Full Time
Iringa, Tanzania
Posted 1 week ago

FORLAND

Communications Expert – FORLAND (March 2025)

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About FORLAND

The Forestry, Land Use, and Value Chain Development in Tanzania (FORLAND) project is a four-year bilateral initiative (2025-2029) between the governments of Finland and Tanzania. The project focuses on supporting forestry and land use in the Iringa, Njombe, Ruvuma, and Lindi regions, areas known for their rich natural and plantation forest resources.

FORLAND is headquartered at the Forest and Wood Industries Training Centre (FWITC) in Mafinga and plays a key role in helping small-scale woodlot owners establish and manage tree plantations. It also supports rural communities in managing Miombo Village Land Forest Reserves through Community-Based Forest Management.

Beyond forest management, the project strengthens the forest value chain, assisting communities, tree growers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adding value to forest-based products. FORLAND builds upon the successes of the Participatory Plantation Forestry Programme (PFP 2) and the Forest and Value Chain Development Programme (FORVAC) to ensure sustainable long-term impact.

Aligned with the development priorities of both Finland and Tanzania, FORLAND contributes to poverty reduction, job creation, and climate resilience.

Job Opportunity: Communications Expert

FORLAND is seeking a Communications Expert to lead and manage the project’s communication strategy. The selected candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the visibility of the project at both national and international levels, effectively engaging stakeholders, and promoting FORLAND’s mission through various communication channels.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement an effective communication strategy during the project’s inception phase.
Enhance the project’s visibility and outreach, targeting key stakeholders such as tree growers, MSMEs, and government agencies.
Create and manage content for social media, websites, publications, and other digital platforms.
Coordinate media relations, including press releases, interviews, and event coverage.
Provide strategic guidance on branding, messaging, and stakeholder engagement.
Monitor and assess the impact of communication initiatives.
Develop and oversee annual and biannual communication workplans and budgets.
Design and produce various communication materials, including reports, brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, videos, animations, and success stories.
Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets to increase project coverage across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
Facilitate media coverage by organizing project site visits, coordinating photo shoots, and arranging TV footage.
Manage and regularly update the project’s website and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube).
Work closely with project staff and external partners in the forestry and conservation sectors to ensure coordinated communication efforts.
Translate complex technical reports into easy-to-understand summaries for broader audiences.
Collaborate with district and national authorities to align communication strategies with government policies.
Maintain an archive of media coverage and project communications.
Ensure all communications remain neutral and adhere to government regulations of both Finland and Tanzania.
Uphold principles of gender equality, non-discrimination, climate resilience, and environmental protection in all communication activities.
Contribute to the overall project team by identifying and sharing news stories related to project activities.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education:

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
Additional qualifications in forest resources management, sustainable development, environmental science, political science, social sciences, or international affairs are an advantage.

Professional Experience:

At least five (5) years of experience in communications related to forest resources management, sustainable development, environmental conservation, or international cooperation.
Proven track record in developing and executing communication strategies.
Strong writing, editing, and content creation skills.
Experience with digital marketing tools and analytics.
Ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Confidence in public speaking and engagement with various stakeholders.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Strong analytical, reporting, and presentation abilities.

Additional Skills:

In-depth understanding of Tanzania’s socio-economic and political landscape.
Experience in community development and sustainable forest management.
Knowledge of Tanzania’s government structures and partnerships with development agencies.
Hands-on experience in content editing and media production.
Proficiency in working with various media platforms (TV, radio, social media).
Strong skills in image processing and visual storytelling.
Fluency in English and Swahili (written and spoken).