Senior Media and Communications Officer (PAP) at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Media and Communications Officer (PAP)

Requisition ID: 1401
Location: South Africa
Reports to: Head of Administration and Human Resources
Directorate/Department : Finance, Administration and Human Resources (FAHR)
Division: Communication and IT Unit
Job Grade: P3
Contract  Type: Regular 

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:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk
• Core Competencies
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing..
• Drive for Results

Tenure of Appointment:

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

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 37,453.00 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 21,832.68 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Application Closing Date

• 24th October, 2022.