Peace and Media Coordinator position to based
in Eldoret
Program/Department Summary:
Program/Department Summary:
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.
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:
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:
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)