This is a 12-month mandate in Dakar, Senegal

Context of the mandate

The mandate stems from the Equality in Action Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP), which is being rolled out in a dozen countries in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East over an eight-year period (2020-2028).

The VCP aims to increase the involvement of local partners in inclusive, innovative and sustainable initiatives that will advance gender equality. Oxfam's role is to support these organisations, working with the most vulnerable and marginalised people, to claim and exercise their rights. Oxfam places the rights of women, girls and vulnerable and marginalised people at the heart of all its actions.

Main responsibilities

• Working closely with members of Oxfam's communications and media team in Africa, and under the supervision of the Media and Communications Team Lead, the volunteer will be responsible for:
• Collaborate with country teams, partners and advocacy and campaign advisors from the regional platform to produce impactful communications and media content for national and international markets, across traditional and social media.
• Support country teams in designing and implementing their communications and campaign strategies, including managing media relations, social media, brand risks and maximising impact.
• Provide strategic communications and media advice and identify new media coverage opportunities to support regional, continental and global campaigns (e.g. African climate caravan).
• Contribute to the sub-Saharan media strategy and engage the media to increase the visibility and effectiveness of campaigns.
• Support continental and country teams in selecting and managing service providers, as well as in producing and disseminating content.
• Monitor news to identify opportunities and risks related to communicating Oxfam's objectives.
• Act as the focal point for the confederation's press officers regarding media requests related to the sub-Saharan region.
• Support the organisation of press or celebrity trips to the region.
• Monitor and analyse the impact of media actions, with regular reports.
• Design and/or supervise the production of internal and external communications materials (speeches, presentations, publications, press releases, Q&As, talking points, media responses, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with and dissemination of Oxfam brand guidelines by training and equipping communications managers in each country to become brand ambassadors.
• Propose or lead training sessions (media, storytelling, crisis communication) and prepare spokespersons capable of speaking on humanitarian, development and campaign issues.

For this position, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
• Have at least 5 years of experience as a journalist or media/communications specialist.
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Fluency in French is an asset.
• Have knowledge of the international context and issues in Africa in terms of development, humanitarian aid and the fight against inequality.
• Have experience in data-driven communication/storytelling – ability to interpret and present complex and voluminous figures in an accessible and compelling manner.
• Have professional experience with regional (African) or international media.
• Have good multimedia and story gathering skills.
• Have the ability to conceptualise, design and present stories to a variety of audiences.
• Have the ability to use various social media platforms to support Oxfam campaigns and programmes and a good understanding of how communication can be used to raise funds and influence change.
• Have the ability to produce high-quality communication materials to tight deadlines.
• Have experience of working in a multicultural team and with geographically dispersed teams.
• Have the ability to conceptualise, design and present narratives to a variety of audiences.
• Have the ability to use various social media platforms to support Oxfam's campaigns and programmes, and a good understanding of how communication can be used to raise funds and influence change.
• Have the ability to produce high-quality communication materials within tight deadlines · Experience working in teams with different cultures and with geographically dispersed teams.
• Have a proven ability to think strategically and provide leadership.
• Have an innovative and creative approach to problem solving.

What we offer:

• Monthly allowance for your living expenses.
• A monthly amount for rent.
• Return airfare with 2 pieces of checked baggage;
• Comprehensive medical insurance;
• A volunteer support programme during your assignment and up to two months after your return to Canada;
• Holidays and other leave;
• Access to various training courses (e-learning, etc.).

Oxfam has a zero-tolerance policy against any behaviour that violates its code of conduct, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, as well as lack of integrity, corruption and fraud.

To this end, Oxfam will ensure that it recruits people who demonstrate and embody the same values. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We accept applications on an ongoing basis.

The posting may close before the date indicated. Please do not wait until the deadline to apply. If you are interested in this position, please send your application (CV and cover letter in the working language of the country: French, English or Spanish) by clicking on the button below.