Media and Communication Assistant (National Position) – Hargeisa, Somaliland

Islamic Relief Worldwide

Media and Communication Assistant (National Position) – Hargeisa, Somaliland

 

ISLAMIC RELIEF WORLDWIDE PROGRAMME

Location: Somaliland

Position: Media and Communication Assistant (National Position)

Date of issued: 19th January 2021

Closing date: 26th January 2021

Duty station: Hargeisa –Somaliland

Reporting: Area Coordinator

Matrix Managed by: Media and Communications Officer Starting time: 1st February, 2021

Duration of Initial Contract: 3 months of probation period with possibility of extension to 12 Months based on performance and funding.

 

Background

Islamic Relief Worldwide, Programme has been operating in Somaliland since 2009 and has been providing both humanitarian and development programmes to Somaliland population. Through our intervention, IR has continuously provided safe drinking water, improving hygiene and sanitation condition, constructed, rehabilitated and upgrading water facilities and empowered urban poor through our programmes including orphan sponsorship programme. Over years of its working in Somaliland, IR has established good reputation and collaboration with the government line ministries/agencies towards delivery of our strategic priorities.

JOB SUMMARY

  • To undertake all media and communication functions in IRW Somaliland operations to provide effective and efficient implementation of IR programmes to properly document on the success stories and impacts through media monitoring.
  • Ensure that coordination among the teams is enhanced to better serve the target communities in different regions of Somaliland.
  • Deliver all media functions of IRW in Somaliland with an aim of ensuring services reach the population in need within the required timeline and accurate information where produced at the right time.

Key Duties:

  •   Ensure the production of High-Quality media materials of photos and videos, including human interest stories for web print, donors, external publication and to share them with through timely manner.
  •   To manage all media communications activity in the field in line with the media guidelines produced by the IRS Media Communications Officer, and ensure the media and marketing needs of IRW and donors are met
  •   To be the main media communications contact in the field during emergencies and coordinate all media communication roles.
  •   To produce case studies of people affected by the disasters and those helped by IR, articles on the changing situation and impact of IR’s work on the ground.
  •   To provide timely, interesting and accurate information to the IR media that can be turned into Press Releases, web updates and e-campaigns, as well as other appropriate marketing materials.
  •   To work alongside any other IR media staff on the ground including photographers to ensure coordinated media material.
  •   To work according to Islamic Relief’s ethical guidelines on content collection.
  •   To produce high-quality and regular media and marketing material that meets the needs of IRW and its partners.
  •   To contribute to any advocacy messaging developed by IR around the needs and issues  associated with the disaster.
  •   Provide administrative support to programs, internal teams and external bodies whenever requested.
  •   Draft press releases, publications, social media posts in consultation with andCommunication Officer
  •   Assist in maintaining web content and executing social media strategies.
  •   Update databases and media lists.
  •   Assist to implement the communications strategies based on IRW guidelines and protocols
  •   Track projects and media exposure to provide coverages, while activities are implementing
  •   Maintain calendars for media appointments to document all the required information
  •   Prepare presentations and reports, bulleting whenever requested by the management
  •   Ensure donor compliance for any grant approved based on specific media requirement and requests.
  •   Ensure IRW branding is maintained all the times.
  •   Ensure media relations are well established with good expanding of IR image
  •   Organize training sessions in relation media and communication promotions
  •   Provide technical support to the team if necessary.
  •   Any other duties assigned by Line manager.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

  •   A university degree/Diploma in mass media, communications and Journalism and other relevant fields from recognized university
  •   Minimum of 5-4 years’ experience including at least 3 years of working for UN bodies and international NGOs in the field of mass media and communications
  •   Knowledge of community-based approaches in humanitarian and development settings is desirable.
  •   Knowledge on communication standards
  •   Competency with the analysis of contextual information, and developing clear, informed recommendations.
  •   Proficiency in English (Written and spoken) is essential
  •   Good IT skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and Excel is essential.
  •   Experience in ERP systems is added advantage e.g., Microsoft dynamics, Navision etc.

GENERAL SKILLS

  •   Willing to adapt to IRW’s norms and values without compromising personal beliefs and principles.
  •   Excellent communication skills – able to communicate and report effectively, both orally and in writing.
  •   Willing and able to work long hours as required and meet deadlines.
  •   Commitment to participatory approaches when working with communities.
  •   Willing to learn local mechanisms, culture and humanitarian and development issues of the region.
  •   Able to build productive working relationships; work as part of a team, and support colleagues.
  •   Communicates honestly, openly, and consistently. Shares information appropriately and ensure that views of all members of the team are freely expressed.
  •   Encourages a positive rather than negative viewpoint.
  •   Good numeracy skills with knowledge of local markets and cost estimating are desirable.
  •   Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build working relationships quickly and to work sensitively with people from various cultural and social backgrounds.
  •   Able to form recommendations for creative solutions in problem solving.
  •   Energetic and able to operate in situations which may be arduous.
  •   Should be prepared mentally to do extensive fieldwork and visit other locations within the country.
  •   Able to work flexible hours when necessary and strive towards task completion.
  •   Flexible and patient for emergency response deadlines.
  •   Ability to work on your own initiative as well as a part of a team.
  •   It is essential that the post holder show a good understanding of humanitarian principles and sympathy with Islamic Relief’s values, as well as a commitment to Islamic Relief’s vision and mission.

Application Process:

  •   IRW Somalia Program is inviting applications from qualified/Motivated candidates who are interested to submit their CVs and cover letters explaining, how they meet Job description.
  •   Each application should be addressed to the HR account: hr.mogadishu@islamic-relief.or.ke and include the following:
  •   An updated CV; and  An application letter
  •   Academic Qualifications (certificates/Transcripts)Punctual
  •   Copy of your National ID card or passport
  •   Contact information for three work-related referees.
  •   Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.NOTE: please make sure the job title in the mail subject line is clear
    •   Only short-listed applicants will be contacted
    •   IRW is an equal opportunity employer.
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