Communications Manager

The Communications Manager will be responsible for the development, coordination, and effective delivery of communications in line with NRC Somalia priorities. We are looking for an excellent storyteller with an exceptional attention to detail, and an all-rounder who is confident gathering content, editing and writing as much as working with international media and briefing journalists on Somalia’s humanitarian crises, preparing talking points and draft headline-grabbing press releases for global media.

The Manager will work closely with the programme and operations staff in the country, area, and field offices, and with the Regional Media and Communications Adviser. 

What you will do:

Key objectives for this role include:

• Develop and implement a media and communications strategy and workplan in line with NRC Somalia’s country strategy.
• Build relevant external and internal networks (including journalists, media organisations, other media points of contact); develop and maintain the country office media contacts database; pitch and coordinate interviews with local media.
• Draft, distribute, and follow-up media products, including press releases, Op-Eds, and visibility and communications products including reports and newsletters.
• Identify and develop case studies and stories that showcase NRC’s work, in collaboration with programme and operations teams.
• Develop and produce high-quality communications and media products in line with NRC’s programming goals.
• Ensure NRC and donor branding and visibility is in line with global NRC identity guidelines.
• Work closely with the Advocacy Manager to produce field stories, press releases and other communication materials.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop a communications strategy for NRC in Somalia.
• Gather and produce high-quality photo, video, and written communications products to profile programmatic and operational success and challenges. This includes highlighting the different programmes undertaken by NRC, and implementing partners during crisis; and activities across sectors contributing to durable solutions and self-reliance.
• Improve the quality of NRC Somalia’s donor visibility and communications content to secure and maintain funding. This includes the sharing of human-interest stories, photos, videos and interviews on different social media platforms on how donor funding and NRC’s efforts has helped individuals and families in Somalia recover from crisis and shocks.
• Engage strategically with national and international media to build NRC Somalia’s profile as a go-to source on emergency response, durable solutions, and self-reliance in Somalia.
• Improve staff awareness/understanding to uphold principles and professionalism of public communications.
• Mentor and coach focal points for content gathering in NRC area and field offices.
• Mentor, coach staff to give interviews and prepare talking points for NRC spokespeople.
• Identify a pool of in-country freelance comms content gatherers we can rely on in times of emergency.
• Work with Regional Media and Communications Adviser and Head Office Communication team to pitch and manage interviews, press releases, and field visits to international and local media outlets to draw attention to humanitarian needs in Somalia.
• Produce engaging stories and content on a weekly basis for social media posts.
• Provide regular updates, news angles and trends that can be pitched to international media to bring attention to Somalia.

Professional competencies:

Generic professional competencies for this position: 

• Minimum 3 years of experience in journalism and/or media management, including experience in social media.
• Degree in journalism or communications is highly regarded but experience, motivation and/or demonstrated ability is more important.
• Experience working in communications for a humanitarian organization will also be highly appreciated. Demonstrated ability to write and review draft documents in English language.
• Understanding and respect for humanitarian work, particularly relating to displacement issues.
• High level of computer literacy, including use of Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop, high level photography and videography skills.

Source: https://ekum.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2019/requisitions/job/14839