NORCAP is the Norwegian Refugee Council’s expert deployment mechanism. NORCAP strengthens international and local partners’ capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from crisis by deploying highly qualified women and men from its world leading standby rosters. The deployed experts work with UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, development actors and national stakeholders to save lives, build resilient communities, ensure peaceful transitions from conflict and promote sustainable governance.     At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.   Only applicants from the AU member states will be considered.     Organizational Background

The Office of the Special Envoy on Women Peace and Security of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (OSE) was established with the mandate to enhance the voices of women in peace processes across the continent. The activities of the Special Envoy are anchored on the pillars of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, namely the prevention of violence against women, the protection of women rights, and participation of women at all levels of decision-making in the prevention of conflict and peace building and the recognition and incorporation of gender dimensions in reconstruction and recovery endeavours. 

This Agenda requires proactive efforts to regularly inform stakeholders on progress, achievements and lessons learned and increase awareness at all levels. Strategic communication will also ensure that the right of women to peace remains at the centre of building a better Africa and coordinated actions around this objective. As such communication on OSE strategy built around the below four major strands is key: 

Bridging the gap between policy and implementation on the WPS Agenda. Women's leadership in peace processes using African Women's Leaders Network as the platform. Advocacy for enhanced commitments to implement the WPS agenda. Networking and Partnership.

To this end, OSE wishes to recruit an experienced Communication Officer, to support the roll out of the OSE's strategy through sustained visibility actions and outreach to stakeholders. 

The officer will be hosted by the AUC-OSE and will support all strategic communications related actions to strengthen the collaboration between the AUC-OSE and AU Member States, UN agencies, CSOs and other key partners on WPS and AWLN programmes the role would contribute to increased awareness and commitment to implement the WPS agenda by relevant stakeholders.    Responsibilities
The Communication Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Coordinator, Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. The communication communications Officer will be required to undertake the following:
Communication Strategy: Develop OSE communication strategy for 2023-2024 focusing on the implementation of the African Women Leaders Network strategies, the WPS Agenda in Africa and the leadership of women in the transformation of Africa in line with Agenda 2063. Develop a living data base of target groups, relevant messages, channels and key products for effective visibility and impact of the WPS activities. Facilitate the production and dissemination of WPS videos through AU media channels, Twitter, YouTube and other digital channels. Produce short films and animation messages to be aired through different media channels and disseminated through WPS Networks throughout the continent. Perform media review and analysis with data on outreach and impact. Guide photographers and videographers from the AUC in the production of videos and photos. Produce topical articles, Op-Eds and Newsletters and other publicity articles.
  Media Relations
Establish and maintain liaison with regional and international media houses and dissemination platforms. Identify outreach and media opportunities, write related press releases and media advisories as well as disseminate to broad and up-to-date mailing lists. Track and promote media coverage of high impact/visibility activities.
  Publicity and External Communications
Liaise with stakeholders to ensure a coherent approach to communication initiatives related to the reporting and monitoring of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and of the AWLN programmes and activities. Widely disseminate news using various mediums including the website, social media accounts, and the post-event publications and mailing lists. Oversee the design, development and launch of online information on OSE's work. Support the design work and printing of various publications. Catalogue and build an active audio-visual storage and library (press releases, articles) containing all materials. Ensure adherence to the branding and visibility strategy of AUC including in the use of promotional materials, the effective use of the media in promoting the work of the office and the effective distribution and dissemination of information.
  Drafting:
Write papers on a wide range of general strategic issues of concern to the Office including speeches, presentations and talking points.

Education and Work Experience

An advanced degree in Communication, Journalism, Political science, Gender studies, Peace and Security or related field with a minimum of four years relevant experience. First-level university degree in combination with four additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience in the design and management of advocacy campaigns will constitute a solid advantage.

Core Values and Guiding Principles

Professionalism: Demonstrate a solid professional competence in Communication. Team Work: Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. Ethics and Values: Demonstrate and safeguard ethics and integrity.  Organizational Awareness: Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment. Communicating and Information Sharing: Be able to communicate easily and effectively, using various communication channels. Self-management and conflict-management: Identify conflicts and address them proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution. Handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behaviour towards others. Functional Competencies: Strong Communication skills and experience of not less than 5 years. Familiarity with the Women Peace and Security agenda in Africa. Experience in analysis and research, with track record in publications and reports. Excellent writing and communication skills. Good knowledge of the African Union.

Other Relevant Skills

The Communication Officer will be required to have advance computer literacy skills, have excellent writing, analytical and communicative skills and be flexible in terms of working hours.

Language Requirement

Proficiency in English is a must. Knowledge of French will constitute an advantage.

Duration and Terms

The appointment shall be for an initial period of one (1) year, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation. It shall be renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.

Remuneration

The salary attached to the position is at P3 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff.

What we offer 

Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation. Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals.   A dedicated Staff Care Unit. 

How to apply 

When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.    NORCAP values diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.   NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates . Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment. 

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