Regional Information and Communications Officer - OXFAM

Background 

Oxfam is one of the world's leading development and humanitarian agencies assisting people affected by natural disasters and conflict throughout the world. With over 5,000 staff and dedicated volunteers in more than 90 countries, Oxfam is able to achieve the greatest impact to end poverty and suffering through combining emergency response work, long-term programmes for poverty alleviation and campaigning for lasting change. The Horn, East, and Central Africa (HECA) Region is the largest region within Oxfam, covering 8 countries, including Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda and Uganda. The Regional Centre is based in Nairobi and is mandated to provide leadership and support to the Oxfam country programmes in delivering their strategies within the context of programme quality, and efficiency.

Oxfam now seeks a Regional Information and Communications Officer who will be responsible for designing and implementing regional internal and external communications strategies, through supporting country teams, regional staff and partners. The post holder will produce high quality and timely communications materials, and ensure consistency of identity and messaging across the organisation. He or she will support Oxfam's wider campaigns work (media, advocacy and popular mobilisation) in the region.

Key Responsibilities 

• Design and manage a dynamic regional internal information and communication strategy, ensuring all parts of the organisation are engaged and informed, and that key corporate changes and priorities are communicated effectively
• Lead production of communications products such as regular newsletters, letters, reports, bulletins, videos and innovative new platforms
• Support and train Oxfam staff and partners to produce a wide range of communications materials and incorporate online and social media strategies, enabling staff and the communities we work with to use new technology to tell their stories to a global/regional audience
• Capture and share the innovative work and learning of our country teams for a wider internal and external audience
• Lead the regional roll-out and management of Oxfam's new global identity and brand
• Assist the Regional Media and Communications Officer to ensure that Oxfam effectively works with media in the region to help bring about social change

Skills and Competence

E - Essential, D - Desirable

• Educated to degree level or above and at least 4 years relevant experience working in the region on similar work (E)
• Fluency in English and ability to convey complex information in a straightforward, interesting and motivating manner. (E) Other language skills (particularly Kiswahili, French) an advantage (D)
• At least four years work experience at a similar level, leading communications strategies in the NGO or private sector (E)
• Proven written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write and present information for different audiences, and to edit others' work (E)
• Proven audio-visual skills, including the ability to take high-quality photographs(E). Video and editing skills an advantage (D)
• Proven ability to identify compelling stories. Experience working in the media an advantage
• Knowledge of graphic design software (e.g. In-Design) (E). Knowledge of video/photo editing software (D)
• Experience of conducting communications training in the region (D)
• Good strategic thinking and process, and an understanding of how communications can bring social change

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