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Principal Communication Officer(Media Relations) - External Relations & Communication Unit

  • Position N°: NA
  • Reference: ADB/11/159
  • Publication date: 29/09/2011
  • Closing date: 29/10/2011

Objectives

The Media Relations section of ERCU is the Unit’s main instrument for managing relations with the media.

It is responsible for media monitoring as well as management of the Bank’s media contact database and the dissemination of Bank information through press releases to the media and through the Bank’s public information centre. It also supports organizational units in their media activities. Furthermore, it is the section of ERCU that is responsible for either originating or fielding and placement of opeds in national, regional or international media publications.

The holder of the post will also have for objectives:

  • Increase the Bank’s visibility and credibility
  • Transform the website into an effective information showcase.

Duties and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of The External Relations and Communication Unit, the chosen candidate will be responsible for planning, developing, implementing and analyzing comprehensive media relation programmes and tactics to support the Bank’s strategic objectives, as well as to accrue value to the Bank’s brand through local, regional and international news exposure. the Chief Communication Officer will also undertake the follow duties:

Media management and relations

  • Create and implement media relations plans with strategic objectives for corporate and specific areas/ audiences/ sectors; as well as set up strategic and operational plans with a view to promoting the policies, programs, projects, practices and publications of the Bank to the media.
  • Respond to journalist enquiries and triage incoming media request to determine priorities; as well as create, develop and place news stories in key target media.
  • Develop close, mutually productive working relationships with key reporters in national, regional and international media; as well as maintain effective working relationships with key internal contact;
  • Provide strategic media relations advice and preparation to the Bank’s experts and management regarding interviews and potential interview opportunities;
  • Oversee preparation of press conferences, news briefing, media interviews and visits;
  • Manage the media in potential crisis situation and prepare a crisis communication plan.

Media monitoring

  • Analyze local, regional and national print, broadcast and online media coverage for trends that would influence the Bank’s media relations tactics, opportunities, etc; and assess day-to-day media environment to seize opportunities that are available for increased exposure;
  • Identify negative or threatening media issues or inquiries, which require strategic and timely responses.

Selection Criteria

  • At least a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Journalism, Communication, Social Studies related field;
  • Preferably a minimum of 6 years experience in a similar position, including at least 3 years in an international media organization;
  • Ability to build a network and structure a mass information, grasp the essence and convey the key messages; capacity to work under pressure, including frequent travel; a meticulous team worker; very good interpersonal skills, self-confident;
  • Effective written and oral communication in English and French;
  • Conversant with Bank standard software applications: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint.

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