Communications Manager

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), established in 1986, is a regional non-profit foundation with headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand supporting the advancement of safer communities and sustainable development, through implementing programs that reduce the impact of disasters upon countries and communities in Asia and the Pacific. The primary geographical focus of ADPC’s activities is Asia with the South, South East and East Asia being the primary sub-regions.

ADPC has more than 29 years of working experience in Asia along with the national and local Government of its charter member countries as well as countries of the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) on Disaster Management. ADPC addresses the region’s preparedness needs in development of capacities and promotion of learning; dissemination of information and knowledge management; provision of technical and advisory services; implementation of pioneering regional programs; preparations and follow up of global and regional mechanisms; establishment of new regional mechanisms; support for inter-agency coherence and coordination and catalytic facilitation and partnership to sub-regional mechanisms. ADPC works to build preparedness at all levels, from regional, to national, to sub-national and even to individual communities.

Statement of Intent

The Communications Manager will lead the Communications Unit of ADPC to advance the disaster risk reduction agenda through targeted, innovative communications that reach and foster change in key stakeholders. The Communications Manager is responsible for building and maintaining positive profile of ADPC work through impactful media and outreach across key external online and offline communications channels; delivering compelling stories and events that reinforce the image of ADPC, while supporting regular and efficient sharing and exchange of information through effective internal communications.

The Communications Manager leads the development and implementation of ADPC’s communications strategy, and communications / media policies, procedures and systems.

Note: It is not the intent of this Position Description to cover every aspect of the position requirements, rather to highlight the most important areas of personal and joint responsibility.

Required Qualifications/ Selection Criteria:

• Degree in a Disaster Management or Information Technology or Communications or related subject;
• Minimum 4 years of International experience in similar capacity;
• Experience in managing the content of a website;
• Excellent research skills;
• Demonstrated skills in documentation and knowledge management interventions;
• A high level of computer literacy and excellent command in English language. Proficiency in any other languages will be an additional qualification;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• A positive and flexible attitude to work.

Preferable skills:

• Experience in working in the Asia Pacific region;
• Development of video and audio documentaries will be an added qualification.

This is essentially a desk-based role which may include some international travel.

General Requirements:

• Operate within all ADPC Guidelines & Procedures/ Policies;
• Provide ongoing capacity building training & development to ADPC staff as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Executive Director, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Refine and implement the communications strategy for ADPC within agreed timetables and budgets, ensuring synergy and alignment with global, regional and national disaster risk reduction agenda, and targeting key audiences to build profile and support for ADPC’s work;
• Lead and oversee an integrated digital strategy, ensuring ADPC’s website and social media channels are up-to-date and engaging. Establish a regular flow of compelling stories – features, photo and video stories etc - delivered across various communications channels, that bring to life our work, engage media and donors, and enhance online communications;
• Assemble and exploit audience / market research, and identify the most effective ways to build ADPC’s brand and engage relevant target audiences. Promote rigorous communications planning approaches and tools, and engage in forward planning efforts;
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with targeted online, print and broadcast journalists, editorial writers, bloggers and columnists, as well as other media;
• Identify and build partnerships with media and creative agencies, NGOs and other organizations to advance the disaster risk reduction agenda in the region;
• Initiate and oversee delivery of core communications products, including newsletters, reports, briefings, factsheets, and project profiles;
• Provide communication support to thematic departments of ADPC in their project implementation work within agreed budget parameters;
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

Reporting Relationship:

• Report directly to the Department Head of Information Technology and Communication and work cooperatively with all Executive Committee members;
• Work closely with other staff of ADPC.