African Union Senior Public Information Officer (Spokesperson) Job in Mogadishu, Somalia

Job Title: Senior Public Information Officer (Spokesperson)
Grade: P4
Organizational Unit: AU-AMISOM
Supervisor: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
Duty Station: Mogadishu, Somalia

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Communication and Information Technology Officer will work under the supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and will be responsible for the following duties: .

Personnel Management

• Provide key media service as Spokesperson/Principal Liaison to local and international media organizations. Hold Press Briefings; write Press Releases and other diverse range of information communications in support of AMISOM’s mandate and the Mission objectives. Carry out aggressive and strategic utilization of Mission’s achievements at press briefings. Assist the Head of Mission in explaining the mission’s work to the local and international public, both directly and through the media.
• Develop a media campaign to educate, share and inform Somalia citizens of AMISOM’s assistance for Somalia. Identify and produce well-targeted information/communication and public awareness products such as feature articles, thematic briefing notes media briefings, audio-visual materials, leaflets, flyers, etc.
• Fulfill speaking engagements and make presentations to different groups on Mission activities and advocate issues of concern relating to AU-AMISOM. Handle the Head of Mission’s media relations, including arranging interviews and facilitating contacts by the media with the Head of Mission. Organize media coverage and arrange for media contacts, briefings and interviews.
• Works closely with the HOM on stories affecting AMISOM to formulate and execute country/territory-specific proactive communication strategies for AMISOM. Manage aggressive responses to negative or inaccurate media coverage as it occurs. Manages the overall planning of a system of information dissemination which provides useful information to employees, partners and the public to create a favorable image, inform and educate, and offer responses regarding the organization and its constituencies.
• Manages the development, implementation, and coordination of internal and external public and media relations strategies, with the goal of establishing and maintaining a consistent image of AU-AMISOM with partners, employees, and the public. Regular participation in weekly briefings by members of the Mission’s civilian and military staff, as well as AU partners, donors and other AU entities.
• Regular participation in local radio and television programs, facilitate media contacts with senior mission officials. Maintain regular contact with the Office of the Spokesman for the Peace and Security Council in order to amplify the mission’s message with AU-HQ and AMISOM in Addis Ababa.
• Help with all press announcements, with a special focus on message and strategy. Ensure strong relations with members of the press. Create media opportunities with AU and AMISOM partners, donors and other entities by working collaboratively to ensure balance and strategic purpose.
• Monitor and analyze current events, development and public opinion and press coverage, identify issues and trends of significance to the Counter-Terrorism Committee and advise on appropriate responses and actions. Plan and develop a pro-active outreach programme to publicize the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).
• Undertake activities to promote media coverage of priority issues and/or major events, outreach and consultations, follow-up action, analyze and report on the impact of coverage. Elicit and organize as appropriate presentation and speaking engagements for key substantive staff of the CTC to publicize the work of the CTC to specific target audiences (media, universities, private sector, schools, research groups, NGO groups, etc.) Identify keynote speakers for CTC events.

Competencies

Professionalism: Thorough knowledge in communication approaches, tools, and methodologies and programs (e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing/promotion, audience outreach, message targeting, etc.), strong communications research and analytical skills, ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources, up-to-date knowledge of current affairs topics and issues and ability to identify public affairs needs, opportunities and risks in an international environment, political awareness and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and to otherwise cultivate productive relationships.

Media Knowledge: Good knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities and issues, ability to edit copy. Public speaking ability and presentational skills and the ability to produce a variety of written communications; products to articulate ideas. Ability to effectively interact with the public in communicating information and building/maintaining effective business connections, to deliver oral presentations to various audiences as required. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning and Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusts priorities as required, allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work, foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning,  monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary and uses time efficiently.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively,  listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately, asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having a two-way communication, tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience and demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise, is willing to learn from others, places team agenda before personal agenda, supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position and shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must have advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations or other related field, or equivalent. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Candidates must have a Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in journalism, communications and public relations, including experience at the international level. Strong writing skills and solid experience with a wide variety of materials, such as, strategic plans, press releases, reports, presentations and brochures and experience in working closely with international teams in a communications environment. Solid interpersonal skills and professional confidence, self-motivation, independence, ability to work under pressure on concurrent assignments.

Language requirement

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a requirement; Knowledge of one or more of the other AU working languages would be an added advantage.

Age Requirement

Candidates must preferably be between 35 and 50 years old.

Tenure of Appointment

The appointment is a short-term contract of one year, the first six (6) months of which shall be considered as probation period. Extension of the appointment is subject to performance and the extension of the mandate.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are
Strongly encouraged to apply.

Application:

To apply, please submit the following:

• A detailed and updated CV,
• Names and contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three references;
• Certified copies of degrees, diplomas and other academic certificates

Remuneration:

The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 113,483.60 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 101,878.35 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff.

Applications must be received not later than 03 December 2010 and should be addressed to:

The Director of Administration and Human Resource Development
AU Commission
P.O. Box 3243
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: 00251-11-5525840/5510430
E-mail: au-recruits@africa-union.org