Background

In Central and West Africa, NRC runs humanitarian programmes in Cameroon, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Mali and Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso.

The Regional Office for Central & West Africa is located in Dakar in Senegal.

About the position

The Regional Media Adviser will provide communications and media support to the humanitarian programmes in the region. The main purpose of the position includes:

• Initiate, develop and support the production of strong communication and media products, including press releases, photos, videos and social media material.
• Support NRC’s advocacy work in the region through the strategic use of media.
• Mentor, train and support NRC staff in the region on media and communication.

Generic responsibilities

• Develop and implement the regional media and communications action plan based on the regional strategy, and in line with the Global Media Strategy and Communication Strategy. Monitor the impact of the plan and adjust accordingly.
• Develop and maintain a strong media network for the region, including building relations with journalists in all countries in the portfolio and at the regional level.
• Proactively pitch interviews, press releases and implement field visits to international and local media outlets, to draw attention to humanitarian needs and neglected crises, NRC’s work and public advocacy issues.
• Act as spokesperson for NRC, and regularly take TV and radio interviews. Manage interviews for other NRC staff.
• Initiate, develop and support the production of strong communication and media products, including web stories, photos and videos in accordance with set objectives for the region.
• Produce regular talking points on relevant issues, and support NRC’s contingency communication plans.
• Produce, collect and edit material for NRC’s social media platforms from the countries in the region, and utilise innovative and emerging tools to produce relevant content to these platforms.
• Establish good working relations with communication counterparts in other organizations and in the UN across the region, with a view of doing joint communication work to amplify humanitarian issues.
• Ensure that communication and media documents are archived in an easily retrievable electronic-based filing system, including the filing of photos in line with existing guidelines. Prepare periodic reports and summaries for the management of regional media activities.
• Mentor, train and support relevant NRC staff in the region on aspects of media and communication.

Specific responsibilities

• The Regional Media Adviser will ´support country offices in building relationships with local media for the purpose of extending acceptance and access for operations.
• The Regional Media Adviser is also expected to provide communication support in case of new emergencies in any of the existing regional country programmes.

Competencies

1. Professional competencies

• Five years of work experience as a Media/Communication Adviser or Journalist –related to the development/humanitarian crises/foreign affairs sector
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communication or a related field such as international relations, development, human rights, combined with substantial media experience
• Good understanding of public advocacy work
• Experience doing live TV and radio interviews. Spokesperson experience is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to find new creative media angles
• Experience in producing photos and videos, and editing experience is an advantage
• Experience in managing a variety of social media content
• Experience in training, coaching and management is an advantage
• Field experience in complex emergency settings is desirable
• Fluency in written and verbal French and English is essential.

2. Behavioural competencies

• Good communicator and strong networking skills
• Ability to handle a large workload, cope with stress and work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision
• Well-structured and with an ability to deliver quality results on short deadlines
• Patient, flexible and creative, and it helps to have a sense of humour
• Diplomatic and able to communicate openly and with respect
• Work effectively with others across a broad range of topics and contexts

Kindly access the full Job Description_ Regional Media Advisor Central and West Africa.pdf

Publication closing: 22nd June 2023

What we offer

24-month contract duration with possibility of extension.

Grade 9 in NRC’s Salary Scale. NRC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package..

At NRC, we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative