Director of Strategic Communications -- Southern Africa

Abt Associates seeks a Director of Strategic Communications for the anticipated USAID-funded Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub Project. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• At least seven years of work experience in a related field;
• Proven experience contributing to the design and/or implementation of a (local or national) government strategic communications strategy; and
• A graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as public relations, mass communications, public policy, or journalism.

Regional candidates from Southern Africa are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply via the Abt Associates website here:https://career4.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=19161&com...

Senior Communications Specialist - West Africa Trade Hub Project

Abt Associates seeks a versatile, energetic Senior Communications Specialist for the West Africa Trade Hub project, based in Ghana.

Working closely with the COP, Home Office Communications Manager, and other project staff, the Senior Communications Specialist will lead the project’s external communications initiatives, supervise report preparation, and support knowledge management. The specialist will help the project reach a broad range of audiences, including the US Agency for International Development, a range of private sector groups (trade associations, global buyers, international investors), public sector partners (West African national and regional governments), and civil society (media and advocacy organizations). The ideal candidate will be able to pivot between various tasks, including preparing reports and presentations for USAID/stakeholders, and training project staff/partner organizations in better communications.

The position is planned to begin as soon as possible and last for two years, with options to extend longer.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the project’s major communications initiatives, including presentations to the client and stakeholders, the project website, quarterly success stories, various brochures and pamphlets, video, social networking platforms and media outreach.
• Work with the capacity building specialist to support behavior change strategies, including to boost the communications capacity of regional industry associations.
• Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to support information collection from various project activities
• Help prepare project reports, using standardized report templates aligned with USAID branding guidelines.
• Maintain databases of project documents.

Skills Prerequisites

• Fluency in English and French is required. The successful candidate will have excellent written and spoken English and French skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and correctly formatted documents.
• Advanced degree in media/communications and at least three years’ experience in media and communications preferred.
• Experience in communications in Africa and/or with a USAID project.
• Expertise in new media, developing social platforms and incorporating communications technologies into development programs.
• Experience with geographic information presentation platforms, such as Google maps, to demonstrate project intervention locations and salient information for the site and activity
• Ability to work with multiple cultures and countries in West Africa.
• Familiarity with West African culture and economic issues.
• Willingness to travel within the region.

Minimum Qualifications BA with 6 - 8 years of experience OR MA/MBA (3) years of experience OR PhD (Entry Level) OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please apply online: http://bit.ly/1ACqCvt

Communication Strategist - Freelance opportunity

Free Press Unlimited is currently supporting an alliance of media organisations in the Middle East to develop a collective communication strategy. For this purpose FPU is seeking a Communication Strategist – on a consultancy basis – who has the relevant expertise to contribute to this process. The main responsibility of the Communication Strategist is to facilitate the alliance in its development of a comprehensive communication plan and package (tools). Ultimately this package should include an approach, strategy, messaging and tools.

Job responsibilities.

• Advise the alliance on the development of a communication strategy (external, with media and stakeholders).
• Advise on advocacy campaigns, strategic events and tools.
• Advise and assist on the communication tools, namely a web site based on the input of and in consultation with the alliance.
• Advise and if needed (co-) carry out a stakeholders analysis.
• Support the alliance’s communication team transferring know how, and skills (informative sessions, workshops, coaching).
• Deliver – in collaboration with the alliance – a comprehensive communication plan and package (tools).

Your profile.

• A portfolio in communication and marketing.
• Experience in advocacy either in commercial or non-profit sector.
• Know-how of website strategy development and distribution strategy.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Experience working with actors from fragile security contexts.
• Spoken and written fluency in both Arabic and English.
• Able to swiftly respond to communication challenges encountered during campaigns.
• Knowledge of political and security developments in the Middle East.
• Flexible, committed, reliable and independent worker.

We offer
We offer a short-term and part-time consultancy assignment (freelance) in a dynamic international environment. Free Press Unlimited uses fair selection criteria based on equal opportunities. We particularly encourage female candidates to apply.

