Communications Assistant Frankfurt Zoological Society - Serengeti National Park

FZS is recruiting a Communications Assistant to support the Africa Programme, based in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Purpose of the job: To support the development and implementation of the FZS communication strategy within Africa. The Communications Assistant (CA) will help communicate the aim and mission of FZS in a compelling way in order to generate greater interest and support for the work of the Society. The CA will raise the profile as well as the public and media awareness of the Society, its brand, its services and initiatives through best practice corporate communications, strategies, plans and campaigns. In addition, the CA will develop and maintain close working links with the media and the press and create opportunities for media and press exposure of the Society, and key personnel within FZS. The CA will also play a key role in developing and promoting the FZS brand and the Society’s environmental agenda to achieve maximum exposure and impact.

Position in the organisation: Reports directly to the Africa Director, in support of the Africa Regional Office (ARO)

Location: FZS office Seronera, Tanzania. Travel to projects and FZS headquarters as required

Role and responsibilities:

Maintain awareness of issues and developments in the environment and related sectors
Contribute to the development and of the Corporate Communications Strategy and Plan
Communicate FZS strategy and philosophy to stakeholders and staff
Maintain regular contact with projects and ensure internal and external communications needs and opportunities are met
Provide media guidance and coaching to projects staff
Ensure programme-wide implementation of the FZS corporate design
Support the HQ PR and Communications Department
Contribute to the development of FZS’ website, magazine and other communication outlets, including social media, promotional and outreach material
Initiate news and feature coverage of FZS activities and arrange media interviews and press briefings
Produce and manage the FZS Africa Department monthly electronic newsletter and its related email database
Draft and distribute Press Releases and other promotional material to press, media and industry contacts
Increase awareness of FZS policies, products, awards and services and develop media campaigns that will present the Institution in a positive light and maximize public exposure
Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with the media, press and marketing contacts in key sector organizations, national agencies and governments
Maintain and develop a press, media and industry contacts database
Responsibility for all on-site media relations and responding to all media queries
Monitor and report on media coverage of FZS activity
Co-ordinate and maintain a calendar of activities and events that will enable timely planning and implementation of news and media campaigns
Support the Director in the production of PowerPoint presentations and manage image system within the departmental systems.
Exercise sound financial controls
Be effective and efficient in the use of FZS’ resources
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the responsibilities and purpose of the post, as requested by the Africa Director

Terms:

A salary of 18,000 Euros per annum (tax free) will be offered, based on qualifications and experience. The position will be based in the Serengeti National Park with occasional travel to other areas within Africa as needed.

Additional benefits include:

Basic housing
Medical insurance, including emergency evacuation cover
6 calendar weeks paid leave
Transport is provided in accordance with FZS policy

A one-year renewable contract with trial period will be offered starting as soon as possible in 2013

Application Procedure:

Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter to robertmuir@fzs.org by 15th December 2012. The cover letter should clearly demonstrate the suitability of the candidate for this position and include a description of their four most important character traits that will contribute to their success in post. Please send a copy of a piece of media writing that has been published (press release, magazine or newspaper article etc.), as well as a one page draft press release from the point of view of a conservation NGO concerning the current rhino poaching in Africa.

Only candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted.