SHORT-TERM VACANCY
(December 2006 – February 2007)

MEDIA LIAISON

The 7th edition of the World Social Forum will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, beginning on the 20th of January and wrapping up on the 25th of January 2007. The WSF is a space as well as a process where actors in civil society worldwide express solidarity, benefit from collective action and develop initiative.

Nairobi 2007 is poised to be the first WSF event to benefit from a steady and systematic build-up of national, sub-regional and polycentric social forum processes, being constituted as a unique milestone in the militant history of the Forum.

The event is managed by a 68-member organizing Committee comprising representatives from Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda through the Social Development Network (SODNET) -For more information on the event, please visit our website www.wsf2007.org

Job Description/Summary
The Media Liaison will be responsible for coordinating the World Social Forum Nairobi 2007’s overall communications efforts of the Organising Committee in Nairobi with particular emphasis on media relations. This position is intended to promote and increase public understanding of the WSF mission, objectives and accomplishments. The Media and Information Coordinator is expected to develop productive, pro-active relations with local, national and international press. S/he has a major role in ensuring a strong local and national awareness on the upcoming event as part of local, national, regional and continental processes. The position will be based in Nairobi.

Specific Responsibilities
The Media Liaison will:
• Serve as the lead expert and the Secretariat point of contact for local, national and international media in Kenya; alternative and mainstream.
• Design, implement and manage a comprehensive media relations strategy that includes crisis communications management.
• Write and pitch press releases and other media announcements to targeted media outlets.
• Arrange and coordinate all media sensitization activities for the Secretariat of the Organising Committee.
• Facilitate and follow up the work plan of the Media Commission of the Organising Committee.
• Create a database of local, national and international media in Kenya (print, radio, television and internet).
• Develop a proactive positive relationship with international journalists.
• Develop and implement media monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Strengthen media relations capacities of the Secretariat through training and on-going guidance.
• Fully understand and be able to articulate for public audiences the WSF mission, vision and programme for the Nairobi Event.
• Coordinate the writing of position papers and articles for publications.
• Write and edit news for the web site content.
• Write and edit presentations, e-newsletter stories, web site home page features, and develop other informational tools as needed.
• As needed, may supervise media relations volunteers or other media related staff.

Qualifications
The Media Liaison will have all of the following:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
• Five years of post-graduate professional experience in media relations with civil society and social movements in Kenya
• Advanced English and Swahili language writing and speaking skills
• Excellent orientation to detail
• Ability to perform her/his duties with enthusiasm and in a collaborative environment
• Working knowledge of basic computer programs to include Excel, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Access and Outlook.
• Flexibility to work weekends and nights as needed.
Desired qualifications include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications or related course of study
• Advanced degree or certificate in Journalism, Communications, Social Marketing or a related field.
• Experience working in a civil society organization in Kenya or any Eastern Africa Country.
• Experience and/or significant understanding of internet-based public and media relations strategies.
• Experience in desktop design tools and software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator)

Work Relations
The Media Liaison will report directly to the Executive Director of SODNET. Close collaboration with the different members of the Secretariat, Volunteers and other members of the Organising Committee of the WSF Nairobi 2007 will also be required.

Conditions
The initial contract period for this position is 2 months.

How to Apply
Applicants should send a resume, a letter explaining their interest, qualifications for the position and salary expectations. Names and contacts of three references (e-mail address), until November 17th 2006, by e-mail or post to:

Executive Director
Social Development Network
P.O. Box 63125-00619
Nairobi
E-mail: [email][email protected]

Interviews will take place on two week time and only short listed candidates will be contacted.