Senior Media and Communications Officer (PAP) at THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION: (Deadline 24 October 2022)

Organization Information

Reports to: Head of Administration and Human Resources
Directorate/Department : Finance, Administration and Human Resources (FAHR)
Division : Communication and IT Unit
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular
Location: Midrand, South Africa

Purpose of Job

To provide strategic communication guidance to build a good image of the Pan-African Parliament and promote increased visibility of its objectives and activities.

Main Functions

·    Develops, reviews and implements the PAP communication and branding strategies.
·    Manages the Communication and Media Unit’s Work Programme and Budget.
·    Builds and promotes a good image of the Pan-African Parliament in alignment to the AU Agenda 2063.
·    Spearheads advocacy and public campaigns continent-wide in favor of the PAP’s vision, mission and strategic plan and for the purpose of popularizing the PAP within Africa and in the world.
·    Organizes and presides over media briefings and other speaking engagements at local and international events.
·    Organizes media interviews for the Bureau, Members of the Pan African Parliament, and occasionally for the Clerk of Parliament.
·    Develops and maintains networks with National and International partners, all National Parliaments of the African Union Member States and Heads of media institutions, etc.
·    Regularly monitors communication efforts to ensure maximum return on investment.
·    Manages the PAP website.
·    Develops and supervises the implementation of the PAP social media strategy.
·    Drafts speeches and position papers for the PAP Secretariat Management.
·    Produces Media Plans and Press Releases.
·    Manages the Broadcasting facility and supervises the Broadcast Team.

Specific Responsibilities

•    Implements and manages a communication strategy to advance PAP objectives and initiatives.
•    Provides strategic guidance on the communication activities of PAP including coordination, advocacy and communication strategies, planning and implementation.
•    Develops and disseminates holistic messages targeted to different stakeholders.
•    Works closely with the Bureau Office, Information Technology, AU Directorate of Information & Communication, the PAP Webmaster and Committee Clerks to develop and/or update the information, communication and knowledge management strategy based on PAP’s strategic plan.
•    Develops materials to compellingly communicate evidence and lead new approaches to creates and distributes multi-media content including the use of social media;
•    Drafts all external communications and keeps the PAP website updated.
•    Initiates and/or sustains professional relationship with key stakeholders/constituencies.
•    Drafts development partner engagement plan including development of communication materials and a relationship development plan to meet with and engage development partners.
•    Participates in the Crisis Management Group as the media expert and contributes to developing media strategies in response to crises that have a potential to impact our brand and reputation.
•    Works with Committee Clerks, Goodwill Ambassadors, PAP International Relations Office and the Policy Officer, Resource Mobilization Officer to identify highest-priority areas requiring funding support to communicate to development partners
•    Works with Regional and National Parliaments to develop materials to compellingly communicate the work and achievements of the PAP.
•    Provides communications support to PAP statutory and non-statutory meetings including special events/workshops/meetings and conferences.
•    Provides editorial advice, statements and replies to frequently asked questions for Senior Management and Parliamentarians.
•    Monitors events and analyzes documents to identify trends, opportunities and risks and prepare appropriate PAP action plans or responses.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

•    A Master’s degree or its equivalent in Communications, Journalism, Broadcasting, Public and Media Relations or related field, with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in the area of corporate communication, journalism, advocacy with at least three (3) years at a supervisory level in an international organisation.
OR
•    A Bachelor’s degree in the above-mentioned fields with ten (10) years of experience and at least three (3) at a supervisory level in an international organisation.

Required Skills

•    The successful candidate is expected to be creative and have the ability to interact harmoniously and effectively in a multi-cultural environment with colleagues from diverse disciplines, perspectives, countries and cultures.
•    Possess excellent interpersonal, networking, negotiation and communication skills.
•    He/she must have the ability to make objective decisions and resolve problems, exercising the highest sense of responsibility in the handling of confidential and sensitive issues.
•    Ability to contribute to strategic thinking with a view to improving media and communication services to all PAP stakeholders.
•    Ability to work under pressure, setting priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
•    Have skills and experience in the production and distribution of printed publications as well as audio-visual and e-content development.
•    High ethical standards, integrity and a deep sense of fairness.
•    Good knowledge of the African Union system.

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies