AU/UN Press Information Officer , Mogadishu, Somalia

An opportunity has arisen for 3 Press Officers to join a unique international communications project. The role will be initially offered on a 3-month trial basis with possibility of contract renewal for a longer period thereafter. The successful candidate will work with a 13 member communications team, to raise and maintain the profile/awareness of the project beneficiaries within Somalia, across the region and the globe.

You will mainly be focusing on developing storylines and enabling media coverage on the activities of the project beneficiaries in the regions outside the capital, Mogadishu.

Based in Mogadishu but traveling regularly into major towns in south-central Somalia and reporting to the Acting/ Head of Press & Media, the role requires a minimum of three years demonstrable experience, a strong knowledge of the Somali national as well as regional media and a sharp eye for a news hook.

The candidate will also need to be comfortable living in an austere environment.

In addition to handling enquiries from both the media and the public, writing press releases and developing new media contacts, the candidate will need to get involved with event organisation. Fluency in English will be essential and proficiency in French will be an added advantage.

Job Role:
-Conceptualise and drive media initiatives to increase awareness of
the work carried out by the beneficiaries
-Build relationships with key officials within the beneficiary
organisations, and provide advice on media matters
-Ensure consistency of regional media communications with the overall
strategic communications plan
-Develop national/international stories out of regional news hooks and
provide demonstrable experience of doing this in a previous role
-Identify target audiences within media and public and cultivate
relationships with key media
-Organise regular press interviews for beneficiaries and prepare
beneficiaries to address them and deliver appropriate messages
-Write press releases and regular news articles for distribution to
local, regional and international media as well as for publication in
beneficiaries’ websites and journals
-Identify media opportunities and work with others on the project to
exploit them

Skills & Experience:
-Previous experience in a press office role
-Must be a skilled writer and strong communicator
-Track record of successful media relations
-Initiative and a willingness and passion to go to the extra mile to
obtain coverage
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with good attention
to detail
-Confidence dealing with a range of colleagues and external contacts,
particularly journalists
-Robust personality with experience working in a hostile environment
highly desirable
-Excellent organisation and time-management skills, with an ability to
work under pressure and to deadlines
-Confident, team player with good inter-personal skills
-Proven ability to accurately understand and articulate
policies, key messages and brand identity

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.

Applications should be made by email only to: Jacinta.wakhisi@auunist.org by midday 15th February 2013.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Ideally candidates will be available immediately.