Closing date: 05 May 2010
Location: Kenya
The Media/Information Officer reports to the Regional Director for the Horn & East Africa and coordinates activities with relevant Country Directors and the IRC’s External Relations Departments in the US and UK.
The Media/Information Officer will be responsible for handling media relations, internal communications and providing information, stories and coordinating photographs/video for the IRC’s internal and external publications.
The post will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, with travel throughout the region as needed.
Responsibilities
Location: Kenya
The Media/Information Officer reports to the Regional Director for the Horn & East Africa and coordinates activities with relevant Country Directors and the IRC’s External Relations Departments in the US and UK.
The Media/Information Officer will be responsible for handling media relations, internal communications and providing information, stories and coordinating photographs/video for the IRC’s internal and external publications.
The post will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, with travel throughout the region as needed.
Responsibilities
- Pro-actively network with international and national media, especially those based in the region, to pitch stories on IRC’s programs and advocacy priorities.
- Respond to information requests from the news media, give and arrange interviews, and assist journalists and photographers in coordinating coverage of IRC programs.
- Work with Country Offices to arrange reporters’ field visits, and accompany as required.
- In coordination with HQ, develop, write and issue press releases about IRC programs and issues of concern.
- Coordinate with media/information officers from partner NGOs for joint media/advocacy initiatives.
- Attend and/or represent the IRC at press conferences and coordination meetings. Collect and disseminate information.
- 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.
- Facilitate information sharing between the regional programs and key IRC staff in New York, Washington and European offices.
- Assist in the research and writing of briefing materials, advocacy papers and public information documents.
- Serve as external relations resource for field staff.
- Train IRC staff on media relations and how to work with media.
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.
- Experience of working with media in Nairobi a distinct advantage.
- 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.
- Fluency in English, spoken and written, is essential.
Visit IRC Jobs Website here to make an online application
