Senior Information Officer

 Vacancy Number: VA808/2012
Position: Senior Information Officer
Reports to: Director, Information Department

Job Profile

This job is responsible for communicating information about OFID to the outside world to promote better understanding of the institution’s aims and activities. The incumbent assists the Director, Information Department, in the development and implementation of the communications strategy, including adequate usage of resources, as well as the definition and identification of targeted audiences.

S/he coordinates administrative activities for the Department, including work plan, budget, schedules, etc., and other activities as requested by the Director. The workload includes effective coordination of OFID’s communications tools (printed materials, ICTs, audiovisuals, website, internet, exhibitions and conferences) to enhance the institution’s visibility and reputation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Researches and develops materials for specific information topics or outputs and analyses the public information potential of defined aspects of the programs, projects and activities of OFID.
• Coordinates press releases, articles and announcements; contributes to the production of other written public information materials, writes scripts for audio-visuals, films, etc.
• Briefs and supervises external writers for OFID’s publications; conducts and writes up interviews with government officials and senior representatives of cooperating agencies and private sector partners; prepares briefing materials for senior OFID officials and specialists prior to their appearance at media conferences, briefings and interviews.
• Establishes and maintains a network of correspondents in OFID’s beneficiary countries and in the media, including international, regional and national press, magazines, radio and television; establishes and maintains contacts with like-minded groups, including the organs of the United Nations, sister organizations and other specialized agencies.
• Organizes special events such as press conferences, lectures and journalism workshops.
• Provides assistance and facilitation to the more junior staff of the department within a formal or informal mentoring / facilitation program.
• Coordinates the budget, work plan and work schedules of the department.
• Prepares the Department’s Management notes for the Governing Board.
• Undertakes other assignments as required by the Director as pertaining to the job function.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Political Science or Liberal Arts.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in public information or related field of work, including preferably 5 years in an international organization.

Skills and Competences

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish will be an added advantage
• Strong interest and knowledge of current development topics and issues
• A good understanding of OFID’s operations and key corporate issues and priorities
• Thorough knowledge of different communication tools, including print, ICTs and social media
• Understanding of communications-related risks and opportunities in an international environment
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with target audiences diplomatically
• Strong networking and mentoring skills
• Ability to encourage team spirit and create a team identity, and to acknowledge the opinions and expertise of team members
• Ability to establish and meet deadlines, work under pressure and handle multiple priority tasks
• Ability to act as an advisor, create trust and work with diverse people and cultures

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