WFP Public Information Officer Job in Nairobi Kenya

Job Title: Public Information Officer
 

Post Type / Grade: FT - NOB 

Duty Station: Nairobi
 

Deadline for application: 16 May 2014
 

Duties and Responsibilities: Within delegated authority and reporting to the Donor Relations Officer and technical guidance from the Regional Public Information Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conceptualize and implement advocacy / communication strategies and campaigns on key operations and issues, in ways that support fundraising and resource mobilization and greater awareness and understanding and support of the organzation’s objectives, policies and activities;
• Evaluate the relative effectiveness of strategies and make recommendations for future action to the management of the Communications Division and other senior officials accordingly;
• Stay current on WFP operations, policies and pertinent issues; analyse the political and social events that affect those activities within an assigned geographical or thematic area;
• Act a spokesperson for WFP at the local level, under guidance from the Country Office management and regional information office; establish and maintain contact with local media representatives and others to focus their attention on those activities and achievements of the organisation of interest to the public or concerned groups;
• Assess the general reaction of the public to the work of the Programme on the basis of information gathered from media, organized groups and correspondence; ensure that responses to direct or indirect requests for information about the work of the Programme promote a better understanding of the organization’s objectives, policies and activities;
• Advise WFP staff at different levels of the potential impact of the potential impact
• Prepare and edit text for press releases, feature articles, briefing notes, backgrounders, Questions & Answers (Q&A) and op-ed pieces and other materials such as pamphlets, brochures, and multimedia products for external distribution to the public, the media, educational institutions, non-governmental agencies and donors;
• Capitalize on opportunities for advocacy in situations that may produce additional resources for WFP, and work with coalitions of NGOs, UN agencies and other interested groups;
• Provide assistance to regional information officers to advocate for policies to eliminate hunger;
• Respond to emergencies when requested by quickly travelling to the site and preparing information for public release on WFP’s operations and activities, preparing all needed materials for internal and external use, including talking points, Q&As, multimedia materials;
• Advise WFP officers on the tone and content to be expected from media queries;
• Ensure that communication activities promote an accurate image of the organization and its programs amongst its target audiences;
• Compile briefing kits for the media, missions and other interested groups or organizations;
• Ensure that responses to direct or indirect requests for information about the work of the Programme promote a better understanding of the organization’s objectives, policies and activities;
• Where possible, provide video footage, stills and stories for internal and external use, including for the WFP website;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced university degree or university degree with experience and advanced training/courses in one or more of the following disciplines: journalism (preferably foreign correspondence and international media), international relations, communications or other related fields
• Minimum of five years of postgraduate progressively responsible experience as a journalist, public information officer or professional writer including preparation of production materials for publication.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Kiswahili languages
• Training and/or experience utilizing computers, including word processing, spreadsheet and publication software packages and systems
• Deep wide-ranging knowledge of the profession of journalism, particularly, either in print, radio or television.
• Good analytical skills; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing is required.
• Ability to work as a team, and establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to use digital video and still cameras is desirable

How to Apply

Interested and qualified Kenyans are requested to submit online applications only according to the following procedures:

• Go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/14-0015094
• Step 1 : Create your online CV
• Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.

Note: You must complete Step 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.
 

If you have any queries relating to this VA please send them to: Nairobi.Hr@wfp.org

WFP is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. 

Only short listed applicants will be contacted.