This document discusses the role and importance of communications for BRAC Sierra Leone. It outlines that communications focals were initially seen as librarians, project officers, and security writers, but their role is actually to promote BRAC's image, create compelling stories about clients and beneficiaries, and regularly update on program activities. The document provides guidelines for communications focals on gathering and disseminating information through various channels to tell BRAC's story. It emphasizes the importance of building relationships, respecting privacy, and moving beyond stage-managed interactions with beneficiaries.
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•Promote BRAC’s image in-country and Int’l
•Create and distribute compelling stories about clients and
beneficiaries
•Regular update on programme activities and serving as
support to programme heads
•Gateway for Brand compliance and reservoir of essential
documentation
Role of the Communications Focal
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•Gathering and disseminating information and content on
activities within the country to BRAC counterparts abroad
•Work with National and International media to tell the
BRAC story and raise the organization’s profile
•Coordinate and publicize events and speaking
opportunities to promote BRAC
•Prepare speaker briefings, act as Master of Ceremony if
required.
Promote BRAC’s image in-country and Int’l
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•Create and distribute
compelling stories about
BRAC clients and
programs through
newsletters, press
releases, etc.
•Our visual identity
should reflect our
personality, our values,
and how we make an
impact on the world.
Story telling about our beneficiaries
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Imagery should have a look and feel that is bright,
natural and honest.
Key images should be Engaging (the reader) and
Engaged (the subject in the image)
All images should capture the BRAC brand essence
“Realising potential” and with proper photo credit where
necessary.
Photo/Video Guideline
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•Acquire relevant content from programs to update
website and intranet
•Write blog and social media posts in cooperation with
BRAC Communications
Website content
Aggregate following
155,915 (as of 06/05/2015)
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•Ensure brand compliance of collateral material
•Edit and review communication materials of the different
programmes according to BRAC Style Guide
•Provide staff with necessary writing guidelines and
structure
Brand Guidelines
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•Support and advise teams to collect and develop
relevant case studies and visual stories
•Liaise with affiliates and partners to distribute project
materials
•Help Programme Managers with any Communications-
related materials that might be needed in their project
implementation.
•Provide technical support to Programme staff
Staff Support
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KEY LEARNINGS FROM THE FIELD
•Letter of Consent: signed by beneficiaries if possible
•Beneficiaries demand Respect and Privacy too
•Break through stage-managed beneficiary response
Create a relationship first
•Keep eye contact with beneficiary, especially when using a
translator
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WAY FORWARD
• Relationship building among PMs
•Communications work plan and proposed budget must
be discussed with CR and Programme heads, preferably at
CMT
•PMs must see Communications focal as an essential
support to any of their activities
•Communications Training must be organized biannually in
Country office and in all Branch offices