Media and Communications Officer

 

Based in Jerusalem
Fulltime contract for one year (with possibility of extension)
Start date: 1 January 2011

who, together with us and many others, wants to work towards creating a just world without poverty. Around the world people are fighting for their right to a decent livelihood. Oxfam Novib supports them in this. We support projects, strengthen local organizations and campaign for just policies. We do so locally and internationally because poverty and injustice are global problems and are related to unjust economic and political relationships. That is why we work together with Oxfam International.

Purpose of the job:
Among Oxfam affiliates, particularly the five with offices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel (OPTI), Oxfam Novib has the role of leading Oxfam’s response to the conflict, including advocacy and media. In collaboration with other Oxfam affiliates and partners, you will lead and coordinate Oxfam’s humanitarian media and communication work related to OPTI to support advocacy and programmes in the region.

Main task and responsibilities:
The media and communications officer will coordinate closely on the following tasks with Oxfam Novib’s Country Representative, the policy lead for OPTI and the Chair of the Program Governance Group (PGG) for the Middle East and Maghreb (MEMAG) and other relevant Oxfam staff:

1-To lead and draft on the basis of knowledge of relevant local and international trends and developments, an Oxfam media strategy, thus contributing to achieving quality, efficiency and impact of joint Oxfam media and communication efforts in the region, taking into consideration potential Oxfam brand risks.
2-To lead and coordinate the implementation of the Oxfam media strategy together with and steering media and communication staff in other affiliates, carry out Oxfam media & communication activities related to humanitarian program and advocacy, spotting media opportunities and identifying new media angles as well as managing media response to crises.
3-As needed, draft press releases and statements for use with the media and in line with agreed Oxfam policy, and/or review media and communication products developed by other affiliates accordingly.
4-As much as possible, to strengthen via capacity building and information sharing the ability of Oxfam partner organizations to work effectively with the media.
5-Proactively identify, meet, establish and cultivate relationships with key media contacts and compile and maintain contacts and as needed, act as a public spokesperson for Oxfam by liaising with media and other external parties.
6-To keep updated on the latest developments in the region related to the humanitarian and development context and provide brief bi-weekly progress reports of the international and national media and advocacy work and others as required.
7-Support effective information management and documentation in relation to Oxfam’s media work.

 
Required skills and experience
-University degree in relevant area or proven experience at this level.
-Five years of work experience in the field of media and communication in relation to development cooperation.
-Broad knowledge of relevant thematic areas (human rights/protection, livelihoods, health & education, gender, lobby and advocacy, among others).
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
-You have demonstrated ability or experience in finding new creative media angles.
-You are able to negotiate effectively among diverging viewpoints; understand political sensitivities of various parties in relation to the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
-You have demonstrated leadership skills and experience with coordinating various actors based in different places around the world.
-You work well in a team and have outstanding diplomatic, social and intercultural skills.
-Knowledge of the NGO sector is an asset; a natural networker with substantial experience of building relationships.
-You will be expected to regularly travel within Israel and the OPT, including Gaza on overnight trips.
-English fluency; Arabic and French proficiency desirable; Dutch is an asset.

Remuneration
The employee will be contracted by Oxfam Novib according to Dutch labour legislation and scales.  Oxfam Novib has a competitive package of labour conditions. The salary range is € 2.562 to max. € 3.941 euro gross a month, based on relevant experience.

Application procedure
Applications in writing including a motivation letter and a curriculum vitae with reference number 5-6666 to Peep Boelrijk (HR Dept.), at [email protected] by no later than December 20th, 2010.