Who we are
Across the globe, journalists and media pioneers have taken it on themselves to supply their communities with objective information. Free Press Unlimited actively supports these professionals in over forty countries, by offering them, among other things, trainings and temporary financial and material aid, and by strengthening their professional capacity. So that as many people as possible gain and keep access to truly vital information. For many people around the world, access to reliable information is by no means a given. Nevertheless, impartial information is of crucial importance to all of us if we wish to survive and develop as human beings. For more information check our website www.freepressunlimited.org.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested?
If you are interested please send your motivation letter and CV in PDF-format as soon as possible and before 21 January 2015 to: vacancies[at]freepressunlimited[dot]org.

Public Communications Managers

Permanent position

Contracts may be offered for a period of up to 3 years.

(Male or Female) - Full time – Geneva

Purpose of the post

The ICRC’s public communication division in Geneva is looking to recruit highly skilled communications experts working in a motivated, dynamic team within the ICRC’s public relations unit in Geneva.

The unit’s overall aim is to maximize the ICRC's reputation and brand, positioning the ICRC as a leading global humanitarian organization and an authority on international humanitarian law. The unit is at the forefront of the ICRC’s efforts to build support for its work, with the ultimate aim of improving its ability to help people in need. It coordinates the ICRC’s relations with media outlets with an international reach.

Reporting to the head of public relations, the communications manager will work with country delegations and headquarters units/regions to devise and implement creative communication and media outreach strategies and projects on the ICRC’s humanitarian operations and its priority thematic issues. S/he will help develop compelling messages and content, enhancing the ICRC’s external positioning and online engagement.

· Provides professional communication advice on communication issues, opportunities and challenges

· Contributes to the development and promotion of powerful public communications products and messages

· Help develop and drive the implementation of contextualized, multidisciplinary and creative communication strategies and projects

· Manages communications in situations of crisis

· Acts as a spokesperson. Proactively handles media relations and develops a strong media network

· Attends and participates in events of relevance, representing the ICRC and its positions

· Helps develop stronger relationships and synergies with communication departments of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies

· Provides coaching and guidance to communicators in country delegations through field visits and other means

· Identifies and promotes communications best practice within the ICRC

· Helps develop skills and abilities of field communication staff by actively contributing to training workshops

Profile requirements

· Proven track record in the field of communications. Experience with the ICRC or the wider International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement will be a definite added value, but not essential, as will be operational field experience for a humanitarian organization.

· Strong humanitarian motivation. Genuine interest and belief in the ICRC’s mission to protect and assist victims of armed conflicts and other situations of violence.

· A proven ability in strategy development and implementation, excellent oral and written communication skills to internal and external audiences.

· Excellent writing skills; ability to draft compelling material in different formats and for different media/uses.

· Strong understanding of online media and ability to adapt material to its demands.

· Able to work autonomously and independently with the ability to work under pressure and to handle confidential and sensitive information.

· Able to develop individual working relationships with journalists in print and online media as a platform for proactive ICRC messaging; defining a strategy for systematic media engagement and establishing contacts and links with media outlets; active communication of ICRC positions on a wide variety of issues including through interviews

· Ability to engage with, influence and gain the trust of a wide range of contacts and stakeholders (internal and external).

· Languages: excellent spoken and written English is essential, ideally along with at least one more: French, Arabic and Russian are priority languages. German is an asset.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work well in a sometimes fast-paced and stressful environment. A joy of working with others is essential, as is an excellent sense of humour.

· Flexibility and ability to carry out short field assignments at short notice.

HOW TO APPLY:

If this post interests you and you meet the requirements set out above, please send your application by the 31st of January 2015, toapplication_hq@icrc.org mentioning “CIM/COM/PR – Application – Public Communications Manager” in the subject of your message.

Only applications via this e-mail will be considered for this campaign. If you don’t receive a reply to your application within one month, please consider that your file has not been shortlisted.

