Job Title: External Relations Officer
Reports To: CEO
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Contract Type: Intern, Volunteer
1. Position summary
The External Relations Officer is responsible for strengthening the organization’s relationships with a variety of external partners and stakeholders. The role involves managing partnerships, mobilizing resources, conducting outreach, and representing the organization to enhance its visibility, reputation, and influence among key audiences.
2. Roles and responsibilities
Stakeholder and partnership management
- Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including healthcare associations/councils, donor organizations, NGOs, the media, and private sector partners including in the pharmaceutical and medical areas.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for external inquiries and partnership opportunities.
- Coordinate meetings and communications between organization and external partners.
Public and media relations
- Support to develop and implement strategies for public outreach and media engagement.
- Monitor and analyze media coverage related to the organization and its field of work.
- Support Communication Officer to manage the organization’s social media platforms for external communications and engagement.
Resource mobilization and compliance
- Support fundraising efforts by assisting in the development of compelling partnership proposals and reports.
- Track and manage compliance with partnership agreements and reporting requirements.
- Assist in identifying new organizational opportunities and potential partnerships.
Events and administration
- Assist in the planning and execution of events including workshops, webinars, trainings, and meetings involving external stakeholders.
- Provide logistical support to other members of the team.
- Maintain and update a database of external contacts and partners.
3. Required skills and qualifications
Education and experience
- Diploma, Higher Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Public Affairs, or a related field.
- Some experience in external relations, public affairs, or partnership management.
Competencies and skills
- Communication: Written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft concise and impactful reports.
- Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, exercising tact and discretion.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills to identify trends, opportunities, and risks related to external engagement.
- Organizational skills: Ability to manage multiple activities, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
- Technical Proficiency: Competence with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
4. Application process
Interested candidates should submit the following to email address [email protected] This is a rolling advert until the position is filled.
- A cover letter explaining their suitability for the role.
- A brief curriculum vitae (CV).
- Names and contact details of two professional references.