Press Officer

Job Title: Press Officer
Position No.: NHoMS02
Location: Ramallah
Closing Date: March 7, 2011

The EU Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) is seeking dynamic, highly skilled professionals for immediate recruitment for the position of Press Officer

Summary
The incumbent is responsible for the provision of day to day press and public information activities within the mission.
Reporting to: Press and Public Information Officer
Accountable to: Head of Mission
Date of implementation: As soon as possible
Status: National staff position

Duties
To support EUPOL COPPS in its press and public information activities, including the development of the PR and Media Department of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP).
To support EUPOL COPPS in the development of the PR and Media Departments of all Palestinian Justice Sector institutions (including Ministry of Justice, Attorney General’s Office, High Judicial Council, Bar Association of Lawyers).
To support the PPIO in the development of the Mission’s media strategy, with a particular emphasis on advising on issues that may affect its image locally.
To develop contacts with Palestinian counterparts in order to inform the public of Mission activities, with the overall goal of increasing the visibility of EUPOL COPPS (mainly among Palestinians, whether journalists, official institutions, NGOs or the public in general), and create a sense of transparency.
To do media monitoring of the Palestinian, Israeli and Arab media, with a particular emphasis on security and justice related issues.
To develop Mission information materials, especially writing press releases, as well as reports and other texts, including articles for print media.
To coordinate with the different departments in the Mission and look after media and public information needs.
To organise media coverage of Mission and Mission related activities.
To respond to media and public queries, if necessary by accompanying journalists on the ground to see Mission projects.
To host delegations, press conferences and other public events.
To carry out any duty assigned by the PPIO within the framework of what the job requirements demand.

Job Requirements
University degree, in an area related to Journalism and communication, preferably in the field of Journalism or Political Science.
Five years professional experience in Journalism (preferably in written media), institutional communication or Public Relations.
Fluent written and spoken English and Arabic. Knowledge of Hebrew will be considered an advantage.
Experience in translation, both from Arabic into English and from English into Arabic.
Up to date and in-depth knowledge of current affairs locally and regionally.
Good communication skills, including experience in public speaking.
Experience in administrative matters, including budget management.
Excellent command of computer applications.
Ability to work within and contribute to a team and to produce results under pressure and  tight deadlines.
Ability to take initiative and work independently.
Adaptable to flexible working hours.
Capable of working in an international environment (experience with an international Mission an advantage).
Responsible, reliable and discreet. Capable of dealing with sensitive issues.
Capacity to summarise complex ideas.
Knowledge of EU mechanisms.
Awareness of basic protocol issues when dealing with VIPs.
Commitment to EUPOL COPPS Mission overall goals.

For more information, or to apply for this position:
Applicants should send their resume, and a cover letter that includes justification of interest in this post to the following email address: [email protected]
 and include the Job number (NHoMS02) above in your email subject and cover letter. Applications received after end of business day on closing date will not be considered.
Only applicants who have the required qualities, experience, and skills will be considered.