Communications and Media Officer, Francophone Africa.
• Based: EJF office in Dakar, Senegal
• Contract: Full-time, fixed term until August 2027
• Closing date for applications: 25 October 2024
• Start: ASAP
• Salary range: 600 000 – 800 000 XOF according to skills and experience

Benefits
• Health insurance package
• Annual leave of 20 days plus all Senegalese national public holidays, increasing by 2 days each year of service, plus 1 personal day per year

Position overview
This is a role for an ambitious, talented Communications and Media Officer with fantastic copywriting and organisational skills, an eye for a good story and the confidence to secure media coverage. As EJF’s Francophone Africa Communications and Media Officer, you will be working closely with the Francophone Africa Programme Manager and our international communications team to develop and deliver ambitious communications and media strategy for EJF’s projects in Francophone Africa.


Key responsibilities
• Plan, develop and implement agreed communications strategies with a primary focus on Senegal and, as required and agreed, in relation to EJF’s activities in other Francophone African countries.
• Working closely with the UK-based communications team and graphic designer, the Communications and Media Officer will produce press releases, social media content, webpage content, and other communications output such as leaflets, banners and posters.
• Prepare detailed monthly reports, including all media coverage, highlighting challenges and opportunities. Include a media activity plan for the next month, noting potential for new, unanticipated activities or opportunities
• Identify and engage target radio networks for radio programs and support local communities to engage with radio journalists
• Proactively develop a network of engaged journalists to secure significant media coverage for relevant projects and improve the quality of coverage of Senegal’s fishing industry and West Africa in general
• Respond to media enquiries and work with colleagues to maximise opportunities for coverage
• Coordinate journalist training workshops
• Organise press trips and produce related communications materials
• Promote project films and radio programmes to both national media outlets and at local screening events
• Coordinate press conferences and trips – ensuring the smooth running of special events, including for guest speakers and other high-profile supporters.
• Ensure that all communications materials comply with EJF’s branding
• Ensure the full, factual accuracy of all published information. All materials must be carefully checked for accuracy and approved prior to distribution
• This position requires regular work trips within Senegal and occasional travels within the region and abroad may be considered.

Essential skills and attributes
• Strong news sense and the ability to convey complex messages to multiple audiences, including local fishing communities
• Ability to produce inspiring and fact-checked copy for print and online
• A degree or equivalent experience in communications, media, journalism, public relations or a similar field
• Experience of working in a media/press team with excellent working knowledge of the media landscape in Senegal and, ideally, in the broader West and Central African region. Existing contacts are an advantage
• A track record of delivering projects with minimal supervision
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly in French and Wolof (strong advantage), and fluency in written and spoken English
• Tactful, friendly and calm under pressure
• Confident, resilient, tenacious and collaborative in your approach
• Passionate about environmental and human rights issues


Desirable skills
• Experience working within television or radio media, including operating a camera and conducting recorded interviews.
• Previous experience of working on environmental or fisheries issues.