Summary of Position Function :
WCS Congo is one of the largest programs in the WCS network, with a particular focus on protected area management, effective law enforcement, research and monitoring, and capacity building. Over the past three years, the program has worked hard to develop its presence in the press and social/online media.
The primary objective for this position is to continue developing WCS-Congo’s media presence, focusing on improving recognition and awareness of WCS Congo activities on an international scale. The position will concentrate on creating an active presence on social media in particular, as well as preparing professional media pieces highlighting specific activities.
A second objective is to recruit, train and mentor a national communication assistant that would take over this officer position over the long run.
The communication officer is based in Brazzaville and will report to the Congo Program Coordinator. The communication officer will work with WCS Congo project leads and other staff to develop media content. Regular travel to isolated field sites will be necessary and will represent at minimum 30% of the employee’s time. Around 10% of time will also be spent working for the WCS DRC program, with associated field trips to DRC (Kinshasa and other field offices in country, as required).
A 12-month contract is offered.
Key responsibilities include :
- Maintain a WordPress Blog site for WCS Congo ;
- Update Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram accounts for WCS Congo ;
- Additional social media development as determined by the WCS RoC and DRC Program and including monthly or bimonthly newsletters for all sites ;
- Organize and create media features (i.e. documentary, news pieces, print articles) with a focus on specific anticipated and high-profile activities as prioritized by WCS Congo ;
- Maintain standardized media templates (i.e. fact sheets, brochures, etc.) ;
- Maintain media database (i.e. photo and video storage and cataloguing) ;
- Assist with media development for tourism initiatives and other ongoing program related campaigns ;
- Ensure good communication and relationships with donors’ and partners’ media teams ;
- Develop press release and ensure increased presence on national and international forum ;
- Ensure all communication strategies and products follow WCS and donor’s procedures and branding and marketing obligations ;
- Organize WCS Congo events and related communication in Brazzaville or at field level when necessary ;
- Recruit, train and mentor a national communication assistant over the course of the contract that would ultimately take over the officer position.
Deliverables include :
- A regularly updated WordPress site for WCS Congo ;
- Monthly or bimonthly newsletters ;
- Regularly updated Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram accounts for WCS Congo ;
- At least 5 high profile media pieces per year ;
- Report on metrics of media pieces.
Qualification requirements:
- Degree in media-related studies . A degree in conservation related matters with over 3 years’ experience in media and communication will be considered ;
- At least 1 year experience working in media relations; conservation experience an advantage ;
- Proven ability to work with international, national and local organizations.NGO experience an asset ;
- Experience working in a developing country setting ;
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal. Fluency in english & proficiency, both verbally and in written form, in french required.
To apply :
Please send your CV and a cover letter before the 20th June to : the WCS Congo program at [email protected]. Include contact information for 1-3 references and specify whether we may contact each of these or whether this should await your approval.