Position
title: Correspondent
Working
location: Nairobi
Geographical
scope: East
and Horn of Africa (with possible assignments to other regions of Africa and
Middle East/AFME)
Background
Established
in 1949, SOS Children’s Villages is a dynamic social development international
organisation working globally to meet the needs and protect the interests and
rights of orphaned and vulnerable children. SOS Children’s Villages
International is the umbrella organisation that provides support and guidance
to SOS member associations in over 132 countries.
SOS
Children’s Villages is in the process of recruiting a Correspondent who will
join its external communications network, working mainly in East and Horn of
Africa region.
Working
on a full time basis and based in Nairobi/Kenya, he/she will be responsible for
proactive generation of news content for use in external communications and
fundraising.
The
main task will be to manage information from Member Associations in East and
Horn of Africa Region and turn them into stories that are used by Member
Associations in North America and Europe for fundraising/media and public
relations purposes.
All
this will be done with excellent journalistic skills.
The
Correspondent will work closely with the East African Regional Office and
report directly to the Continental Communications Advisor, based in Nairobi,
Kenya.
The
Challenge
The
ideal candidate will be an experienced journalist, with excellent writing and
English skills for an efficient performance of the following tasks:
- Generate news
content for use in external communications and align written material with
the SOS brand values and key messages
- Develop
field-based stories – driven by fundraising needs – for use by the
external communications network and by Member Associations in North
America and Europe
- Manage a pool of
freelance journalists, external network of communication specialists, key
media and news agency correspondents in the field with a view to generate
news
- Build and
maintain that external network in the region in order to understand and
monitor regional/country issues and developments and to be able to provide
relevant guidance and advice on such issues to member associations
- Ensure
efficiency of response to SOS Children’s Villages International Office and
Member Associations requests and timely submission of good quality
written, photo and video material
- Act as a hub and
ensure efficient internal information flow specifically in crisis and
emergency situations
- Prioritize trips
to countries based on the news/content and fundraising needs
Desired
profile
- At least 5
years’ experience in journalism
- Formal
qualification in journalism or communications with proven track record in
research and generation news
- Excellent
verbal/written communication skills
- Excellent
command of English (French is an asset)
- Understanding of
news agendas and how news is generated
- Strong
interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural context
- Excellent time
management and planning skills: ability to work under tight deadlines
- Understanding of
data and statistics
- Ability to
outsource and write effective briefs (e.g. for photographers, video
producers, etc.)
- Ability to use
Microsoft Office software and good Internet skills.
We
Offer
- A diverse range
of interesting tasks in a well-recognised international organisation
- Intercultural
working environment
- Interesting
opportunities for further development
- Competitive
compensation package
- The possibility
to shape a new position within a global well-established organisation
In
accordance with the organisation’s child protection policy, all employment is
subject to applicable background checks, including criminal record checks where
possible.
How
to apply
If
you believe you are up to the challenge, please send your application (detailed
CV and motivation letter - IN ENGLISH), along with three traceable references
to the following email address, with the subject “Correspondent”:
ro.afea@sos-kd.org
Closing
date: 30th
May 2013