Communications Officer

The incumbent is required to contribute to the achievement of the communications targets of the Ministry / Department and assist in monitoring their implementation. Duties include coordinating media relations strategies, producing and disseminating materials for communicating information about the Ministry / Department and its services; coordinating the content of the intranet or external website and the production of a quarterly newsletter; disseminating reports and publications; and maintain an updated database of contacts and an effective communication system within the Ministry / Department. Depending on work assignment, the incumbent will be required to perform duties in one or more of the Communications functional areas.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Measurement

• Assists in tracking developments in the Ministry / Department's sector nationally and globally.
• Participates in the design, organisation and implementation of a creative and effective Marketing / Communications Strategy, including content management for the Ministry / Department's digital media and that it is adequately integrated into the Ministry / Department's Operations.
• Participates in the preparation and execution of programmes geared towards educating and informing the Public.
• Conducts research and utilizes other data to analyse and evaluate information to prepare policy documents, briefs, working papers and presentations.
• Assists with relevant research, including but not limited to the conduct of interviews to determine the success and outreach of Information Programmes and initiates corrective action as appropriate.
• Assists in identifying stakeholders' needs and proposes relevant engagement strategies.
• Liaises with Media Services to monitor print and electronic media to keep the Ministry / Department informed of developments within the Communications environment.
• Interprets HR policies and procedures to assist clients with queries and concerns.
• Prepares communications reports, Cabinet / Ministerial Notes, internal notes and other documents.

Product and Events

• Develops and implements marketing, media placement and distribution strategies for the Ministry / Department.
• Assists in the production of literature formats such as booklets, posters, and brochures for public outreach and sensitisation.
• Assists in the development of information and activities such as health and wellness, safety awareness and other cultural and workplace-enhancing projects.
• Performs day-to-day management of the intranet site through the use of a Content Management System, including design, content and technical functions, to ensure that it is useful for staff and that content is up-to-date, accurate and consistent with the Brand Identity Guide.
• Develops and manages internal communication activities involving, engaging, and informing all employees, utilising appropriate communication tools.
• Prepares, develops, writes, and edits content for the intranet, staff newsletter, team briefings, noticeboards, and other internal communications channels, as well as for project briefs.
• Maintains and regularly updates a detailed calendar of events for the Ministry / Department.

Media and Advertising

• Develops a Media Strategy for each announcement, launch or significant media event.
• Organises and manages press, radio, and television interviews.
• Writes a variety of communications (e.g. press releases, personal interest stories, newsletters, etc.) for the purpose of keeping the media and public informed of the activities of the Ministry / Department.
• Coordinates collateral completion, printing, and distribution to selected media representatives.
• Drafts appropriate responses to adverse publicity.
• Undertakes research on current digital media technology and marketing and communications trends to improve Ministry / Department communications.
• Monitors national, regional, and international news to identify evolving trends and opinions which may impact the work of the Ministry / Department.
• Monitors media scanning databases and redirects any issues to the relevant authorities.
• Provides media summaries and alerts on breaking news

Stakeholder Engagement

• Performs protocol duties for the Ministry / Department in accordance with established standards to ensure appropriate etiquette is used in interactions with individuals such as dignitaries and officials.
• Assists in identifying stakeholders' needs and proposes relevant engagement strategies.
• Contributes to the implementation of stakeholder engagement strategies including citizen engagement and events management.
• Develops, manages, and controls procedures for all internal and external correspondence.
• Researches and assembles information for members of the public.
• Distributes relevant educational material on the activities of the Ministry / Department.
• Creates and updates a database / directory of stakeholders' contact information, profiles and services.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of current theories and practices in communications research, planning and strategy, and the role of mass media.
• Knowledge of media issues, social marketing theory and practice, communications. strategies and implementation and behavioural sciences.
• Knowledge of marketing, stakeholder engagement, citizen engagement, public relations, advertising, promotion and other communications methods.
• Knowledge of modern techniques of news gathering and release.
• Knowledge of key Government policies, National Development Strategies, and priorities
• Some knowledge of the Constitution of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago;
• Some knowledge of the organisational structure of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago;
• Knowledge of modern techniques of news gathering / event management.
• Knowledge of protocol procedures

Skills and Abilities

• Skills in project implementation
• Skill in the use of personal computers.
• Ability to use e-government technology platforms.
• Ability to use the internet for research purposes.
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of support staff.
• Ability to communicate at a high level, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, members of the media and the public.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite

Experience and Training

• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in Communications or Public Relations, preferably in the Public Sector.
• Training as evidenced by a recognised University Degree in Communications Studies or a related discipline.
• Any suitable combination of experience and training

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