About SAPA

SAPA is a humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable communities in Sudan. We focus on providing emergency relief, health services, and sustainable development initiatives, operating in complex and resource-limited settings with a commitment to transparency, innovation, and cultural sensitivity.

Purpose of the Role

The Risk and Communication Officer will oversee the management of risks related to SAPA’s operations in Sudan while leading internal and external communication efforts. This role combines expertise in risk management, media relations, public relations (PR), and social media strategy to ensure SAPA’s work is communicated effectively, transparently, and in alignment with its mission.

Key Responsibilities

1. Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and monitor risks related to SAPA’s operations in Sudan, including socio-political and security threats.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
• Provide regular risk assessments and updates to senior management to support informed decision-making.
• Track and report on security developments that may affect SAPA’s operations, ensuring timely responses to emerging challenges.

2. Communication Strategy

• Develop and implement communication strategies that align with SAPA’s objectives and Sudan’s socio-political context.
• Draft and distribute press releases, official statements, and other communication materials for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate messaging across various platforms to ensure consistency and alignment with SAPA’s values.
• Manage SAPA’s media relations to ensure accurate and positive coverage of its activities.

3. Social Media Management

• Oversee SAPA’s social media presence, particularly on Facebook, to engage audiences effectively.
• Create culturally sensitive, accurate, and engaging content tailored to Sudan’s target audience, including posts, videos, and infographics.
• Develop and execute social media campaigns to enhance SAPA’s visibility and engagement.
• Monitor social media trends, audience engagement, and feedback to adapt strategies for better impact.

4. Public Relations (PR)

• Strengthen SAPA’s public relations efforts by building strong relationships with local and international media.
• Organize press conferences, media visits, and other events to promote SAPA’s work.
• Maintain a network of contacts across media, government, and other stakeholders to enhance SAPA’s profile.
• Ensure all PR activities contribute to SAPA’s overall communication strategy and goals.

5. Crisis Communication

• Develop and execute crisis communication plans to manage reputational risks during emergencies.
• Act as the primary point of contact for media inquiries during crises, providing timely and accurate updates.
• Prepare and maintain key crisis communication materials, including FAQs, key messages, and media statements.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

• Monitor the effectiveness of communication strategies, social media campaigns, and PR activities using key performance indicators.
• Track metrics such as engagement rates, audience reach, and campaign impact to evaluate performance.
• Provide regular reports on communication outcomes, media coverage, and social media analytics to senior management.

7. Capacity Building

• Conduct training sessions for staff on effective communication, risk management, and social media usage.
• Develop materials and resources to enhance SAPA’s overall communication capacity.

8. Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with key stakeholders, including community leaders, government officials, and partner organizations, to strengthen SAPA’s communication efforts.
• Ensure all messaging aligns with stakeholder expectations and SAPA’s mission.

9. Content Creation

• Produce high-quality written and multimedia content tailored for Facebook and other platforms, ensuring cultural sensitivity and relevance.
• Collaborate with other departments to gather stories, visuals, and data for content creation.
• Review and approve all content to ensure it aligns with SAPA’s guidelines and objectives.

Key Deliverables

1. Comprehensive risk assessments and mitigation strategies tailored to Sudan’s context.
2. High-quality and culturally relevant communication materials, including press releases and social media content.
3. Timely crisis communication plans executed during emergencies.
4. Increased social media engagement and visibility through targeted campaigns.
5. Regular reports on communication and risk management outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in communication or media roles, preferably with an NGO or international organization.
• Proven expertise in risk management, media relations, and communication during crises.
• Experience in developing and implementing social media campaigns, especially on Facebook.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong writing skills, particularly for social media and public-facing content.
• Familiarity with Sudan’s cultural, social, and political landscape.
• Proficiency in both English and Arabic (written and spoken).

Core Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Creativity and ability to produce engaging content.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in using content management tools and social media platforms.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Equal Opportunity

SAPA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and strongly encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups.