Media Officer
With operations in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, the IRC is the only refugee assistance agency with large-scale international and domestic operations.
The Syria crisis is increasingly being described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. There are 2.4 million refugees living in nearby countries (aid leaders predict that could reach 4.1 million in 2014) another 6.5 million internally displaced people who have lost their homes and are living in camps, abandoned buildings and with host families inside Syria who are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
This is no short-term humanitarian episode. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades. The destruction of livelihoods, of homes and of essential infrastructure will take years to repair.
The IRC is offering a robust response to the Syria crisis providing lifesaving health, water and sanitation, children and women protect ion, education and cash assistance and livelihood programming. Shining a media light on this crisis is critical to IRC’s and the greater humanitarian response.
SCOPE OF WORK
This position is an exciting opportunity to provide strategic, skilled and dynamic leadership to planning and production of media product e.g. press articles, web content, TV/radio pieces to give a voice to those who are suffering from this crisis. The majority of the Media Officer’s time is committed to media product for the Syria crisis, but also responds to Afghanistan and Pakistan media needs as required. The Media Officer reports to the Syria Regional Response Director and coordinates media activities with US and UK External Relations staff, Country Directors in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey and the Syria Regional Advocacy Officer. This position can be based in Amman or Beirut and requires 30% t ravel.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Pro-actively network with international and national media to pitch stories on IRC’s programs and advocacy priorities and ensure high quality, wide coverage.
* Provide stories – with accompanying photographs or video – for the IRC’s website and internal and external newsletters, as well as other external outlets including blogs, magazines etc.
* Develop, write and issue press releases, reactive lines and Q&As about IRC programs and issues of concern in coordination with New York and UK leadership, the advocacy department and Syria response country programs
* Respond to information requests from the news media, give and arrange interviews, and assist journalists and photographers in coordinating coverage of IRC programs.
* Coordinate with media/information officers from partner NGOs for joint media/advocacy initiatives.
* Att end and/or represent the IRC at press conferences and coordination meetings. Collect and disseminate information.
* Work closely with the Senior Vice-President for External Relations, Director for Media Relations, Senior Communications Officers and other staff relevant to media work in New York, Washington D.C., London, Brussels and Geneva. Act as a liaison and vital member of a global media team.
* Work closely with the Regional Advocacy Officer to align media and advocacy strategic objectives
* Work with Country Offices to arrange reporters’ field visits, and accompany as required.
* Serve as external relations resource for field staff.
* Train IRC staff on media relations and how to work with media.
* Monitor and to evaluate media coverage generated and to draw lessons to improve coverage.
* Seek thought leadership and media opportunities for IRC’s president and other relevant senior staff.
REQUIREMENTS
* Degree in journalism, international affairs or related field.
* At least five years of experience in journalism or international field work with media/public relations responsibilities.
* Must have experience working overseas in a developing country or conflict zone.
* Excellent networking abilities and oral and written reporting skills. Demonstrated ability to write and edit stories, articles and reports under deadline pressure.
* Ability to handle many projects at the same time and to be organized and efficient.
* Ability to effectively work as part of team in an emergency, cross-cultural or politically sensitive setting.
* Strong inter-personal, cultural and diplomatic skills.
* Drive to pitch stories tirelessly to media.
* Fluency in English and Arabic, spoken and written, is essential.
The Syria crisis is increasingly being described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. There are 2.4 million refugees living in nearby countries (aid leaders predict that could reach 4.1 million in 2014) another 6.5 million internally displaced people who have lost their homes and are living in camps, abandoned buildings and with host families inside Syria who are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
This is no short-term humanitarian episode. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades. The destruction of livelihoods, of homes and of essential infrastructure will take years to repair.
The IRC is offering a robust response to the Syria crisis providing lifesaving health, water and sanitation, children and women protect ion, education and cash assistance and livelihood programming. Shining a media light on this crisis is critical to IRC’s and the greater humanitarian response.
SCOPE OF WORK
This position is an exciting opportunity to provide strategic, skilled and dynamic leadership to planning and production of media product e.g. press articles, web content, TV/radio pieces to give a voice to those who are suffering from this crisis. The majority of the Media Officer’s time is committed to media product for the Syria crisis, but also responds to Afghanistan and Pakistan media needs as required. The Media Officer reports to the Syria Regional Response Director and coordinates media activities with US and UK External Relations staff, Country Directors in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey and the Syria Regional Advocacy Officer. This position can be based in Amman or Beirut and requires 30% t ravel.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Pro-actively network with international and national media to pitch stories on IRC’s programs and advocacy priorities and ensure high quality, wide coverage.
* Provide stories – with accompanying photographs or video – for the IRC’s website and internal and external newsletters, as well as other external outlets including blogs, magazines etc.
* Develop, write and issue press releases, reactive lines and Q&As about IRC programs and issues of concern in coordination with New York and UK leadership, the advocacy department and Syria response country programs
* Respond to information requests from the news media, give and arrange interviews, and assist journalists and photographers in coordinating coverage of IRC programs.
* Coordinate with media/information officers from partner NGOs for joint media/advocacy initiatives.
* Att end and/or represent the IRC at press conferences and coordination meetings. Collect and disseminate information.
* Work closely with the Senior Vice-President for External Relations, Director for Media Relations, Senior Communications Officers and other staff relevant to media work in New York, Washington D.C., London, Brussels and Geneva. Act as a liaison and vital member of a global media team.
* Work closely with the Regional Advocacy Officer to align media and advocacy strategic objectives
* Work with Country Offices to arrange reporters’ field visits, and accompany as required.
* Serve as external relations resource for field staff.
* Train IRC staff on media relations and how to work with media.
* Monitor and to evaluate media coverage generated and to draw lessons to improve coverage.
* Seek thought leadership and media opportunities for IRC’s president and other relevant senior staff.
REQUIREMENTS
* Degree in journalism, international affairs or related field.
* At least five years of experience in journalism or international field work with media/public relations responsibilities.
* Must have experience working overseas in a developing country or conflict zone.
* Excellent networking abilities and oral and written reporting skills. Demonstrated ability to write and edit stories, articles and reports under deadline pressure.
* Ability to handle many projects at the same time and to be organized and efficient.
* Ability to effectively work as part of team in an emergency, cross-cultural or politically sensitive setting.
* Strong inter-personal, cultural and diplomatic skills.
* Drive to pitch stories tirelessly to media.
* Fluency in English and Arabic, spoken and written, is essential.
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