Algeria: COMMUNICATIONS / MEDIA OFFICER

COMMUNICATIONS / MEDIA OFFICER
RABUNI - SAHRAWIS CAMPS (80%) – ALGIERS (20%)

In order to develop its programs and increase the visibility of the Sahrawi conflict and its consequences, Oxfam is seeking a Communication & Media Officer. Oxfam-Solidarité – a member of Oxfam International, which is a confederation of 19 Oxfam’s around the world - is a Belgian development and humanitarian aid NGO, which focuses on the fight against poverty and injustice. To this end, Oxfam-Solidarité associates with other organizations in the South and conducts awareness, advocacy and campaigns activities in the North.

I – Work context

For over 40 years, Oxfam-Solidarité has been running humanitarian aid and development projects in the Saharawi refugee camps near the Algerian city of Tindouf. In collaboration with local partners and with the financial support of several donors, Oxfam-Solidarité will continue its activities which are structured around 3 axes:

• (1) Food security (distribution of fresh products, improvement of use and access, etc.)
• (2) Livelihood projects with Saharawi youth
• (3) Communication activities and humanitarian advocacy.

II - Function

Reporting to the country director, the communications and media officer will ensure the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Oxfam's communications and media strategy in the Sahrawi refugee camps and in Algeria, in close coordination with the programs country teams, and the regional and international communication leads. S/He will also assist the teams in a transversal way in communication actions.

III – Tasks and responsibilities

a) Communication strategy and impact

• In close cooperation with Oxfam Solidarité (field and headquarters), the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region and Oxfam International, the communications officer will develop and implement the Oxfam Algeria communication and media strategy. This will be carried out within the frame of its operational and influencing objectives at national, regional, and global levels.
• In close cooperation with the field teams, the communications officer will promote Oxfam Algeria’s work towards the donor community and cooperation agencies.
• Keep teams at country, regional and global levels, regularly informed of the latest updates regarding the Western Sahara crisis.
• Adapt and implement Oxfam's international campaigns within the Saharawi context.
• Monitor and share the impact of Oxfam's work in the Sahrawi refugee camps.

b) Program support

• In consultation with country management, act as spokesperson if needed, liaise with the media and other external stakeholders and provide interviews.
• In close collaboration with project managers, the officer is responsible for the design and production of media and communication material that will highlight the objectives and results of projects / programs;
• Manage all visibility aspects of the Oxfam program in the Sahrawi refugee camps.

c) Communication management

• Develop press releases, statements, blogs, stories and testimonials, as well as any content or communication material for different target audiences and stakeholders, in order to promote Oxfam's reputation, messages, campaigns and programs.
• Develop and strengthen the capacity of Oxfam's partners to work effectively with the media, including enhancing the impact of their work through information sharing and learning exchange.
• Ensure regular updates of Oxfam's activities in Algeria on Oxfam websites.
• Manage Oxfam's activities in Algeria on social networks (Facebook and Twitter), taking into consideration Oxfam's different protocols (sign off, risk management, etc.).
• Be responsible for the collection, and management of the photos / videos related to Oxfam's programs, in line with Oxfam's campaigns and messages, and Oxfam branding guidelines.
• Pursue and coordinate sign-off processes for all communications and media products.
• Ensure that Oxfam’s messages and communication initiatives promote gender equality and respect Oxfam's values

d) Media relations

• Advise country management and program team on all aspects of media relations.
• Proactively identify, meet, build and cultivate relationships with reporters and major media outlets to increase Oxfam's visibility and influence, and keep contacts and databases up-to-date.
• Participate and/or organize events with press editors and journalists concerned with the Western Sahara theme in order to raise global awareness about the Sahrawi crisis.
• Provide creative and viable ideas and proposals to identify and seize media opportunities;

IV – Profile and skills

Essential

• University level (preferably in information sciences and communication, or journalism) or equivalent work experience (min 3 years);
• Advanced writing and speaking skills in English and Arabic;
• Ability to efficiently and quickly manage media requests;
• Pro-activity, creativity, autonomy and ability to work with tight deadlines;
• In-depth knowledge of digital and social communication, and writing for social media (social networks, web platforms, blogs);
• Knowledge of multimedia design and computer graphics (Photoshop, iMovie, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communication and media strategies.
• Experience and mastery in writing press releases, analyzes, blogs, stories / testimonials.
• Ability to adapt to difficult environment and work in precarious conditions.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a similar context, especially in communications and media for a development agency / NGO.
• Proficiency in French and Spanish.
• Institutional representation capacity, and as spokesperson.
• Experience in strategy and advocacy, and knowledge of Oxfam's campaigns.

V - Offer

• Place of work: Tindouf / Rabouni (Southern Algerian) – Algiers.
• Gross salary: competitive salary adapted to the organization's salary grid.
• 12 months full-time contract, renewable depending on obtaining new funding
• Start date: February 2018.

The recruitment for this position will be done subject to confirmation of external funding.

Please send your CV and cover letter mentioning the reference "Communication Tindouf" before 31st January 2018 by e-mail to jobs@oxfamsol.be. We promote diversity and practice equity.