Strategic Communication and Media Officer

Context:
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Party for the Somalia Stabilization Initiative (SSI), the Strategic Communication and Media Officer will be responsible for contributing to the formulation and implementation of the program’s strategic communications plan, working closely with the various SSI program teams and USAID/OTI to coordinate and plan both stand-alone activities and those integrated into broader program activities. The Strategic Communication and Media Officer will guide the communication unit as it relates to all internal and external communication strategies to promote the SSI program and all partner strategic communication activities designed to promote stabilization in Somalia.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1.      Contribute to the development of, and implement and monitor SSI strategic communication plan to meet program objectives, increase partner/government/community information about stabilization activities, and promote the transparency of SSI activities.
2.      Establish Strategic Communications training programs for IOM-SSI staff, Somali Government officials, local government and other partners, including methodologies of trust-building in media, event planning, among others.
3.      Support the design, implementation, and coordination of all strategic communication, public outreach, and media grants.
4.      Provide technical oversight for the programmatic implementation and monitoring of strategic communication and media activities in coordination with service providers, program staff, STTAs and in coordination with SSI Grants & Procurement team.
5.      Provide input to grant and procurement award processes to ensure that activity deliverables are achieved, including drafting scopes of work for service providers and implementing partners, evaluating and recommending approval of technical deliverables and setting deadlines to ensure on-time delivery of project outputs.
6.      Provide technical information and support field staff in planning and developing relevant information and communications products.
7.      Proactively identify media opportunities and, in close liaison with SSI partners, coordinate and monitor media events including press releases and press conferences.
8.      Design and organize regular trainings for program staff and partners in order to:
a. Train IOM-SSI staff on strategic communication plan;
b. Promote adherence to agreed branding and marketing standards for implementation; and,
c. Create greater awareness of strategic communication, public outreach, and media processes and how they align with our programming.
1.      Encourage the appropriate promotion of program successes among Somali government, private sector and civil society.
2.      Identify lessons learned and implications for program design and implementation to encourage greater program responsiveness and accountability to beneficiaries.
3.      Support the Reporting Unit in the preparation and review of weekly, quarterly and annual reports in collaboration with the M&E teams.
4.      Undertake duty travel to Mogadishu and elsewhere as required, to support implementation of communication activities and to identify where adaptations might be needed.
5.      Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the SSI Programme Manager/Chief of Party.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education
• Master’s degree in Journalism, Political Science, International Affairs or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
• Experience in Media & communications;
• Experience in preparing clear and concise reports;
• Minimum of one year experience on USAID Stabilization Programmes will be a distinct advantage;
• Good level of computer literacy.
Languages
Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of Somali is an advantage.
Note
With frequent travel to Somalia and possible relocation to Mogadishu if and when the situation is conducive.
Desirable Competencies:
Behavioral
• Accountability – takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms;
• Client Orientation – works effectively well with client and stakeholders;
• Continuous Learning – promotes continuous learning for self and others;
• Communication – listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience;
• Creativity and Initiative – actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services;
• Leadership and Negotiation – develops effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Performance Management – identify ways and implement actions to improve performance of self and others;
• Planning and Organizing – plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;
• Professionalism – displays mastery of subject matter;
• Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation;
• Technological Awareness – displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;
• Resource Mobilization – works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.
Other:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.