TERMS of REFERENCE (Tor)

POSITION DESCRIPTION Communications Officer, Coordination Unit Gender Equality Network (Formerly the Women's Protection Technical Working Group)

Position Title: Communications Officer (National Position) Base: Yangon, with occasional travel as required Reports to: Senior Coordinator, Coordination Unit, Gender Equality Network (GEN) Duration: 1 year appointment, with the likelihood of extension based on funding

Background

The Gender Equality Network (formerly the Women's Protection Technical Working Group) is an active inter- agency network, comprising approximately 60 national and international NGOs, UN agencies, civil society networks and technical resource persons. A Steering Committee comprising up to twelve members guides and facilitates the effective functioning and strategic direction of the network. The Gender Equality Network works collaboratively with key stakeholders to promote gender equality and women’s protection throughout Myanmar.

The Gender Equality Network is a member-driven network, and views the active participation of its members as key to its work. The network meets on a monthly basis to discuss ongoing initiatives and emerging issues related to gender and women’s rights, and specific Working Groups are formed to carry forward particular tasks and initiatives.

Recent activities supported by the GEN include:  Support to the Department of Social Welfare to develop the draft National Strategic Plan for the Advancement of Women 2012 - 2021 (NSPAW)  Development of a Briefing Paper ‘Myanmar Laws and CEDAW: The Case for a Women’s Protection Law’  Launch of the research ‘If Given a Chance - Women’s Participation in Public Life in Myanmar’  Seminars on ‘Gender Budgeting’, ‘The Gender Impacts of Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar’ and ‘Promoting Women's Participation in Local Government - the Bangladeshi Experience’  The Women’s Speaker’s Event

Formed in May 2008 to respond to issues faced by women in areas affected by Cyclone Nargis, the group now has a broader mandate - both geographically and by taking a more comprehensive approach to gender equality and women’s empowerment throughout Myanmar. The key objectives of GEN focus on: Laws, Policies, Rights and Governance; Social Practices and Cultural Norms; Women’s Participation in Leadership and Public Life; Gender-Based Violence; and Gender Equality Network Strengthening.

GEN has established a Coordination Unit, in which the Communications Officer plays a key role. The role of the Coordination Unit is to assist GEN with the development, coordination, administration and implementation of gender and women's protection-related initiatives.

Job Purpose

The Communications Officer supports the internal and external communication of information between Gender Equality Network members and key stakeholders such as government staff, donors, working groups, civil society

1 6 April 2012 actors, the media and the business community. The Communications Officer develops high quality communication materials on specific issues, manages information, and raises the profile of the Gender Equality Network’s activities through various advocacy efforts. It is expected that the Communications Officer will engage effectively with a variety of stakeholders, demonstrate considerable initiative and creativity, and will be able to balance her/his time in a manner that efficiently and effectively fulfils a range of responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Information Management a. Establish and maintain a resource centre of effective print/digital/media resources, files and libraries b. Document key GEN initiatives, including the taking of meeting minutes, and disseminate as required c. Provide key support to enable the efficient flow of information between Coordination Unit staff, GEN members and key stakeholders d. Develop and maintain the GEN web site e. Monitor, compile and disseminate gender-related news and information published in local media f. Pro-actively source and disseminate information and resources on issues relevant to GEN activities

2. Communications, Campaigns and Advocacy a. Develop and disseminate high quality communication materials that increase understanding on specific issues, and that reach a variety of audiences - ensuring that sign-off procedures have been followed e.g. fact sheets, issue papers, news articles, human interest stories, videos, briefing notes, maps, training and IEC materials, etc. b. Support the identification of possible campaign themes and work closely with the Senior Coordinator to facilitate member-based working groups to carry out campaigns in support of the GEN objectives c. Assist with the development, delivery and monitoring of communication and advocacy strategies and their related actions, including research, lobbying, campaigns, funding of others, events and other opportunities d. Identify opportunities for the GEN to engage with media, develop and maintain a list of sympathetic media contacts, and act as a focal person for media relations ensuring that GEN statements to the press are made through spokespersons as designated by the Co-Chairs e. Assist with the development of briefing documents, reports and the collation and analysis of data and information as required f. Support GEN activities such as seminars, trainings, campaigns, meetings, workshops and events g. Conduct field trips and maintain effective communication with members so as to share information and lessons learnt h. Be the initial contact point for enquiries about general GEN-related information

3. Networking and Representation a. Represent the GEN at appropriate coordination meetings and events and maintain external contacts as required b. Contribute to the development of initiatives that raise the profile of the GEN and its activities c. Establish and maintain information and communication channels with the staff of other agencies on communication-related matters, including GEN members, the Local Resource Centre and the Myanmar Information Management Unit d. Assist with the coordination of field trips, visitor schedules and training activities

Experience and Skills  Qualifications and demonstrated experience in communications and development work  A good understanding of gender and women's protection issues, including terminology  Proven skills in planning, coordination and information management 2  Knowledge of the communications environment and programming context  Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, and confidence in working with people from a range of backgrounds and cultures  Highly effective oral and written Myanmar and English language skills as demonstrated by the ability to write reports and other documents, and the use of information technology software packages including MS Office, database and design/publishing software  Proven ability to conduct technical translation (gender) from English to Myanmar  Resourcefulness, flexibility, and the ability to prioritise and handle multiple requests concurrently, and to work to tight deadlines when necessary.

Application Applicants for the above position should submit a CV and a brief email/letter expressing their interest to May Sabe Phyu, Senior Coordinator, Gender Equality Network at the following email address - [email protected] by 5 pm on Friday 4 May 2012.

3 6 April 2012