Job Title Focal Point, Information Analysis

Organisation Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN /UN-OCHA) (http://www.IRINnews.org)

Organisation Description IRIN is a humanitarian news service.

Job Location Kenya (Nairobi)

Closing date 01 Dec 2003

Job Description and qualifications:

OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
INTEGRATED REGIONAL INFORMATION NETWORK (IRIN)

Focal Point, Information Analysis

Terms of Reference

Note: This is the second call for applicants. If you have already applied for this post please do not do so again.

Submission Deadline: 1 December 2003

Background

Under its mandate to coordinate the response of the United Nations system to emergencies, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to strengthen its reporting from crisis and disaster-affected countries. One of its key information tools is the Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN), which provides the humanitarian community with a specialised information service through electronic mail subscription and a dedicated web site, www.IRINnews.org

To further improve its services, IRIN is working to move beyond news reporting to include more in-depth analysis of important humanitarian issues. This is being done through the increased production of thematic/global stories, special reports, features and web specials. The Nairobi-based Focal Point for Information Analysis provides IRIN's regional desks and editorial staff with the guidance, advice and materials needed to boost their output of analytical and feature-type reporting, and also contributes directly in researching and writing his/her own articles.

Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the IRIN Coordinator, but working in conjunction with the Humanitarian Adviser and Editor-in-Chief, the Focal Point is responsible for ensuring IRIN maintains a coordinated and appropriate output of relevant, timely and accurate in-depth features and special reports. His/her specific duties include:

Assist and advise the Coordinator on strategic directions and priorities for IRIN analytical reporting and information services, emphasising support for early warning, advocacy and relief response decision-making;
Assist the Editor-in-Chief in the preparation of regular (weekly/quarterly) editorial workplans, including identification of priority subjects/themes for research and special reporting;
Provide guidance and advice to managing editors, information officers, writers and researchers on the production of special reports, in-depth features and other reporting projects, including providing assistance in editing copy and coordinating contributions for collaborative assignments;
Research and write in-depth reports and other articles for publication and distribution to IRIN subscribers, as part of collaborative projects with the regional desks, or independently on global themes or issues not normally covered by the desks;
Assist in the development of the editorial training programme, providing guidance and support for stringers and participating as a resource person at IRIN training workshops;
In conjunction with appropriate partners, identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration on advocacy issues of common concern, leveraging IRIN expertise and field-level contacts;
Undertake field travel to regions and countries of concern, establishing and maintaining contact with key partners in the UN system, donors, non-governmental community, international organisations, civil society, the media and academia;
Assist in the development of IRIN's institutional response to rapidly developing humanitarian emergencies and, where necessary, providing direct support to enhancing IRIN coverage of unfolding events;
Undertake other duties as may be assigned by the IRIN Coordinator.

Qualifications

University degree in journalism, political science, sociology, law, international relations, or a related field;
Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the field of journalism, advocacy, and/or communications;
Prior humanitarian experience in crisis countries or in a field directly involved with strategic monitoring, information analysis and/or inter-agency coordination in complex emergencies;
Excellent inter-personal and communications skills;
Ability to work with minimum supervision, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different national backgrounds;
Computer literacy including use of electronic mail and internet

Languages

Full proficiency in written and spoken English. A working knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Contract Details

Post Title: Focal Point, Information Analysis
Level/contract: ALD-3
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: Six months initial
Date of Entry: As soon as possible

Address:
E-mail submission recommended
Ken Blackman, IRIN Editor
[email][email protected] (cc [email][email protected])
Fax: +254 20 622129

For further information: +41 (0)22 917 1135 IRIN Geneva Office

Applications for this position should be sent to:

E-mail submission recommended
Ken Blackman, IRIN Editor
[email][email protected] (cc [email][email protected])
Fax: +254 20 622129
For further information: +41 (0)22 917 1135 IRIN Geneva Office

Job reference code: RW_73436F