Oxfam in Africa – Media and Communications Advisor

This is a 12-month assignment in Dakar, Senegal.

The assignment is part of the ‘Equality in Action’ Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP), which is being rolled out across 12 countries and 3 regions over an eight-year period (2020–2028). The VCP aims to increase the involvement of local partners in developing countries in inclusive, innovative and sustainable development initiatives that will advance gender equality.

Oxfam’s role is to support these organisations, working with the most vulnerable and marginalised people, to claim and exercise their rights. Oxfam places the rights of women, girls and vulnerable and marginalised people at the heart of everything it does.

Here’s what your day-to-day work will look like:

Working closely with members of Oxfam’s communications and media team in Africa, and under the supervision of the Head of Media and Communications, the volunteer will be responsible for:

• Work with country teams, partners and advocacy and campaign advisers from the regional platform to produce impactful communication and media content, aimed at national and international audiences, across traditional and social media.
• Support country teams in the design and implementation of their communication and campaign strategies, including managing media relations, social media, brand risks and maximising impact.
• Provide strategic advice on communication and media, and identify new opportunities for media coverage to support regional, continental and global campaigns (e.g. the African Climate Caravan).
• Contribute to the sub-Saharan media strategy and engage the media to increase the visibility and effectiveness of campaigns.
• Support continental and national teams in the selection and management of service providers, as well as in the production and dissemination of content.
• Monitor the news to identify opportunities and risks related to the communication of Oxfam’s objectives.
• Act as the focal point for the confederation’s press officers regarding media enquiries relating to the sub-Saharan region.
• Support the organisation of press or celebrity trips to the region.
• Monitor and analyse the impact of media activities, with regular reports.
• Design and/or oversee the production of internal and external communication materials (speeches, presentations, publications, press releases, Q&As, talking points, media responses, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with and dissemination of Oxfam’s brand guidelines, by training and equipping communications managers in each country to act as brand ambassadors.
• Deliver or facilitate training sessions (media, storytelling, crisis communication) and prepare spokespersons capable of speaking on humanitarian, development and campaign issues.

For this role, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or hold permanent residence in Canada;
• Have at least 5 years’ experience as a journalist or media/communications specialist.
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Fluency in French is an asset.
• Have knowledge of the international context and issues in Africa regarding development, humanitarian aid and the fight against inequality.
• Have experience in data-driven communication/storytelling – the ability to interpret and present complex and voluminous figures in an accessible and compelling manner.
• Have professional experience with regional (African) or international media.
• Have good multimedia and story-gathering skills.
• Have the ability to conceptualise, design and present narratives to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to use various social media platforms to support Oxfam’s campaigns and programmes, and a good understanding of how communication can be used to raise funds and drive change.
• Ability to produce high-quality communication materials to tight deadlines. Experience of working in teams with diverse cultures and with geographically dispersed teams.
• Have a proven ability in strategic thinking and leadership
• Have an innovative and creative approach to problem-solving

What we offer:

• Monthly allowance for living expenses - 20% increase in the living allowance for an accompanying child (maximum of 2 children) - CAD 1,500 per year per child for school fees
• A monthly allowance for rent
• Return flight ticket with 2 pieces of checked luggage - Return flight ticket for accompanying child(ren)
• CAD 200 for additional luggage
• Comprehensive medical insurance for you and your accompanying child(ren)
• A volunteer support programme during your placement and for up to two months after your return to Canada
• 20 days’ holiday and other leave
• Access to various training courses
• A rewarding experience with a renowned and respected organisation.

Oxfam has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that contravenes its code of conduct, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, as well as lack of integrity, corruption and fraud.

To this end, Oxfam will ensure that it recruits people who demonstrate and embody these same values. We thank all applicants for their interest; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.