Correspondent Jobs

 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