Regional Media and Communications Advisor

Are you an excellent communications professional with expert knowledge of traditional and new media, innovative internal communications, sustainable development and humanitarian issues, with an ability to use communications for campaigning and influencing? Are you able to strategically use media and communications to empower and bring change for impoverished and marginalised communities in the Horn, East and Central Africa? If so, this job is for you!

Background

Oxfam is one of the world’s leading humanitarian agencies assisting people affected by poverty, natural disasters and conflict throughout the world. With over 5,000 staff and dedicated volunteers in more than 90 countries, Oxfam is able to achieve the greatest impact to alleviate poverty and suffering through combining emergency response work, long-term development programmes, and campaigning for lasting change. The Horn, East, and Central Africa (HECA) region is the largest region within Oxfam, covering ten countries including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. The Regional Centre is based in Nairobi and provides leadership and strategic support to the Oxfam country programmes.

The Role:

You will deliver high impact media coverage in national, regional and global markets by designing and implementing a regional media strategy to help bring change on core Oxfam issues, support global, regional and national campaigns, highlight Oxfam’s development and humanitarian work, and raise funds. Work with country teams, regional programmes and civil society partners to develop media strategies, build their capacity for engagement, and identify opportunities and new story angles. Maximise the impact of materials and opportunities by linking national, regional and global initiatives and resources. Maintain relationships and partnerships with journalists, media outlets and bloggers, and respond to media enquiries especially regional and national level. Come up with creative ways to generate media interest. Develop and drive Oxfam’s digital communications strategy in the region, exploring innovative ways to get messages across using social media, online platforms and mobile technology, and supporting country teams and partners to develop and maximise their use of digital and multimedia technology. You will oversee the implementation of the internal communications strategy and build capacity of officers.

The Person

We need an exceptional communications professional with considerable demonstrated experience of working in international media, communications or public relations roles, ideally in the HECA region. The candidate must have experience of the key responsibilities, including working with media, developing and delivering media and communications strategies, managing internal communications, knowledge and expertise of digital media, and building capacity and creating networks especially regional ones. The candidate must show demonstrable impact in using communications as a tool for social change, coupled with a degree or Masters in communications or relevant field.