Global Media & Communications Advisor (Maternity cover, 5 months)
Role overview:
To promote VSO’s work and concerns to the media and directly to public audiences through VSO communications channels and represent VSO’s media function in our programming across Africa and Asia.
To contribute to relevant and effective advocacy by building within the region relations with and preparing contributions for key journalists, responding to media enquiries, issuing press releases and other information, placing stories.
Work with other colleagues to contribute to the organisation’s communications output through the website, social media, publications and other communications channels.
To project manage selected major media events and projects (e.g. press conferences), working across teams.
To collaborate with our country management teams to provide capacity to national teams and to further develop a network of communication leads within country offices.
Key policy issues: the Regional Media and Communications Advisor will also be expected to work with teams across Africa and Asia to promote the impact of VSO’s work and to develop the network of communications leads.
This is a global role covering all VSO project countries on a Fixed term, Home working contract, starting 1st September for a 4-6 months period. The ideal candidate is based in one of the following Asian countries where VSO is registered as an NGO and has a right to employ: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Philippines or India.
VSO has zero tolerance of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. We will expect all our employees/ volunteers to commit to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm and abide by our Global Safeguarding Policy
Responsibilities:
Media and communications strategy:
In partnership with colleagues in national, regional and global teams the postholder will lead on the development and implementation of a high quality communications and media strategy for the Asia and Africa region to ensure our external voice reflects the voice of primary actors and our People First approach to development.
Team development:
Work closely with country teams in the region and regional hubs to raise awareness and broaden and deepen our presence through the use of volunteers to support communications output and communications capacity building.
Develop and deliver training creating a shared understanding of competencies, covering areas such as media, crisis communications, social media and story gathering.
Internal and external communications:
Build and maintain a network of contacts at national, regional and global levels including with national journalists.
Develop strong working relationships with VSO volunteers and staff to identify powerful stories to be produced for media and VSO owned print and digital channel. Work with country offices, in particular monitoring and evaluation teams, to produce relevant and impactful stories to be used across a range of media.
Content and media coverage:
Work with other colleagues in the Global team to identify and produce a range of content for a variety of communication channels and campaigns.
Responsible for generating national and regional media coverage through engagement, analysis, and communication of information to multiple audiences across VSO’s project countries.
Work closely with country offices to identify and manage potential risk and brand reputation. Lead on communications engagement as part of the crisis and incident management teams.
Provide expert advice and guidance to VSO staff and volunteers on media, marketing and communications issues, with particular reference to reputation management.
Monitoring and evaluation
Contribute to VSO’s Global Marketing Team monitoring and evaluation systems, including tracking and disseminating media coverage internally, and preparing analysis, evaluations and reports.
Skills & experience:
Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
Experience of contributing towards and implementing high quality media / communications strategies.
Demonstrable experience of producing compelling media / communications content within and/or across the Africa region using a variety of channels.
Proven track record of securing high profile national media coverage that supports an organisation’s communications goals.
Current knowledge and understanding of media and communication tools and approaches.
Ability to provide, receive and deal with highly complex, sensitive or contentious information relating to crisis communications or reputational management.
Ability to effectively position media / communications to multiple audiences effectively.
Time management skills with the ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and effectively manage competing organisational demands.
Experience of coaching, mentoring and training in communications and media best practice
IT literate in word, excel and PowerPoint
Ability to travel to and from the UK and within the Asia region and the ability to work flexibly.
Experience working within an international development organisation or charity
Qualifications:
Educated to degree level in related field such as Media, Communications (or equivalent experience)
At VSO we believe progress is only possible by working together. Whether you want to join us as an employee, or as a volunteer working in your own country, overseas or online, our selection process includes an assessment based on these core competencies:
• Ability to be open minded and respectful
• Ability to be resilient and adaptive to new situations
• Ability to facilitate positive change and build sustainable working relationships
• Ability to seek and share knowledge
VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce.
How to apply
https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=bGl6YS5vbGl2ZXIuMjAzNDQuMzgzMEB2c28uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t