• Category: Affiliate – Professional
• Duty Station: Bishkek

IDLO is engaging a Public Outreach and Communications Expert to support the implementation of projects in the Kyrgyz Republic in the realm of public outreach aimed at improving public trust in the Judiciary. In this position, the Expert will lead the design and implementation of an institutional outreach strategy of the Supreme Court (SC) of the Kyrgyz Republic aimed at improving communication of the court system’s work to national audiences. This will include, but not be limited to, public outreach, communications and stakeholder engagement both on- and off-line via the most appropriate channels with a variety of stakeholders.

The Strategy will aim to not only improve the Judiciary’s public outreach/communications functionality but also to cause a paradigm shift in its relations with, and forming key messages to, the other branches of power, and with civil society, the media, and the general public. An understanding of and ability to identify and prioritize key target audiences, and develop the corresponding strategies for reaching them, and the ability to reach out to and cultivate engagement among new audiences, and generate their interest in judicial reform, will be key to the success in this position. The Expert will also perform general public outreach and communications duties related to IDLO’s programmatic work in Bishkek, as outlined below. The position will require a person who can therefore balance expert support to the SC with program implementation by the IDLO Kyrgyz Republic office.

Under the supervision of the Country Director the Expert will undertake the following:

• Develop, in collaboration with partner institutions, a broadly conceived institutional Public Outreach strategy, incorporating innovative outreach methods (on- and off-line) to reach identified target audiences;
• Work in close partnership with the Kyrgyz Judiciary, and regularly liaise with executive and legislative branches of government, local self-governments, civil society, media, academia, the private sector, and the general public, especially the youth;
• Advise and support the SC Press Service and regional court press secretaries on effective public outreach and communication strategies and marketing of their products to national audiences;
• Coordinate public outreach activities with partners and target audiences;
• Develop, implement and maintain communication management and strategic planning tools;
• Produce and edit key communications and branding materials to be utilized as part of public outreach activities, and advise and support the SC and IDLO project team members on preparing such communications;
• Set goals and targets for public outreach activities and monitor and evaluate impact;
• Perform additional duties pertaining to the above as needed and support the IDLO Kyrgyz Republic office with other public outreach and external relations needs as requested.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Academic qualifications

• University degree in Communications, External Relations, Public Relations, or in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, or a similar field. If the latter, a concentration in communications and/or media would be preferred.

Work experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in communications, public outreach, public relations, external relations or related experience in the public or nonprofit sector, preferably in support of the judicial branch of government or otherwise in the justice sector.
• Experience in public outreach toward the improvement of public trust in state institutions strongly preferred;
• Experience designing and successfully executing both online and off-line public outreach and engagement strategies to promote dialogue with and between multiple stakeholders, such as civil society, the general public, media, academia and the government.

Languages

• Professional fluency in Russian and English required; fluency in Kyrgyz strongly preferred;

Technical competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Proficiency with multi-media communications, including social media;
• Ability to engage and grow a broad network of target audiences;
• Ability to think creatively and engage in innovative approaches to public outreach and communications;
• Diplomatic demeanor and ability to gain the trust of and work effectively with public sector agencies;
• Sound organizational and planning skills;

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The selected candidate is expected to start as soon as possible. The duration of the assignment is for 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of resources. This vacancy is open to Kyrgyz nationals, permanent residents or those residents with a valid residency/working permit of the duty station. IDLO Offers competitive remuneration and benefits for locally-recruited employees including a comprehensive leave package and medical insurance.

HOW TO APPLY

• All interested applicants are encouraged to apply via our website www.idlo.int/jobs and submit the completed IDLO Personal History Form (PHF), resume and cover letter.
• IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the staff member assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Applications will be reviewed an ongoing basis and candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible and no later than March 25, 2018 (23:59 hrs Rome time).