South Sudan: South Sudan: Communications Manager

BACKGROUND:

Internews Network is an international media development organization based in Arcata, CA and Washington, DC whose mission is to empower local media worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard.

Internews has been working in South Sudan since 2006 to establish community radio station across the country, and to train South Sudanese journalists to operate them. We are also actively working to meet the critical information needs of South Sudanese communities who have been impacted by the recent conflict, through a unique audio service in the Protection of Civilian sites (POCs) as well as through setting up emergency radio stations.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications Officer works closely with all project departments, coordinating both internal and external communications for the Internews South Sudan project. This position creates communications strategies and delivers tools and materials to maximize the external outreach for Internews’ work. The ideal candidate will have experience with multimedia reporting, an excellent experience and track record in public relations, as well as an appreciation for Internews’ mission. The work produced will be suitable for a range of audiences and uses.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following; other duties may be assigned:

External Communications:

The Communications Officer will work with the Chief of Party and Internews HQ to develop and utilize a range of effective communications materials and platforms. Highlighting the work of Internews in South Sudan and advocating around specific issues and focus areas, external communications efforts will target specific groups both within South Sudan and around the globe. Activities in this category will be broad ranging, but may include:

• Maintaining responsibility for Internews in South Sudan’s online presence, including creation and management of a simple website.
• Producing and effectively disseminate regular multimedia content relating to Internews’ work in South Sudan, including but by no means limited to adapting donor oriented ‘success stories’ to a broader public audience.
• Working with Internews global HQ to align with and support global communications strategy and initiatives.
• Managing content and communications assets, including photo archives, multimedia material, reports and project documentation.
• Managing short-term communications projects or initiatives – such as overseeing video production or accompanying visiting journalists - as they may arise.
• Being responsible for drafting timely accurate press releases for key events, publications and advocacy issues as they arise.
• Authoring and editing project related success stories that demonstrate impact and potential for scaling up best practice.
• Creating and managing contacts and media database, (including entering and maintaining data and running reports, etc.).
• Creating and maintaining a listserve of those interested in Internews South Sudan including partners, supporters and media, and ensure consistent and quality information is shared out.
• Coordinating the logistical planning and execution of public events such as panel discussions, and forums. Work with project teams to coordinate publicity of event, manage registration, coordinate event follow-up, and other tasks related to event management.
• Establishing contact with international media on the ground and pitch story ideas to reporters as appropriate.
• Designing and producing regular newsletters for departments and/or projects.
• Creating social media content for Twitter, Facebook, etc. and ensure presence of Internews South Sudan project across all relevant social media platforms.
• Representing Internews at public events, as required.

Research Publications and Programmatic Materials:

The Communications Officer will coordinate the publication and effective dissemination of various research publications produced by Internews and Internews partners in South Sudan, ensuring high quality products are reaching their targeted audiences. The Communications Officer will also work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to manage and support the production of various programmatic materials, such as training manuals or style guides.

• Working with research partners, M&E teams and project leads to coordinate the publication of various research materials, ranging from national audience surveys to snapshot reports or media-footprint maps.
• Working with project leads to develop and produce publications such as training manuals, curriculums, toolkits, or style guides.
• Coordinating the effective dissemination of research and programmatic materials, maximizing impact through outreach to targeted audiences on a case by case basis.
• Supporting programmatic teams in the development of training materials such as slideshows, worksheets and handbooks.

Programmatic Support:

Internews conducts a wide range of training, capacity building and media literacy activities in South Sudan. The Communications Officer will play a key role in supporting these activities through to providing hands on communications training and support to partners and beneficiaries. Programmatic support provided by the Communications Officer will include:

• Designing, conducting and supporting media literacy activities, including collaboratively building a strategic approach to media lit training, and actually providing training or conducting workshops.
• Supporting Internews partners and sub-grantees with communications activities and capacity building.

Project Reporting and Donor Updates:

The Communications Officer will provide assistance and editing support to the M&E department in the production of a wide range of regular reporting requirements, including:

• Short ‘Weekly Updates’ giving highlights and a country overview.
• Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Reports for the USAID i-STREAM project.
• Periodic project reports for other Internews projects in South Sudan.
• Regular ‘Success Stories’ highlighting project activities and achievements.
• Other updates or reporting as required.

Internal Communications:

The Communications Officer will also take responsibility for a number of key internal communications activities, working closely with the COP and DCOP amongst others to ensure that relevant information is shared. This may include:

• Production of a bi-monthly staff newsletter to keep Internews in South Sudan staff informed of organizational activities and updates.
• Training of project staff on communications activities such as writing success stories and other relevant skills.
• Providing assistance to departments such as HR in developing effective internal communications practices and materials as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant university degree in media, communication, international development, or humanitarian sector.
• A solid background in journalism, media and/or communication for development.
• Experience in leading projects, including budget management, reporting and M&E.
• Experience in leading and coordinating teams and staff.
• Experience working with diverse partners and subgrantees.
• Strong communication and diplomatic skills.
• Proven ability to develop and monitor work plans and training plans.
• Practical experience in establishing and operating training programs.
• Experience living and working in Africa and/or conflict/post-conflict environments.
• Ability to adjust to shifting political circumstances and create programming accordingly.
• Sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics in the work place and experience supervising staff.
• Must be self-reliant, resourceful, good problem-solver, good humored, and flexible.
• Ability to travel within and spend extended time in the field, with limited facilities, often under harsh conditions.
• Fluency in English.

To apply please visit:
https://chm.tbe.taleo.net/chm04/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=INTERNEWS&cws=1&rid=493&org=INTERNEWS