SUMMARY OF POSITION
Based in Manila, the Knowledge Management and Communications Officer (KMCO) will focus on gathering, organizing, and sharing information effectively to enhance learning, collaboration, and informed decision-making across SPRING. The KMCO will work closely with the SPRING team to develop and shape consistent, evidence-based messages that communicate the organization’s priorities, values, and impact to both internal and external audiences.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic

• Convert technical findings from Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) into actionable knowledge assets—such as policy briefs, learning guides, and best practices—that are easily understood and accessible by a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Work with the MEL Lead to organize and curate this data to ensure it can be accessed, shared, and applied effectively across the organization for future planning, reporting, and learning.
• Work closely with the International Short-Term Strategic Communications Adviser to develop a SPRING Public Diplomacy and Communications Strategy Plan and program branding, ensuring all activities are sensitive to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles.
• Manage public affairs and public diplomacy efforts for SPRING in line with DFAT policies.
• Provide high level strategic communications advice to the SPRING Leadership Team and SPRING Partners, as required.
• Support the SPRING team with engagement in advocacy and outreach activities with key decision makers in the Government.
• High level public relations engagement with key media and other influential stakeholders that can promote the approach and achievements and raise the profile of SPRING.
• Proactively identify topics and issues for knowledge management and communications internally/externally.
• Ensure a ‘do no harm’ approach to communications, including consideration of informed consent and safeguarding in all program communications activities.

Operational

• Produce and effectively manage the production of the program communications products through the preparation of ToRs which meet DFAT and SPRING requirements for information materials, print and audio-visual for media, and other public outreach.
• Manage the SPRING website and social media accounts as information sharing platforms, including managing all website content and coordinating website development with external contractors, as necessary; Effectively share information, promote issues, disseminate achievements, and link resources and stakeholders. Ensure website is kept up to date by producing and managing website content (Filipino and English) uploading of media materials, photos, stories, related media, research, achievements etc.
• Provide support in planning, organising and implementing interactive internal and external joint-learning activities, networking events, and conferences on the Program’s areas of focus, as required.
• Contribute to the development of Annual Work Plans and Program Progress Reports through identification of priorities in communications/learning activities and/or areas for partner capacity building, as well as lessons learned and best practices on relevant interventions in the Program’s areas of focus.
• Provide journalist/media oversight.
• Provide high-level support to the SPRING team to enhance SPRING’s internal communications via Teams and other internal communications channels
• Support the broader SPRING team to produce high quality communications products.
• Prepare quality ToRs to engage high calibre consultants related to communications, media, journalists, website etc. and effectively manage those contracts.
• Anticipate and act upon any additional communications needs as they arise.
• Any other tasks as required by the MEL Lead.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
The Knowledge Management and Communications Officer will have the following skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Journalism, Development Studies, or another relevant field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience planning and implementing a communications plan for outreach, knowledge sharing and advocacy including success stories, news releases, brochures, etc., for development programs.
• Relevant experience managing public diplomacy and communications on DFAT funded or similar donor funded development projects.
• Technical desktop/editing/publishing/graphic design skills.
• Familiarity with working with donor-funded programs and government.
• Experience in establishing and managing professional relationships with media.
• Understanding of international development, and/or issues of GEDSI.
• Demonstrated approach to ensuring ‘do no harm’ and supporting safeguarding through communications activities.
• Ability to perform to a high standard and deliver high quality outputs.
• Familiarity with data visualisation desirable / an advantage.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, delivering quality within given timeframes.
• Open-minded, familiar working with people from diverse backgrounds; and
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Filipino.
• Promoting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a key focus of SPRING. Applicants with knowledge or experience in GEDSI issues will be highly regarded by the selection panel.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by November 25, 2024. This is an ongoing recruitment, and candidates will be reviewed before and leading up to the deadline. 
 
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
 
Please send your cover letter addressing the position selection criteria and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to nathalie.maggay@springphilippines.org, mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line “SPRING KM and Communications Officer” or apply online.
 
Women, persons with a disability and Indigenous Peoples are highly encouraged to apply.
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. Persons with disabilities may send a request for reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process to nathalie.maggay@springphilippines.org. 
 
Cowater International adheres to the highest standards of protection of children and vulnerable adults in the delivery of programs and services. Cowater is committed to the prevention of sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. 
 
Cowater International upholds standards of ethical conduct and has zero tolerance against fraud and bribery. Prior to any offer of employment, applicants will be subject to appropriate background checks.
 
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted
 
ABOUT US
 
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017. 
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.