Background

Since 2015, the National Geographic Society’s Okavango Wilderness Project has been working to help secure permanent, sustainable protection for the Okavango Basin. National Geographic has now been joined by the De Beers company to help secure protection for the Okavango Delta’s headwaters. Okavango Eternal aims to protect the source waters of the Okavango Delta and the lives and livelihoods they support Over the course of five years, De Beers will work together with the National Geographic Society, by providing support and funding, to expand and accelerate work already underway, helping to establish sustainable local livelihoods in harmony with the Okavango Basin’s conservation. The partnership will focus on both protecting the natural world and supporting communities across Angola, Botswana and Namibia. In Botswana specifically the goal is to build Traditional Knowledge and Research Centres that will act as hubs to support our initiatives in job creation and enterprise development.

Reports to

Direct reporting to the Communication and Marketing Manager - Wild Bird Trust (WBT) with additional lines of communication with:

• Country Director NGOWP, Botswana
• Impact Director, WBT
• Storytelling Manager, WBT
• General Manager, BWBT.

Job Overview

The National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) in Botswana is implemented by the Botswana Wild Bird Trust (BWBT) a registered Public Benefit Organisation. The BWBT has identified a need for stronger engagement and connection with local audiences across a variety of platforms. The goal of this newly created position is to ensure that the BWBT can achieve the following Impact Goals:

• Stakeholders are an active part of the solution for long term protection of the water in the Basin because they understand the threats and opportunities.
• The next generation is inspired and activated to become the Scientists and Conservationists of the future.
• Any required policy change or formal agreements regarding CBNRM in the Delta are informed by our scientific findings and catalysed by our well balanced storytelling.

Working Hours / Place of Work

The Communications & Marketing Coordinator is based at the Nkashi Knowledge Centre of the Botswana Wild Bird Trust’s, Maun office and will travel regularly within the Okavango Delta. This is a full-time, permanent position that will require that the person works Monday to Friday for approximately 40 hours per week. It’s important to note however that the inherent nature of the job will require that the person is both willing and able at times to work longer hours and over weekends to meet the operational and management requirements of events, expeditions and program work.

Responsibilities / Duties / Key Result Areas

This list is intended to guide the establishment and growth of this capability within the organisation, noting that from time to time additional duties or responsibilities may be reasonably requested of the contractor, and will be discussed in advance as far as possible.

1. Project Manage the Nkashi Classic As the flagship community outreach event, the preparation for and delivery of a successful race and community event will be the main annual project.

2. Digital Media on Botswana focused platforms

• Help grow social media reach - double our following by posting locally engaging content.
• Work with Digital Media Specialist WBT to populate the social media calendar monthly on themes, key messages and other ideas.
• Create and manage a content calendar for the website, social media channels, and email campaigns.
• Maintain daily the organization’s social media while also supporting the delivery and implementation of the BWBT digital strategy.
• Respond carefully to enquiries, interactions or complaints that may arise from social media correspondence.
• Assist and support the marketing team to ensure the development of effective internaland external digital communications.

3. Building Brand Awareness

• Assist with the execution of the marketing plans to increase awareness of the BWBT and its programs among target audiences.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
• Liaise with various teams/projects to help execute branding ideas, graphic designs, promotional materials and advertising copies.
• Help bring new ideas for design and content creation to the team using your experience and expertise.
• Ensure that organizational standards are maintained whenever the organisational logos are utilized for any marketing or correspondence purposes.
• Design or coordinate the design of promotional materials such as brochures, flyers and posters for key events.
• Help with changes on the BWBT’s website.
• Provide feedback on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

4. Community Development Communications Community Development and Education initiatives require effective stakeholder engagement and management with a wide variety of stakeholders. This means clear and effective communication across a variety of well-targeted platforms:

• Help plan and promote events, workshops and meetings as needed.
• Help communicate events, outcomes, objectives and benefits of the project to a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Work with the Communications team to develop a Behavioral Change Campaign that ensures our science and research outcomes achieve impact in the local communities.
• Create awareness of enterprise development initiatives including skills development, financial literacy, eco tourism, cultural activities, natural resource use and gardening / food production.
• Promote the Knowledge Centres and assist with the planning and co-ordinating of events at the venues.
• Launch the Nkashi Bus route and events. Ensure followers are engaged and knowledgeable about what activities and where the bus will be located according the the schedule.

Key Deliverables

• Put together the plan and team to deliver a successful Nkashi Classic race and community event which includes the various race heats leading up to the main event.
• Grow local awareness of science and natural resource management in a meaningful way: increase awareness to reach at least 40% of the target market.
• Help inform policy makers: arrange and organize at least 1 symposium and 2 x media events which reach a minimum of 75% of government and key stakeholders.
• Communicate education initiatives: grow and increase reach to at least 30% of schools/teachers in Year 1.
• Produce a monthly status report showing key metrics for events arranged and managed; people reached; social media messages etc.
  

Requirements: Qualifications / Experience / Skills / Competencies

1. A degree or diploma in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or in a relevant field would be beneficial, although candidates with other relevant skills and experience and the willingness to pursue remote learning opportunities will also be considered.
2. Three years related work experience or a combination of education and experience is required.
3. Motswana citizen.
4. Must be able to meet deadlines and work methodically.
5. Able to respond timeously to any issues as they present and a natural willingness to problem-solve and provide workable solutions.
6. Must be self-motivated, organized and able to use your initiative and think on your feet.
7. Willingness to strive to meet work goals and to be held accountable for the smooth day to day marketing and communications processes of the Botswana region.
8. Motivated to look for and/or suggest new ways to improve marketing and communications processes for the region.
9. Unafraid of change and a willingness to quickly adapt to changes.
10. Good written and oral communication skills in both English and Setswana are vital.
11. Experience and proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, G Suite 4 is highly advantageous.
12. The candidate will need to enjoy working outdoors and often in remote areas of the Delta region.
13. Must have a valid driving license with the ability to drive in rugged terrain. Access to your own vehicle for work use on occasions would be an added bonus.
14. Able to work independently or as part of a culturally diverse team in which you would mostly be taking on a coordination role.
15. Workload relates to seasonal demands and events - some long and unsocial hours may be necessary during busy periods.
16. Enthusiastic, technically minded and be adaptive and forward thinking in your approach.

Application Process

If you feel that you have what it takes to fulfil this role and assist in the success of the communications and marketing department:

• Please submit your CV that includes contactable reference/s.
• Your application must include a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role; details of your availability and what excites you most about this potential opportunity.
• Send the above to Sally-Ann Fraser: sally-ann@wildbirdtrust.com

Please Note:

• Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience;
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview;
• You must include your salary expectations / requirements in your cover letter.
• Applications close 26 September 2023.