Public Information Officer
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the United Nations frontline agency against world hunger. It is the largest and longest serving humanitarian agency in Uganda. Currently WFP focuses on three priority areas namely, Emergency Humanitarian Action (EHA); Food & Nutrition Security (FNS); and Purchase for Progress (P4P)/Agriculture & Market Support (AMS). WFP has operations in various parts of the Country. WFP cherishes and takes pride in its human resources; therefore we seek to recruit competent persons for the positions listed below:
Vacancy Announcement No. VA-02-2013
Post Title: Public Information Officer
Grade: NOB
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment
Duty Station: Kampala
Job Purpose:
Under the direct supervision of the Country Director, the incumbent will be responsible for Mass media and partner development while working with Rome, Regional Bureau Communications and Regional Bureau Donor Relations, and will be required to undertake the following:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategically plan for communication and public information for donor relations and resource mobilization;
Develop partner and media trips by initiating and organizing field trips to WFP operational areas for media, development partners and sometimes celebrities with a focus on donor visibility and resource mobilization; some trips promote visibility while others help the target groups see WFP activities, needs and impacts. For each trip, updating and compiling briefing materials.
Initiate and pitch mostly joint news releases and speaking for WFP, as well as organizing and managing general media trips, interviews, briefings and joint news conferences with a focus on WFP achievements but also donor visibility and resource mobilization;
Prepare Questions ^Answers to help the Country Director handle hard situations, as well as talking points, media advisories and media backgrounders.
Draft and pitch editorial material which includes op-eds, letters to the editor, targeted advertorials and feature articles, with a focus on donor visibility and resource mobilization;
Edit the WFP Uganda Country Office web page (www.wfp.org/countries/uganda), contributing text, photo and video stories to the page with a focus on donor visibility and resource mobilization;
Run an official Twitter account and contribute text, photo and video stories to other outlets with a focus on donor visibility and resource mobilization;
Visit WFP field operations to write success stories and beneficiary profiles with a focus on donor visibility and resource mobilization including taking photos to accompany the stories;
Produce audio-visual material which involves making videos and photo exhibitions and slide shows of WFP operations usually working with contracted professionals with a focus on donor visibility and resource mobilization;
Produce and update publications which include brochures, fliers and operations briefs and ‘Facts and Figures that go to all WFP’s key target groups including development partners;
Act as focal person for WFP’s donor relations responsible for co-coordinating fundraising activities on behalf of the agency;
Assist with the development and maintenance of close working relations with bi-lateral, multilateral and non- traditional donors using thank you letters, strategic funding appeals, phone calls and other tools;
Work with the Programme and Pipeline units to draft funding concept notes and funding proposals as well as subsequent reports on WFP activities during funding cycles;
Answer enquiries from donor partners on WFP’s activities related to coordination/advocacy work;
Prepare talking points and other materials to be used at donor meetings;
Develop, maintain and disseminate donor information by conducting research; creating donor profiles; donor mapping and intelligence;
Edit and generate materials for newsletters targeting development partners and other hunger and food security stakeholders;
Track funding needs, donations and make forecasts;
Co-ordinate with the monitoring and evaluation unit on reporting requirements to donors, ensuring that donor concerns are not only reflected in the project implementation, but also in evaluation;
Ensure donor bad markings as appropriate and conform with donor resource allocation restrictions;
Monitor and analyze mentions of WFP in the press and analyze political and social trends relevant to WFP’s work in the country;
Keep abreast with the latest local happenings, politics and humanitarian issues in order to keep WFP at the fore-front in providing information to development partners and other key publics;
Update media lists and establish and keep contacts with journalists to get them to focus on WFP activities and achievements with a focus on donor visibility and • resource mobilization;
Manage information sharing including humanitarian statistics, maps, situation reports and other types of information with development partners, journalists, politicians, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), sister UN agencies and the general public;
Organising public exhibitions and open days that highlight WFP activities and positive impacts, at special events and the World Food Day;
Manage production and effective distribution of visibility and promotional materials;
Share packages including press releases and statements as well as media mentions in order to sensitize WFP staff about the agency’s operations, activities and achievements.
Maintain partnerships with sister UN agencies for coordination of fundraising, advocacy and strategic public relations events;
Represent WFP in the UN Communications Group and taking on roles on the agency’s behalf.
Organize inter-agency media trips;
Update the Executive Brief monthly and, draft and update other reports as required
Perform additional tasks assigned by the Country Director.
Requirement:
Masters or University Degree coupled with relevant working experience with emphasis in one or more of the following disciplines: Journalism, International relations, editing, communications or other related field gained from a recognized institution;
At least 3 years working experience as a journalist, public information management, professional writing as well as experience in developing information strategies;
Proficiency in both oral and written English is essential; >Good working knowledge and experience using MS Office applications is a must
Experience: 3 years
How to apply:
Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. WFP does not charge fees from applicants at any stage in the recruitment process. Ugandan nationals who meet the above requirements are requested to submit their applications together with detailed curriculum vitae, copies of certificates under confidential cover quoting on the envelop the vacancy announcement number and name of the applicant to: The Human Resources Officer UN World Food Programme P.O. Box 7159, Kampala. Hand-delivered applications should be dropped in a box at the reception of WFP Offices at Plot 17-19, Clement Hill Road. Applicants should check on the Notice Board at the. main entrance to confirm that their applications have been received one week after the closing date. Applications must be received by the deadline and only short listed candidates shall be contacted. Please note that incomplete submission will be disregarded.