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Regional Media and Communications Officer

Ref INT5113
Region Southern Africa
Location Pretoria
Division International
Department Regional Communications
Position Type Fixed Term
Job Family Communications
Closing date for applications
(UK Time)
27 January 2012
Job Profile

Title: Regional Media and
Communications Officer
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Grade: National D1
Salary: R267,971 to R383,197 gross per
annum
Closing Date: 27 January 2012
THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS AND THOSE WITH PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Dimensions

· Most tasks are routine with well-defined targets and/or minimum standards, but requires flexibility and common sense in making necessary adjustments to suit individual circumstances

· Support and implement operational plans and deliver superior operational performance

· Provide professional support and advice to managers in responsibility areas

· Use information from a variety of sources to inform decision making, which is mostly routine, but requires sensible judgement, working within Oxfam policy and procedures

· Instances and occasional work activities require independent thought and research and creative thinking to recommend best solution

· Forward planning and management of small projects or elements of large projects

· Communication and influence is primarily internal, but will represent Oxfam to external contacts and may need to deal with influential senior external contacts or supporters

· Contribute to the development of improvements to the department's services, procedures and systems

· The Southern African region has a significant number of critical countries and programmes and is of strategic importance to Oxfam GB and Oxfam International, characterised by an operating environment that is potentially politically and physically insecure, with a high risk of humanitarian crises


Key Responsibilities

Communication Support: 75% of role

· Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive and integrated communications strategy

· Lead on the development and coordination of all internal communications across the Region. This will include (but not be limited to)

¾ production and dissemination of key internal communications products, including a half yearly regional newsletter

¾ dissemination of International Division bulletin and contribution of regional articles and information when necessary

¾ updating the regional intranet pages and the Oxfam International dashboard

· Provide regular information, briefings and reports on regional activities and high quality management reports as required and respond to both routine and one-off information requests from countries, other regions and Oxford

· Source case studies and photos from specific programme work that can be used in donor reports, proposals and presentations

· Organise information and communication events (physical and virtual)

· Be aware of and promote the importance of brand protection within the region

· Attend relevant communication events and forums

Media Support: 15% of role

· Work closely with and support country staff with media and communication responsibilities in dealing with media enquiries, ensuring that individual country responses are aligned with the regional approach and that all media products conform to Oxfam GB and Oxfam International's agreed policy approaches and directions

· Regularly visit country programmes to ensure a direct link between programme work and media coverage through familiarisation with Oxfam's work on the ground

· Develop and regularly maintain a regional database of media contacts, in full coordination/discussion with Oxfam Australia

· Assist in the logistical implications and arrangement of overseas visits by journalists and celebrities

· Attend relevant media events and forums

General Business Support: 10% of role

· Support the development and implementation of appropriate training for country staff with media and communication responsibilities to improve their skills and capabilities


Skills and Competence

· Good knowledge of and experience working in the Southern African media environment

· Excellent knowledge of communication approaches, tools and issues

· Knowledge or appreciation of Southern Africa in terms of its political, economic and social trends plus a good understanding of the key development and humanitarian issues in the region is desirable

· Good facilitation, influencing and persuasive skills with ability to build strong, credible relationships and to communicate with and transfer information to a wide audience to gain understanding and agreement

· Good analytical and conceptual thinking skills with good strategic perspective; able to understand complex issues and information from different sources and present this clearly and simply

· Excellent personal communication skills, in written and verbal English

· Strong organisational and personal management skills, with ability to prioritise work issues to meet deadlines with minimal supervision and adjust to constantly changing situations while maintaining focus on delivery and follow-through

· A high level of self-awareness, personal energy, stamina and flexibility. Ability to work creatively, effectively and in an innovative manner and to identify and develop new ways to use the media to Oxfam's advantage

· Relevant qualification in media, communications or related field

· Ability and willingness to travel, including to humanitarian emergencies or conflict zones, and to work extra hours as required

DESIREABLE

  • Fluency in written and verbal Portuguese
  • Experience of working with a local or international NGO in media and/or communications in the region


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MORE INFO...

Regional Media and Communications Officer updated dec 2011.doc