1.0 Background Information

On behalf of the Director General of the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA), the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat invites dynamic, proactive, experienced, and suitably qualified Tanzanians to fill one (1) vacant post of the Head of Public Relations and Communication Unit.

2.0 Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA)

The Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) was established under the Food Security Act CAP 249, amended through the Cereals and Other Produce Act CAP 274. According to this law, cereals include maize, sorghum, rice, wheat, oat, millet, and barley, while other produce encompasses crops announced in the government gazette dated 15th March 2025, categorized as horticultural crops, legumes/pulses, roots & tubers, and oilseeds and nuts. Under this Act, COPRA operates as a specialized regulatory body under the Ministry of Agriculture to oversee the development of the cereals and other produce industry. Its establishment aims to address critical needs in the agricultural sector, including access to reliable domestic and foreign markets for cereals and other produce, which lack an effective and efficient management system. COPRA strengthens agricultural oversight, ensures food security, boosts market competitiveness by enhancing productivity, promotes quality standards, and protects the interests of producers, consumers, and other stakeholders.

3.0 Job Posting Details

• Post: Head of Public Relations and Communication Unit
• Employer: Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA)
• Reports to: The Director General
• Work Station: COPRA Headquarters, Dodoma, Tanzania
• Position Overview: The Head of Public Relations and Communication is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives that enhance the visibility, reputation, and public engagement of COPRA. This involves overseeing media relations, stakeholder communication, corporate branding, crisis management, and deploying public education programs to promote the authority’s mandate in crop development, agricultural sustainability, and food security in Tanzania. The role holder will act as the primary spokesperson for the organization, ensuring a positive public perception across all media platforms.

4.0 Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and execute comprehensive communication and PR strategies aligned with the Authority’s mission and objectives.
2. Oversee internal and external communication to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
3. Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, government agencies, farmers’ and dealers’ associations/representations, buyers, and international partners.
4. Create compelling content such as press releases, articles, blog posts, and social media updates to communicate the organization’s key messages and initiatives.
5. Develop and implement crisis communication plans and manage reputational risks.
6. Oversee the development of branding materials, corporate identity, and promotional content.
7. Manage the Authority’s digital presence, including website content and social media platforms.
8. Lead public awareness and behavioral change campaigns on crop development, adoption of good agronomical standards, agricultural policies, and sustainability programs.
9. Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, government and private entities, farmers, relevant associations, and development partners.
10. Coordinate communication efforts for agricultural programs, training workshops, and stakeholder forums.
11. Advocate for policies supporting crop development and food security through strategic messaging.
12. Supervise and guide the communications team to ensure high-quality output and strategic alignment.
13. Manage budgets for communication campaigns, media engagement, and events.
14. Evaluate the impact of communication strategies and adjust as needed.
15. Conduct research to understand public sentiment, track trends, and gather data to inform PR and communication strategies.

5.0 Qualifications

• Education: Holder of a Master’s Degree in one of the following fields: Public Relations, Journalism, Mass Communication, International Relations, Business Communication, Public Administration, Development Economics, or equivalent qualifications from recognized institutions.
• Work Experience: Minimum of 8 years of senior-level experience in the relevant field. Experience with modern social media channel communication management will be an added advantage.

6.0 Specific Knowledge and Experience

1. Knowledge, experience, and a considerable degree of involvement in leading and mentoring a team of public relations/communication professionals, delegating tasks effectively, and fostering a collaborative environment to execute complex organizational campaigns.
2. Proven experience in developing comprehensive public relations strategies aligned with organizational objectives, including crisis communication plans, and successfully implementing them across various platforms.
3. Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and engage diverse stakeholders (locally and internationally).
4. Proficiency in digital media, social media management, and content development.
5. Experience in marketing and/or brand management (building institutional reputation) will be an added advantage.
6. Knowledge of the agricultural sector, especially in matters related to cereals and other produce.
7. Experience working with both public and private sectors in various public relations events/campaigns.
8. Must possess leadership qualities, resilience, a sense of urgency, and strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to confronting issues.
9. Excellent writing and communication skills.
10. Capacity to handle emotionally difficult and challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.
11. Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently.

7.0 Personal Attributes

1. Strategic thinker – ability to develop and execute communication strategies.
2. Strong leadership skills – capable of leading a team, mentoring staff, and managing multiple communication initiatives effectively.
3. Excellent communication skills.
4. Understanding of the agricultural sector.
5. Stakeholder-oriented – skilled in building and managing multiple and complex relationships.
6. Adaptability and problem-solving – ability to navigate challenges, respond to crises effectively, and adjust strategies in a fast-changing environment.
7. High integrity, honesty, truthfulness, and loyalty.
8. Innovative and creative – ability to craft compelling messages, develop engaging campaigns, and leverage digital media for outreach and advocacy.

8.0 Required Competencies

Operational Management Skills:

1. Exceptional leadership skills in managing people and finances with a proven capacity to perform multiple tasks, such as strategically leading resource mobilization activities.
2. A strong analytical mind and an ability to grasp the nature and direction of the institution.
3. Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of effectively leading and motivating teams to achieve results.
4. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
5. Proven experience in strategic planning, program management, and resource mobilization.
6. Knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation processes.

Advocacy and Representation Skills:

1. Public-speaking and influencing skills.
2. Presence, gravitas, humility, and empathy in dealings with partners from a variety of backgrounds.

9.0 Additional Information

• • Age Limit: Not more than 45 years, except for those currently in public service.
  • Terms of Employment: Permanent and pensionable.
  • Remuneration/Salary Scale: Salaries, benefits, and remuneration will be paid in accordance with COPRA’s approved Scheme of Service and other public service circulars issued by the government from time to time.
  • Application Timeline: Fourteen (14) days from the date of the advertisement (deadline: 20th April, 2025).

10.0 General Conditions

1. All applicants must be Tanzanian citizens.
2. Applicants must attach an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) with reliable contacts: postal address/postcode, email, and telephone numbers.
3. People with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply and should indicate this clearly in the portal for Public Service Recruitment Secretariat attention.
4. Applicants should apply based on the information provided in this advertisement.
5. Applicants must attach certified copies of the following certificates:
   • Postgraduate/Degree/Advanced Diploma/Diploma/Certificates;
   • Postgraduate/Degree/Advanced Diploma/Diploma transcripts;
   • Form IV and Form VI National Examination Certificates;
   • Professional Registration and Training Certificates from respective Registration or Regulatory Bodies (where applicable);
   • Birth certificate.
6. Attaching copies of the following certificates is strictly not accepted:
   • Form IV and Form VI result slips;
   • Testimonials and partial transcripts.
7. Applicants must upload a recent passport-size photo in the Recruitment Portal.
8. Applicants employed in the public service should route their application letter through their respective employer.
9. Applicants retired from the public service for any reason should not apply.
10. Applicants should indicate three reputable referees with reliable contacts.
11. Certificates from foreign examination bodies for Ordinary or Advanced level education should be verified by The National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA).
12. Professional certificates from foreign universities and other training institutions should be verified by The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) and National Council for Technical Education (NACTE).
13. A signed application letter should be written in either Swahili or English and addressed to:
    Secretary, President’s Office, Public Service Recruitment Secretariat, P.O. Box 2320, Utumishi Building – University of Dodoma, and Dr. Asha Rose Migiro Buildings – Dodoma.
14. Deadline for application is 20th April, 2025.
15. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed of the date of interview.
16. Presentation of forged certificates and other information will necessitate legal action.

Note: All applications must be sent through the Recruitment Portal at http://portal.ajira.go.tz/ (this address can also be found on the PSRS website under ‘Recruitment Portal’).

Released by:
Secretary
Public Service Recruitment Secretariat