Communication and Publication Officer, Algiers, Algeria

Closing date: Thursday, 30 April 2015

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICATION OFFICER The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa's rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia.

In seeking to achieve this objective, the African Union intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver by, among others, the implementation of its organizational structure and the filling of all vacant posts.

POST Post Title: Communication and Publication Officer

Grade: P2

Supervisor: Director/AFREC

Duty Station: Algiers, Algeria

Department: Infrastructure and Energy

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general guidance of the coordinator, and within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Assist the Head of Commission in explaining the Commission's work to the local and international public, both directly and through the media;
• Handle the Head of Commission's media relations, including by arranging interviews and facilitating contacts by the media with the Head of Commission;
• Facilitate media contacts with other senior mission officials;
• Work closely and actively with local, regional and international media to develop an accurate understanding of the Commission's mandate and activities and other related matters;
• Manage the media and public information activities and raise awareness of core thematic areas within the context of the Commission information strategy;
• Establish and maintain close contact with spokesperson of the African Union commissionas well as other international organizations present in the Commission area; Administer and manage the media relations activities; conduct general political liaison work as needed;
• Create and maintain networks of high level communications contacts with broadcast media, the press, governmental agencies, international institutions and other civil society organizations (non-governmental organizations, businesses, community organizations, interest groups, etc.);
• Prepare press releases and background notices for use by the media; provide regular and special briefings for the media; arrange for issuance of Commission press credentials;
• Facilitate as appropriate visits by accredited media within the Commission area;
• Monitor the media for coverage of the Commission and other relevant news, identify trends and provide advice to the Head of Commission in this regard, and correct misinformation; prepare and submit proposals for amplifying the Commission's message.
• Coordinate the production of books, publications, technical reports, journals and newsletters of the Commission.
• Prepare extensive directories of regional and international printing and publishing companies and reach tentative agreements with favourable one for long term services.
• Coordinate the production of periodic energy and technical reports for the benefit of Member States and RECs through ICT.
• Responsible to update and manage the website or webpage of AFREC

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Minimum Bachelor University Degree in one or more of the following: communications, public relations, international relations, broadcasting or other relevant disciplines such as social sciences, business administration or management.

Professional experience required

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in journalism, communications or public relations, including at least 3 at the international level in a managerial public information/relations position.
• Extensive experience in the field of public information and communication. Prior experience in international level is an asset.

Other Relevant Skills

Professionalism

• Ability to advise on and effectively manage high profile and sensitive communications challenges;
• ability to develop and manage a sizeable public information program in a complex environment;
• ability to conceive and implement communications strategies based on an assessment of different communications environments and the changing strategic and operational goals of the Commission;
• ability to design and conduct both effective domestic and worldwide media campaigns;
• ability to manage communication campaigns and to oversee production of various types of media, including video, radio, web, photo;
• ability to oversee a press office and media monitoring unit;
• in-depth knowledge of management; in-depth knowledge of strategic and crisis communications;
• knowledge of public information production and awareness of technological developments in radio, video, web, etc.;
• ability to assess political trends, public attitudes, local conditions and developments; highly developed communication (spoken, written, public speaking and presentation) skills, including ability to present and defend difficult positions to a wide range of audiences;
• ability to oversee evaluation and public opinion;
• ability to give advice to senior officials.

Managing, Planning and Organizing

• Ability to implement and supervise program activities consistent with agreed strategies within the context of the Commission mandate;
• ability to identify strategic issues, provide analysis and solve problems;
• Good knowledge and experience in conducting effective communications with the media, NGO's, government officials, international institutions, business groups, etc.

Teamwork

• Ability to provide leadership and take responsibility for incorporating different perspectives into substantive work;
• commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing;
• excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• ability to lead and gain assistance of others in a team Endeavour.

Judgment/Decision-Making

• Mature judgment and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact;
• proven ability to provide strategic direction, to plan and establish priorities, and to ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals;
• ability to function as key communications advisor to Commission leadership.

Leadership

• Proven track record of excellent management and technical leadership skills and ability to delegate appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making environment, including the ability to effectively enhance initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills in several aspects of communications.

Language requirement

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (English, French, Arabic and Portuguese) is a must.
• Knowledge of second or all of the other working languages would be an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment

The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months will be considered as probationary period.Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration

Indicative basic salary of US$ 29,287.00 per annum (P2 Step1) plus other related entitlements e.g. Post Adjustment (48% of basic salary), Housing allowance (US $17,222.40 per annum), education allowance (75% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$7,800.00 per child per annum for internationally recruited staff and other allowances in accordance to the African Union Staff Regulations and Rules governing the employment of International Civil Servants of the Union.

Least Representative Countries

Candidates from the following least represented countries are encouraged to apply: Eretria, Central African Republic, Cape Verde, Comoros, Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Namibia, Sahrawi Arab Republic, SaoTome and Principe, Seychelles and Somalia.

Application

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website http://www.aucareers.org not later than 30 April 2015. Directorate of Administration and Human Resources Management African Union Commission Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) P.O. Box 3243 Fax: 00251-11-5525840/5510430

E-mail: au-recruits@africa-union.org