Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Communications Coordinator

           

Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Hours: Full-time - on site

Compensation: A competitive salary will be offered based on experience.

 

Do you care about the ocean and want to make a difference? If so, the Waitt Institute is hiring a Communications Coordinator to support Blue Prosperity Vanuatu, a new government-led program to strengthen sustainable ocean management and economic development in Vanuatu.

 

The Communications Coordinator will help coordinate and implement communications and media for the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu program. An ideal candidate will have experience communicating with government officials and communities across Vanuatu. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the Commissioner of Vanuatu’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division and the Waitt Institute’s Communications Manager and Program Manager. The coordinator will work closely with other Blue Prosperity Vanuatu staff, national and local government officials, stakeholders, and Waitt Institute team members.  

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The Waitt Institute is committed to diversity, cultural competency, and inclusion. We seek to employ talented advocates for the ocean and coastal communities. All applicants are welcome.       

 

About the position  

• Based in Port Vila, Vanuatu and housed in the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

• Citizen of Vanuatu, preferably Ni-Vanuatu, or resident with existing right to work in Vanuatu. 

• Fluent in English and Bislama. Fluency in French and/or local dialects will be an added advantage. 

• Well-connected and comfortable working with government officials in Vanuatu and familiar with government protocols and processes. 

• Comfortable working cross-culturally as part of a diverse team, headquartered in the United States of America. 

• Full-time, 1-year contract position (40 hours/week) with strong potential for renewal during the continuation of the program (5 years anticipated). 

• Reports to Vanuatu’s Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division Commissioner and the Waitt Institute’s Communications Manager and Program Manager. 

• Eligible for all public holidays of Vanuatu and a maximum of 21 personal days. 

• Flexible to travel domestically and internationally as needed.   

 

Duties and responsibilities 

• Assist in implementing the communications strategy and planning day-to-day communications operations. 

• Develop talking points, presentations, press releases, concept notes, and other materials to communicate with key partners and stakeholders.

• Produce talkback radio programs.

• Build relationships with local media, government partners, and community leaders.

• Post to and manage social media channels and the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu website.

• Coordinate event planning and logistics.

• Maintain close communication and coordination with the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division officers, Waitt Institute staff, local BPV staff, and other government officials as needed to ensure the program advances as planned.

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Minimum qualifications, skills, and experience

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a communications role. 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, graphic design, media, or similar field preferred.

• Excellent project management and time management skills.

• Excellent writing, copywriting, and editing skills.

• Demonstrated experience in professional social media message development and amplification.

• Experience in event planning and facilitation. 

• Ability to develop engaging communications materials and messaging for different audiences (for example, government officials, stakeholders, community leaders, and the public). 

• Knowledge of communication protocols within the Government of Vanuatu preferred.

• Strong commitment to sustainable and progressive ocean management with a general understanding of ocean and environmental issues relevant to Vanuatu.

• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor. 

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to solve problems strategically and creatively.

• Reliable, responsive, adaptable, and comfortable working across international time zones.

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Questions?

Please contact Mr. Toney Tevi, Commissioner of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Division, at toneytevi@gmail.com with any questions.

 

To apply

Please email your resume and cover letter written in English with “BPV Communications Coordinator” in the subject line of the email to Ms. Alison Rowe, Program Manager, Waitt Institute, at arowe@waittinstitute.org by 19 May 2023 to be considered for a position. The position will remain open until filled. 

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