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)
Reports to: Continental Communications Advisor (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
