JOB DESCRIPTION

International Humanitarian Roster
Job TitleHumanitarianMedia and Communications Officer

LocationPacific Island country in Melanesia/Polynesia/Micronesia

background

Oxfam New Zealand (ONZ) is an independent humanitarian, advocacy and development agency affiliated to Oxfam International. We work with people caught in extreme poverty in many regions overseas, by providing practical support to achieve essentials like safe water, basic education and a reliable food supply. When natural disasters or conflicts strike, our efforts are focused on saving lives and helping communities recover.

The geographical focus for ONZ’s humanitarian work is in the Pacific. Oxfam Australia (OAU) is the other Oxfam affiliate operational in this region which means if a disaster strikes, we will coordinate efforts. Currently OAU is the Oxfam lead for any humanitarian assessment and response operations undertaken in Melanesia while ONZ is the Oxfam humanitarian lead in Polynesia/Micronesia.

JOB PURPOSE

Be responsible for meeting Oxfam’s communication and PRneeds in the field, following a major disaster. This includes producingand coordinating materials for broadcast and for print media globally, overseeing all PR activities for Oxfam on the ground, managing the relationship between Oxfam and any in-country media, acting as a spokesperson across print, radio and television, and ensuring appropriate and positive messaging.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Ensure the effective management of proactive and reactive media initiatives with in-country broadcasters and print media.
  2. Ensure the communication of consistent and appropriate media messages regarding the emergency and Oxfam’s response to it.
  3. Formulate a communications strategy that will deliver across all Oxfam’s communication needs, including fundraising e.g. photos that will inspire the public to donate to Oxfam for this emergency response.
  4. Work with members of the humanitarian programme team on the ground to ensure that communications are integrated into and contribute effectively to programme deliveryas well as to broader communications objectives.
  5. Provide a proactive media liaison function and ensure that all media work builds on Oxfam’s “authoritative voice” and positive reputation.
  6. Ensure the timely provision of communication resources for ONZ andother Oxfam affiliates as requested, including interviews, images and audiovisual materials.
  7. Manage and coordinate the activities of any other media/ communications staff who may be deployed by ONZ (or other Oxfam affiliates) to the emergency e.g. photographers or free lance journalists.
  8. Liaise with ONZ’s communications team in Auckland (and with other Oxfam affiliate communications teams as appropriate) with regards to the production and dissemination of media releases to relevant print and broadcast media outlets, and with regards to the provision of regular information updates required by ONZ, OI and other relevant stakeholders.
  9. Coordinate external media briefings and the production and dissemination of background information and any other related information as required.
  1. Monitor theimpact of mediaand PR activity and offer advice to programme team members, and Oxfam’s partners as required, on media/PR related issues.
  2. Establish and maintain relevant external contacts with media and key public affairs personnel within government, UN and non-governmental organisations.
  3. Undertake any other duties that may be delegated and are in keeping with the scope of the role.

Competencies

Qualifications, skills and experience

  • Experience in managing successful public relations and media campaigns
  • Experience of coordinating media briefings and preparation of background information including media releases
  • Experience developing relationships with media and key public affairs personnel within government, UN and non-governmental organizations
  • Demonstrated knowledge of information gathering, dissemination and management techniques
  • Ability to act as a spokesperson and represent ONZ to the media
  • Experience in both still and video photography
  • Understanding of aid and development and humanitarian advocacy principles
  • Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism or public relations (desirable)
  • Experience of working in multi-functional and/or cross cultural teams
  • Knowledge of the culture and customs of at least Pacific nation and/or language
  • Experience of working in emergency start up situations (desirable)
  • Familiarity with using VHF and satellite phones (desirable)
Professional/technical skills
  • Excellent writing skills including copy editing and proof reading
  • Ability to identify good media stories
  • News sense and sound political judgement
  • Ability to tailor media output to fit with organisational objectives
  • Ability to understand complex issues and develop simple and accurate messages
  • Advanced computer literacy in word processing and communications tools
  • Demonstrated ability to assess and evaluate information from divergent sources
  • Security awareness
  • Good IT skills and sound knowledge of Microsoft applications
  • Holder of a valid driver’s licence (manual gears)

Personal Attributes

  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Able to communicate clearly and effectively (verbally and in writing)
  • Able to transfer skills/knowledgeand work effectively with or through others
  • Able to establish a network of contacts and maintain effective working relationships
  • Strong team working skills
  • Able to work effectively cross culturally and tolerate the viewpoints or perspectives of others
  • Self motivated and able to take the initiative
  • Solutions and results orientated
  • Abie to work to tight deadlines, under pressure and to react to changing events
  • Able to manage stress
  • Able to work in ambiguous, chaotic, difficult and/or complex environments or situations
  • Adaptable & flexible
  • Mature and sensible
  • Resilient
  • Committed to Oxfam’s mission and values

HOURS

Out of hours or weekend may be required for which appropriate compensation leave will be awarded either during or at the end of the field assignment in accordance with ONZ’s policy.

TRAVEL

The role may require in country travel as the requirements of the role dictate. All Oxfam staff are required to heed the advice of local authorities in relation to security issues and follow local security guidelines. Staff must also be prepared to make their own assessments of potential hazards or dangers during field trips in the knowledge that ONZ will always respect and support a decision to continue or withdraw from any part of a field trip or activity for reasons related to personal

Created Oct 2010

Last updated Aug 2015