in copy-editing of technical reports for communication purposes;
• Support the divisions in the preparation of communication products;
• Support M&E Specialist in the preparation of the Mid-year and Annual Report;
• Support the Chief strategy & partnership officer with communication with development partners and related tasks;

• Assist in proofreading and fact-checking the organization's online newsletters;

Perform other relevant tasks as required.

Scope of Authority: 

a) Supervision requirements: The position does not require any formal supervisory responsibilities.

b) Level of autonomy: Decision making follows defined procedures. The position does not administer a budget, yet has responsibility for ensuring the financial accountability of MRC.

c) Level of problem solving required: Problem solving skill is expected and the incumbent must display sensitivity, initiative and creativity.

d) Level and type of communications required: Communications are wide, within and outside the organisation, and require considerable oral and written skills. 

Qualification requirements:

Competencies:

Remuneration:

The remuneration package, subject to change, includes (i) annual net base salary exempt from tax by Lao authorities, starting at US$ 33,440 (M-11, step I);  (ii) MRC’s contribution to staff member’s Provident Fund of 14% of basic salary upon completion of 3 years in service; (iii) Contribution of MRC to Health and Accident insurances (on shared basis with employee); (iv) other entitlements and benefits such as dependency allowance, 6 weeks’ annual vacation; sick leave, maternity leave etc. 

Non-resident staff members receive an additional (i) 7% of basic salary for Post Adjustment allowance; (ii) 7% of basic salary for Hardship allowance; (iii) Rental subsidy of 40% of the rent rate up to maximum of US$ 6,000 annual; (iv) Education Grant of 75% of max. expense of US$ 13,000; (v) Travel cost and Shipment expenses on assignment and upon separation; (vi) other entitlements and benefits such as Relocation Grant allowance, Home Leave Travel, Education Grant Travel, etc.  

The duration of the assignment of MRC Riparian Professional Staff is up to maximum 6 years according to 1995 Mekong Agreement and Procedural Rules. 

THE MRCS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO APPOINT A CANDIDATE AT A LEVEL LOWER THAN THE ADVERTIZED LEVEL OF THE POST. 

The Terms of Reference and other information can be obtained from the MRC website http://www.mrcmekong.org/working-with-mrc/employment/ and https://www.facebook.com/Mekong-River-Commission-165798426775632/timeline/. MRC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

The application should be sent to:

Mekong River Commission
Office of the Secretariat in Vientiane (OSV)
P.O. Box 6101, 184 Fa Ngoum Road
Vientiane 01000, Lao PDR
Email: mrcs@mrcmekong.org

Closing date for applications:  12 December 2017