Communications and Evaluation Officer

Background

Down Gaelic Athletic Association (Down GAA) has been successful in its funding bid for Investment Area 1.4 of the PEACEPLUS Programme, securing €15,383,951.00 for the development of the Ballykinlar Centre of Participation, Wellbeing, and Shared Learning Hub (COPWSLH).

Down GAA will act as lead partner, with the support of our main project delivery partners, Co-operation Ireland and County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN).

The PEACEPLUS Re-imaging Communities Programme funding will bring a historic project to reality. The proposed 30-acre development will include:

• 4 full-size GAA grass pitches (3 of which are floodlit)
• A covered spectator seating area
• Indoor Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)
• Walking Trail
• Gym/Fitness Suite
• Heritage Museum/Interpretive Centre
• Administrative Block and Community Facilities

Role

The Communications and Evaluation Officer supports the delivery of communications, monitoring, and evaluation responsibilities for the Centre of Participation, Wellbeing, and Shared Learning Hub Project (COPWSLH). This individual will support Co. Down GAA by developing and coordinating internal and external communication and collating information that supports impact measurement.

Responsibilities

• To support developing and implementing a robust Communication Strategy for Centre of Participation, Wellbeing, and Shared Learning Hub Project (COPWSLH).
   
• Create marketing and promotional materials through various means, including press releases, websites, social media, blogs, brochures, and billboards, among other promotional items.
   
• Manage and update all communication channels, both online and offline, to enhance the profile of the COPWSLH Project, Co. Down GAA, and Project Partners.
   
• Maintaining and enhancing the overall reputation of the organisation through the provision of an effective, open, and proactive media relations function to gain coverage and positive publicity for the COPWSLH Project.
   
• Organise and support key stakeholder and community engagement events that are held as part of the COPWSLH Project.
   
• Establishing effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including Media and News outlets (local and regional), journalists, and others who can assist in profiling the COPWSLH Project.
   
• Work closely with Co. Down GAA PRO, contributing to the development and delivery of the Co. Down GAA Strategic Plan.
   
• Ensure strict compliance with SEUPB Communication Guidelines at all times.
   
• Identify, collate, and analyse data that can help support the monitoring and evaluation responsibilities for the COPWSLH Project.
   
• To support the Finance and Administration Officer, Community Sports and Recreation Officer, appointed sub-contractors, and Co. Down GAA volunteers where possible to help deliver on the aims and objectives of the COPWSLH Project.
   
• Work in partnership with Project and Associate Partners and other stakeholders, providing support and advice and leading on the delivery of key communications outcomes.
   
• Provide regular updates on all communications, monitoring and evaluation activities for the Project Board, Co. Board Management, SEUPB and other key partners and stakeholders as required.
   
• Participate in regular training provided by SEUPB and as directed by Co. Down GAA.
   
• Support, manage, and motivate other staff, as directed by Co. Down GAA, to successfully deliver all communication, monitoring, and evaluation responsibilities.
   
• Foster good working relationships with all Co. Down GAA Staff, appointed Personnel, and Project Partners, contributing to the project's aims and objectives.
   
• Undertake other relevant duties as may be required from time to time.

This job description has been written during a time of significant organisational change, and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore, the post-holder must be flexible, adaptable, and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties, and responsibilities that are not specifically detailed in the job description but are commensurate with the role.  

Essential Criteria

Applicants must, as of the closing date for receipt of application forms, either:

• Possess a third-level qualification in a relevant subject such as Communications, Public Relations, Media Communications or an equivalent qualification and be able to demonstrate in the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least one year’s relevant experience in each of the following areas (a-b);

OR

• Be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least three years of relevant experience in each of the following areas (a-b):

(a) Experience in successfully undertaking communications and marketing activities.

(b) Experience in using a wide breadth of multi-channel communications, including online and offline.

Desirable criteria

(c) Skills in developing and editing content for social and digital media.

(d) Experience of working with publicly funded and/or high profile projects.

(e) Experience of undertaking monitoring and evaluation for projects.

Desirable criteria will be used for shortlisting purposes in the event of a large number of applicants.

Key Competencies

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following skills and attributes:

• Analytical and decision-making skills: Attention to detail, the ability to analyse complex situations, and take appropriate and decisive action.
• Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences, both verbally and in writing, and deliver effective presentations that are appropriate to the audience.
• Partnership working skills: Working with a diverse group of other professionals and volunteers internally and externally to meet common objectives.
• Continuous improvement: Being responsive, innovative and seeking out opportunities for continuous improvement at all times.
• Systems and processes: The ability to review and implement systems and processes required to maintain effective and compliant operational procedures and to deliver up-to-date management information.
• Technical knowledge and ICT awareness: A good understanding of information systems which can add value to the role.
• Work planning and organisational skills: The ability to plan and effectively prioritise work, working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.

Making Your Application

The application should consist of:

1. Completed Application Form; and
2. Completed Equality and Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Please see attached Job Pack for more information.