Media and Communications Officer

OPEN TO INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CANDIDATES

Classification: Official, Grade P2

Type of Appointment : Special short term,Nine months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Reference Code: SVN2014/128(O)-EXT

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM has a proactive recruitment policy to increase the representation of nationals of non- represented member states. Qualified applicants from the following countries will be favorably considered:

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Czech Republic, Comoros, Djibouti, El Salvador, Gabon, Gambia, Guyana, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Lesotho, Libya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Montenegro, Micronesia, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Republic of Congo, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Slovenia, Somalia, Suriname, Swaziland, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen

Applications from qualified female candidates are especially encouraged.

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission and in coordination with RO Dakar, the Media and Communication Unit in Headquarters (HQs) and Regional Office (RO) Central and West Africa, the candidate will manage the project “Supporting informed migration in Niger”. The information campaign will target migrants in the regions of Agadez and Niamey, with the aim of improving informed migrant decisions and enhancing the dialogue among migrants, migrant communities, diaspora groups in Niger.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Manage the EU-funded project “Supporting informed migrant decisions in Niger” in line with the endorsed project document, budget and result matrix.
2. Produce and supervise the media and communication tools for the information campaign.
3. Coordinate and supervise with implementing partners to produce analytical material of migration patterns in Niger.
4. Represent IOM in the information management thematic group or other related theme groups as requested by the Chief of Mission.
5. Actively participate in liaison activities with donors and national partners, and ensure proper follow up.
6. Coordinate all press releases, brochures, newsletter and other communications materials including public events related to the project.
7. Prepare correspondence with field and HQs missions on matters related to the use of contributions and contractual obligations for the project.
8. Carry out editorial review of reports for submission to counterparts, ensuring adherence to project proposal, signed agreement and institutional reporting requirements of IOM and the donor.
9. Conduct research and assessment work, particularly in view of strategic, programmatic and project-specific funding opportunities and advise Chief of Mission accordingly.
10. Undertake duty travels related to programme assessment, liaison with counterparts, problem solving and new programme developments as requested.
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Competencies

Behavioural

• Takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism;
• Works effectively with all clients and stakeholders;
• Promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly;
• Takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management;
• Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;
• Displays mastery of subject matter;
• Contributes to a collegial team environment;
• Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation;
• Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;
• Works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.

Technical

• Drives and fosters understanding of Media and Communications concepts amongst key personnel in IOM;
• Correctly and effectively applies knowledge of traditional and social media;
• Interfaces across units and departments within IOM to extract relevant information.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Media and Communications or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in the field of humanitarian assistance, research, migration issues, project implementation;
• Work experience in project development, budget drafting, research and report writing;
• Knowledge of migration issues;
• Work experience in the region is an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English and French is required. Working knowledge of a local language (Haussa, Djerma) is an advantage.

Note:

*The candidate will be based in Niamey, Niger, with frequent travels to the Agadez region.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment

system, by January 05, 2015 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

For further information, please refer to:

http://www.iom.int/cms/en/sites/iom/home/about-iom-1/recruitment/how-to-...

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly filled in and submitted with a cover letter not more than one page specifying the motivation for

applications.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application in your personal application page in the IOM e-recruitment system.

Multi-Media Broadcast Journalist, BBC Afrique

The World Service Group is home to the BBC’s international television, radio and digital news services operating in English, French and twenty-six other languages.  We reach around 256 million people around the world every week with some of the world’s best and most trusted journalism.  Within this, BBC Afrique is a multimedia operation with an extremely varied output focusing on our African audiences across the continent.  As a Multimedia Broadcast Journalist based in Dakar, you’ll play a key role in enhancing our multimedia offering and making us the centre of excellence for all things Francophone African within the BBC.

Role Responsibility

Based in our Dakar Bureau, you’ll be involved in all aspects of multimedia journalism including: presenting, writing, translating and adapting material swiftly and accurately into French, in a style suited to radio, television, online and mobile journalism; you will also conduct interviews and reports. As well as originating, researching, producing and presenting items, packages and interviews, you will also provide discussions, complete programmes, background, analysis and features for a range of media formats.

