National Public Information Officer - UN World Food Programme – Somalia

Vacancy Announcement No: VA-008/2011

Post Title: National Public Information Officer

Post Grade: NOB

Duty Station: Nairobi Date of issue: 31.03.2011

Contract type: Service Contract (SC)

Closing date: 13.04.2011

Organizational Background

The World Food Programme Somalia activities include food assistance relief, emergency school feeding, humanitarian air and logistics services, food coordination and emergency rehabilitation projects.

This position is only open to qualified Kenyan nationals.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Country Director and the technical supervision of Regional Public Information Officer in Nairobi, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Analyze and keep abreast with WFP activities in Somalia, the political and civil events that affect these activities;
• Coordinate and advocate WFP information and reporting activities as needed;
• Assist with implementation of a communication Strategy for WFP and evaluate the relative effectiveness of this strategy;
• Draft news releases, talking points, key messages, questions and answers. Assist with the organization of press conferences and other media-related activities.
  
• Disseminate such message to Somali-language media and other outlets;
• Act as the spokesperson for the Programme to Somalia-speaking media; maintain contacts with media and web representatives in Somalia and Kenya.
• Provide video footage, digital stills and stories for internal and external use;
• Organize and conduct trips to the field with media to gather information on WFP activities. Disseminate key messages as necessary;
• Keep up to date internal and external documents on WFP website;
• Travel frequently and extensively to Somalia often at short notice;
• Undertake any other information and coordination related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education: Advanced university degree or university degree with experience and advanced training/courses in one or more of the following disciplines: journalism, international relations, editing, communications or other related fields, or relevant professional experience as well as deep wide-ranging knowledge of the profession of journalism, particularly foreign correspondence and international media, either print, radio or television.

Experience: At least three years of postgraduate professional experience as a journalist or professional writer.

Language: Excellent command of English. Fluent spoken and written Somali language is essential.

Knowledge: Training and/or experience utilizing computers, including word processing, spreadsheet and other standard WFP software packages and systems. General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration.

You need to apply on-line by completing the Personal History Form P11 available on the following link http://www.unon.org/docs/P11.doc

Quote the Vacancy Announcement No. and the job title on the Personal History Form P11,

Applications not clearly showing the VA No indicated above will not be considered.

E-mail: Somalia.Hr@wfp.org

For external applicants inside Somalia only, sealed envelope addressed to The Human Resources Officer, to be dropped at the reception of the nearest WFP office in Somalia.

For UN staff members the two latest appraisal forms MUST be attached.

Hand delivered applications are no longer accepted at the Nairobi office

Applications received later that the deadline will not be considered.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted