Vava'u Environmental Protection Association
VACANCY
• Communications Officer
The TOMP Communications Officer will support the Ocean Governance Coordinator and MSP Secretariat to implement the Tonga Ocean Management Plan (TOMP)/National Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) program and provide timely updates and communications regarding the progress and activities conducted. The MSP Secretariat provides the overarching logistical, technical and policy guidance to the Ocean7 (Ocean Advisory Committee) and coordinates the activities, meetings, reports, and partnerships with current and potential, funding, and technical partners.
Scope of Work
The Communications Officer reports directly to the Ocean Governance Coordinator and is responsible for developing communications materials for awareness and outreach supporting workshop programs and skills-based trainings relating to ocean health and uses, marine resources and biodiversity, and Tonga’s commitment to 30% protected areas and 100% sustainably managed ocean. This Includes:
- Content development for online platforms
- Developing articles and media releases, and information packs for a variety of audiences, including but not limited to: policy makers, government, private sector, community, and the general public
- Developing posters and awareness materials in both English and Tongan for outreach
- Developing workshop materials for skills-based trainings on communications
- Co-ordinating media workshops to strengthen media engagement on sustainable ocean management and governance, ocean protection, blue economy, ocean activities and other related topics.
- Reporting to Secretariat, and through to VEPA and Waitt Institute on activities conducted and upcoming work plan items.
- Supporting coordination and communications with VEPA, Waitt Institute, program staff and other government officials for effective program implementation through an agreed workplan.
A Communications Officer should have the following skills and qualifications to be successful in their role:
- Strong written and spoken communication skills in both Tongan and English
- Demonstrated experience in supporting similar development work;
- Strong understanding of social media, photography, storyboard development, and photo/video editing and production;
- Good organization, time management and scheduling skills;
- Experiencing using office management software, including word processing software and spreadsheets;
- At least 5 years working in communications or media;
- Ability to multitask, work as a team and work independently;
- A communications qualification with knowledge on environmental or marine science, desirable;
- A driver’s license and experience, desirable.
- Must reside in Tongatapu.
Contract Dates
The initial contract is for a 12-month period with potential to renew as agreed by all parties.
Contract Package
The salary package for the Tonga Ocean Management Plan Communications Officer is shown below.
Contract salary: TOP 24,500.00 starting package with potential for increase after 6 months.
The hours of work are between 9am to 4pm daily (Monday to Friday) or as needed by the Ocean Governance Coordinator
Application
To apply please send the following documents marked “Communications Officer” to info [at] vavauenvironment [dot] org
- Letter of application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Name of 2 references relevant
Applications close on the 28th March
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