The Ideal Candidate

With French as first (or equivalent) language and an excellent level of spoken and written English, you’ll bring substantial recent and relevant journalistic experience of and about Africa which will also show in your familiarity with our audiences, trends within our marketplace and knowledge of African and international current affairs. 

We’re also looking for a journalist with an excellent broadcasting voice and strong presentation skills.  Also important will be your knowledge of social media and in particular, how best we can use those channels to treat stories in the most appropriate way.  Underpinning all of these skills will be your flexibility, both in ability to work across platforms but also in working shifts to cover our programming requirements.

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are very important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below. You’ll be asked questions relating to them as part of your application for this role.

Package Description

Job title: Multi-Media Broadcast Journalist, BBC Afrique

Contract: 1 x 12 month FTC

Location: Dakar, Senegal

Attached documents

•  BBC Values
•  Please click here for the full job description

Apply

Executive Editor, BBC Media Action - Addis Ababa

BBC Media Action uses media and communications to help improve health, reduce poverty, and support people in understanding their rights. To achieve this, it partners with civil society, local media and governments to:

• Produce creative programmes in multi-media formats which inform and engage audiences around key development issues; and
• Strengthen the media sector through building professional capacity and infrastructure.

The work of BBC Media Action focuses on three thematic areas:

• Health
• Governance and rights; and
• Humanitarian and emergency preparedness

Role Responsibility

This role will require you to provide leadership of the production team in Ethiopia, with overall responsibilities for editorial decision making, production processes, outputs, and equipment. You will develop systems and organise regular editorial and management meetings to guarantee that the production department resources are being strategically allocated, scheduled, and shared. You’ll manage heads of different production teams to coordinate and creatively influence. You will need to recruit, retain and develop staff, along with keeping across budgets and spending. This position will also need you to build and maintain relationships with media partners, donors and other stakeholders.

The Ideal Candidate

This role will need you to have experience of managing teams to deliver editorial outputs (especially radio) to tight time frames and setting up/improving systems for scheduling and coordinating the allocation of production resources. You will have demonstrable creative ability with a proven track-record in designing, developing and making media programmes. You’ll have strong editorial judgement, along with good journalistic practice and principles. You’ll have previous budget management experience, coupled with excellent interpersonal leadership and people management skills.

Package Description

Grade 9

Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

12 or 24 Month Fixed Term Contract

Attached documents

•  BBC Values
•  Please click here for the full job description

Apply

Executive Editor, BBC Media Action - Abuja

BBC Media Action uses media and communications to help improve health, reduce poverty, and support people in understanding their rights. To achieve this, it partners with civil society, local media and governments to:

• Produce creative programmes in multi-media formats which inform and engage audiences around key development issues; and
• Strengthen the media sector through building professional capacity and infrastructure.

The work of BBC Media Action focuses on three thematic areas:

• Health
• Governance and rights; and
• Humanitarian and emergency preparedness

Role Responsibility

This role will require you to provide leadership of the production team in Nigeria, with overall responsibilities for editorial decision making, production processes, outputs, and equipment. You will develop systems and organise regular editorial and management meetings to guarantee that the production department resources are being strategically allocated, scheduled, and shared. You’ll manage heads of different production teams to coordinate and creatively influence. You will need to recruit, retain and develop staff, along with keeping across budgets and spending. This position will also need you to build and maintain relationships with media partners, donors and other stakeholders.

The Ideal Candidate

This role will need you to have experience of managing teams to deliver multiple broadcast outputs (especially radio and/ or TV) to tight time frames and setting up/improving systems for scheduling and coordinating the allocation of production resources. You will have demonstrable creative ability with a proven track-record in designing, developing and making media programmes. You’ll have strong editorial judgement, along with good journalistic practice and principles. You’ll have previous budget management experience, coupled with excellent interpersonal leadership and people management skills.

Package Description

Grade 9

Based in Abuja Nigeria

12 or 24 Month Fixed Term Contract

Attached documents

•  BBC Values
•  Please click here for the full job description

Apply