Job Vacancy

Middle East Media Adviser, Cairo
£21,990 - £28,821 net per annum

Who we are
The Middle East region  within Oxfam is placed within the broader Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Commonwealth of Independent States (MEEECIS) region, probably the most diverse area in the world. The region is blighted by conflict, affected by climate change and some areas are extremely poor. Our mission is to work towards reducing humanitarian suffering, promote civilian protection and peace, increase economic and livelihoods activity,  improve access to public services and spearhead other innovative programmes that help ordinary people who suffer as a result of conflict, poverty or injustice.. This often takes place within turbulent political circumstances and in polarised societies – but little by little we’re achieving success.

The role
You’ll have the key aim of ensuring our communication and campaigning messages are  effectively communicated across the Middle East – through both traditional and new media. Working closely with the Head of Oxfam’s Cairo office and colleagues around the world, you will plan, develop and/or implement media strategies for the Middle East, and support delivery of media work for relevant national campaigns. You will research and write stories and other content, and support others to do the same, for engaging with regional media. In addition, you will be responsible for analysis of Arab media coverage, for the translation of Oxfam materials into Arabic, and will act as a spokesperson with Arabic and other regional media. Through this work and building up relations directly with journalists, you’ll further strengthen our reputation as a trusted and respected source of comment and information within the region. Able to effectively organise press conferences and media briefings, as well as write and place stories, you’ll ensure they reveal the reality of ordinary people’s lives in the region, the causes and consequences of poverty and conflict, and how people are actively addressing the challenges they face.

What we’re looking for
We need an excellent communicator with exceptional initiative, who can generate ideas, be innovative, creative and proactive. You may not have a classical media background, but you will have a proven track record within both Arabic and English media. You will have gained a strong understanding of the Arabic and international media, developed excellent journalism and PR skills and built up a comprehensive knowledge of the economic and political context of the Middle East, including Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. You will be able to recognize potential for a strong, human interest media story in Oxfam projects on the ground, and successfully pitch them to Arab media.  Understanding of social, economic and political contexts  beyond the Middle East but which pertain to the Middle East will also be desirable. With proven communications and research skills, you must be able to think strategically, manage risk to programme, staff and Oxfam’s reputation, and know how to plan and prioritise to achieve results. And, of course, your interpersonal and negotiation skills will be exceptional, as will your ability to influence those around you.


To apply
Here at Oxfam, we have the strongest conviction that every aspect of our work can contribute to a positive outcome. Do you share this belief? Do you have the strength of character to meet the challenges involved? If so, you’ll find that this role offers scope for immense personal fulfilment – and outstanding opportunities to enrich and develop your career. For further information and details of how to apply, please visit www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs quoting ref INT3842.

Closing date: 31^st May 2010
Interviews: candidates will need to be available for interviews in week commencing 7^th June 2010

Oxfam GB
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