Transparency International Communications Coordinator for the Africa region

The Transparency International Secretariat (TI-S) is seeking a highly motivated, well-organised and committed Communications Coordinator to support its work in the Africa Department.

Transparency International (TI) is the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption. Through more than 90 chapters worldwide and an international secretariat in Berlin, Germany, TI raises awareness of the damaging effects of corruption and works with partners in government, business and civil society to develop and implement effective measures to tackle it.

The Africa Department of the TI-S is initiating a new 5-year regional Programme to provide support to and reinforce the work of TI’s national Chapters on the African continent. This Regional Programme will be implemented by the Department in collaboration with the African Chapters of TI. It is structured around six components: regional network strengthening, anti-corruption solutions and knowledge, people engagement, public sector integrity, climate governance integrity and business sector integrity.

The Transparency International Secretariat (TI-S) in Berlin is seeking a Communications Coordinator for the Africa Region, responsible for enhancing communication between Transparency International and the African media and stakeholders.

Main function: Developing communications strategies for the region, overseeing the production of French and English communications products for the work of TI in Africa, and support the exchange of communication best practices among TI Chapters in Africa

Starting date: As soon as possible

Duration: limited for 2 years with the possibility of extension

Location: TI-Secretariat, Berlin, Germany

Department: Sub-Saharan Africa Department

Reporting lines: Communications Department

Job grade: III

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and/or draft communications products such as press releases, blog posts, opinion pieces, speeches, reports, analysis and web features based on the work of the TI Chapters in Africa and the outputs of the Africa Regional Programme
• Draft communications plans to support the Africa Department and advocacy/policy positions and products from the Africa Regional Programme.
• Assess and identify communications opportunities, especially in the press and with major stakeholders, to increase visibility, support fundraising and enhance the TI brand, particularly in Africa
• Establish and build on relationships with key journalists covering corruption, governance, financial and development issues in Africa
• Coordinate the communications opportunities and deliverables for the Africa Regional Programme and support African Chapters’ communications work nationally and internationally
• Coordinate TI-S media relations for the Africa Regional Programme, issues, products, or other activities from the Africa Department
• Work with assigned Chapters in Africa to support the development of TI-S wide capacity in communications and ensure exchange of communication best practices among TI Chapters in Africa
• Support policy experts in translating daily work and policy issues into everyday language and compelling stories
• Provide counsel to management on messaging and media relations
• Identify and act upon opportunities for proactive media relations work within the framework of the 2015 strategy
• Develop strategies and provide media relations guidance for global and regional/project work
• Advise the Director of Communications and the Media and Public Relations Manager on issues likely to attract media attention, and propose strategies to address them
• Manage press conferences, press briefings and spokesperson media interviews, as well as provide similar press support for events and conferences
• Inform global messages with specific information from the region: human stories, success stories, the human impact of corruption

Knowledge, experience and skills:

• Extensive experience in communications
• Excellent oral and written communications in English and French; Portuguese language skills an asset
• Excellent journalistic/creative writing skills, and an innovative approach to communications
• Solid understanding of media, particularly in Africa; political awareness and ability to handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and to otherwise cultivate productive relationships
• Solid experience in drafting communications strategies and responding to emerging issues
• Strong communications, research and analytical skills, and ability to rapidly analyse and integrate information from varied sources
• Up-to-date knowledge of current affairs topics and issues
• Strong organisational skills and ability to multi-task
• Knowledge of and interest in corruption and development issues
• Ability to perform as part of a team under pressure
• Organised, dependable, highly articulate and discreet

Other information about the post and the location:

Transparency International and its global network offer an inspiring work environment with real learning opportunities and support. Berlin is an attractive metropolitan city with relatively low cost of living.

To apply:

Qualified candidates should submit, preferably via email, a cover letter, a CV ad their salary expectations to:

communicationscoordinatorafricajob@transparency.org

Deadline for applications is 9 September 2012.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted. Transparency International is an equal opportunity employer.

To learn more about Transparency International, visit our website at www.transparency.org.