Peace and Media Coordinator Job in Eldoret, Kenya


Peace and Media Coordinator position to based in Eldoret

Program/Department Summary:

Mercy Corps Kenya began its work in 2009 in the Rift Valley Province in response to election-related violence with a small recovery program, followed by a more powerful conflict management and mitigation program. 

Mercy Corps primarily focuses on environments where communities are experiencing significant transition.  

Using an evidence based approach, we came to understand that we needed to use economic incentives and build social connections, especially among youth. 

This included the creation of both short and longer-term employment opportunities for youth, and support to collective action among interethnic groups of youth. 

We also learned that there was a need to expand young people’s political and civic engagement in order to significantly reduce their risk of participation in violent movements, lending support for a cross-sectoral approach in youth and conflict programming.

Mercy Corps’ Local Empowerment for Peace (LEAP) program in Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi and Trans Nzoia Counties in the Rift Valley builds the lessons learned of the past. 

The primary objective of LEAP is to strengthen the ability of local actors to address root causes of post-election violence and to promote peace and reconciliation at the community level. 

Mercy Corps works towards this objective by building and strengthening sustainable local mechanisms for conflict mitigation and reconciliation, supporting inter and intra-community reconciliation dialogues and community reconstruction projects.

General Position Summary:

Peace and Media Coordinator is a critical position for the Mercy Corps LEAP Program. Reporting to the Chief of Party, the Paeace and Media Coordinator will lead the components of the project related to documentation and dissemination of stories around peace. 

With emphasis on the promotion of non-violence as it relates to the upcoming election, The Peace & Media Coordinator will organize and develop information campaigns to increase of knowledge of electorate on reform efforts consistent with Agenda 4 of the 2008 peace agreement. 

Working closely with the Chief of Party, he/she will analyze media outlets and outreach, and develop communication strategy for peace initiatives by Mercy Corps and its partners.

The Peace and Media Coordinator also gives substantial technical support to Mercy Corps’ Program Officers and will be called upon to help write stories as they develop. Support will include training on USAID protocols regarding media and communication along with branding and marking requirements.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Develop a Communication strategy and work plan that includes media strategy covering overall program messaging. Strategy must be in line with USAID rules and regulations.
  • Draft press releases and responding to media enquiries and building dialogue with journalists in the Rift Valley. 
  • Produce issues-based print stories that communicate LEAP results.
  • Daily Monitoring and updating of press cuttings and other docket fillings/files touching on conflict and peacebuilding matters in Rift Valley and in Kenya.
  • Taking minutes during status meetings and daily rapid meetings.
  • Liaising with both Central and Rift Valley Regional heads and CoP leads to help compile events calendars for various Youth Bunge activities.
  • Manage video production and editing of small in-house videos and uploading them on Mercy Corps website.
  • Contribute to the development of printed communication materials, including editing images/photos and layout and ensure they are captioned.
  • Assist in updating PFF profiles on social networks (Facebook, YouTube) with information about project activities and events.
  • Assist in the organization and updating of photo library and creation of video library
  • Compiling monthly Public and media relations activity reports
  • Assist in the organization of events.
  • Provide editorial support to colleagues for reports, case studies, articles, and presentations;
  • Provide ongoing technical support and advice to Mercy Corps local partners.
  • Liaise with and support key program staff to ensure that LEAP program is running effectively and making best use of project resources.
  • Stay abreast of project development and needs.
  • Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its humanitarian efforts.
  • Other duties as assigned as assigned by your supervisor.

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Chief of Party
Works Directly With: Administration Officer, Logistics Officer, Finance Officer and Partner Staff, other implementing partners; other Mercy Corps staff. Works with staff in representing Mercy Corps to government, donors, and NGO counterparts.

Knowledge and Experience:
  • Have a Degree/Diploma in Communications, International relations and organizational Communications from a reputable University or college.
  • Excellent written and spoken English is essential, as well as a critical eye for editing and grammar and Excellent communications skills (oral and written).
  • Experience in managing websites and  using social media tools in a professional context
  • Experience and skills in the use of software programs such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe
  • Demonstrated effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in a timely manner
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate tasks to meet deadlines
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity
  • Willingness and ability to travel to remote project locations
  • At least two (2) years relevant work/practical  experience in an NGO, Private and public sector or busy organization
  • Critical thinking, problem solving and good judgment skills.
  • Ability to write press releases and manage events
  • Good media relations and contacts
  • Have a passion for Public and media Relations
  • Good command of English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Shang and English language fluency required.
Success Factors:
  • The successful candidate will have the following characteristics:
  • Hardworking and committed to the promotion of peace and reconciliation in Kenya;
  • Strong organizational and communication skills;
  • Must be able to work independently while being a strong team player;
  • Ability to deliver high quality work in a timely manner;
  • Strong interpersonal skills;
  • Be able to beat deadlines on short notice.
To Apply:

Interested candidates who meet the above required qualifications and experience should submit an application on before 17th September, 2012 at 4.00p.m to Hrkenya@ke.mercycorps.org

Applications must include: cover letter, and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) listing three professional references (including a recent supervisor). 

Please submit with subject heading: “Application for the position of … ……….”. Applications without this subject heading will be disqualified. 

Please do not attach any certificates. (ONLY Qualified short-listed candidates will be contacted)