External Communications &Public Affairs Coordinator

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations/Journalism, or related field, a Masters or professional qualification in Communications/International Relations (Bac+5) is an added advantage.
• Minimum of at least 7 years’ experience in communications
• Proven experience in developing and implementing strategic and targeted communications within a large and complex organization.
• Well-developed computer skills, including proven ability to manage websites, and a demonstrated understanding of the internet, social media, multi-media tools and desktop publishing.
• Experience of developing and implementing effective Public Affairs strategies.
• Sound knowledge of Government and Parliamentary procedures, mandates, and good political intellect.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of success in the areas of corporate planning and effective stakeholder liaison
• Strong team ethic―diplomatic team-player who can establish positive relationships and work effectively and collaboratively with individuals across the organisation and at all levels.
• Excellent organisation skills: ability to effectively plan and manage work, respond to conflicting demands on an urgent and ad-hoc basis and prioritise workload appropriately.
• Excellent organizational skills to ensure effective completion of tasks within deadlines and ability to work under pressure.
• Understanding of the external political environment and political developments as they affect the company
• Track record of influencing stakeholders, and understanding of opportunities and risks of working collaboratively with other stakeholders
• Sound analytical and fact-finding skills, and ability to identify and understand key issues.
• Ability to present complex information in a simplified way, whether in writing or verbally.
• A commitment to stakeholder focus and relationship management to achieve the best outcomes.
• Able to prioritize and work under pressure, meeting deadlines with tight schedules.
• Collaborative working style, happy to work with others to achieve agreed influencing objectives.
• Persuasive and diplomatic manner to build clear, evidence-based arguments about complex issues to support particular views.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  External Communications

• Advise the Corporate Affairs Manager in the planning and implementation of the annual external communications & stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Ensure the successful implementation of external communication strategies and plans aimed enhancing and maintaining the TotalEnergies’ company image as a top energy company externally.
• Facilitate the dissemination of Company and Group key messages to external stakeholders (i.e press releases, articles, information packs and other communications material aimed at creating awareness
• Supervise and ensure successful implementation of annual Public Relations activities and promotional events (e.g. Press conferences, press trips, exhibitions, workshops etc.) on time and within the budget allocated.
• Facilitate the continuous collaboration and engagement with key media houses, journalists and influential online personalities for objective reporting about company and project activities.
• Identify and ensure maximization of opportunities for media coverage in both national and local media in order to achieve highest visibility for the company.
• Lead the development and ensure synergies in the implementation of digital communication strategies and content for websites, SharePoint & social media platforms; and monitoring of company related online sentiments and conversation.
• Support implementation of issues & crisis communications functions for external audiences and stakeholders and Digital & social media management
• Facilitate a collaborative working environment with peers in the JV entities, regulatory body and Government to ensure alignment in industry communication strategies.

Public Affairs

• Develop and maintain an updated mapping of key influential Government personalities and maintain relationships with identified officials.
• Recommend appropriate tactics for effective engagement to raise awareness and strengthen our reputation with key policy makers and decision-makers (e.g maintain a contact programme of parliamentarians, civil servants and third parties, ensuring)
• Provide analyses on key national political, social, and economic issues aimed at maintaining knowledge of key agenda subjects for the country with potential impact on the company’s operations/activities.
• Prepare high-quality briefing materials for political audiences and senior internal stakeholders to support the delivery of TE / TEPU influencing priorities.
• Maintain knowledge of the annual Government & legislative calendar of activities as well as upcoming legislative frameworks with a direct impact on company activities
• Track the progress of bills and other parliamentary activity, identify opportunities and draft responses to parliamentary, government and other consultations.
• Identify opportunities & coordinate company participation in strategic lobbying entities e.g. UCMP, EITI, PIRT & lobbying activities/events e.g. conferences, workshops.
• Coordinate business meetings and workshops with key Government functions (outside the JV scope) e.g. Presidency, Parliament committees, Speaker of parliament.

The Company is currently in the Development Phase of the Tilenga project and has commenced construction activities for the development of the oil and gas project. On one hand, there are high expectations on national content and CSR domains and on the other hand more scrutiny on company activities on the aspects of environment, social and Human Rights issues. All the issues mentioned have the potential to impact the company reputation and goodwill which are necessary for timely activities implementation and consequently the achievement of Uganda’s first Oil anticipated for 2026.

The involvement of the External Communications and Public Affairs Coordinator in the company is required under the supervision of the Corporate Affairs Manager to ensure that communications strategies and plans are achieved and to implement external communications activities. The role also is to monitor and advise on key issues arising within the public, media and social media about the company and the oil & gas sector at large and propose strategies for mitigation where necessary.

Contribute to the development, coordination, and execution of activities within the public affairs function aimed at building and maintaining strategic Government and legislative relationships

Must have a solid understanding of the Company’s strategy, purpose and work. S/he is responsible for ensuring that communications content is delivered to external audiences including publications, sponsor ships, events, workshops, etc.