Media Adviser

Job Title:                                          Media Adviser (Global)

Department:                                    Policy and Advocacy

Division:                                             Advocacy

Duty Station:                                   Geneva

Line Manager:                                  Global Head of Policy and Advocacy

Line Management Responsibility: n/a

Position Type:                                  Full-time (100%)

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organisation. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence, protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath, and help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

OVERVIEW

NP is an organisation that actively works to promote civilian protection and peacebuilding around the world. This is a new role dedicated specifically to engagement with media stakeholders at national, regional and international levels, and providing media support and expertise within the organisation globally. The role sits within our Global Policy and Advocacy Team and will strengthen ongoing efforts to highlight civilian protection and the work of civilians in violent conflict settings through media and communications avenues.

JOB SUMMARY

Nonviolent Peaceforce is seeking a talented and passionate Media Adviser (Global) to join our team. The Media Adviser will play a pivotal role in amplifying civilian protection needs and risks around the world, communicating the impact of the organisation’s work in violent conflict, and advocating for our mission through strategic media engagement. The Adviser will track and analyse civilian protection issues in public media and be the global focal point for media strategy and engagement. The Adviser is responsible for translating the policy and program work into media that is more accessible to public audiences. The Adviser will also be a partner to our field staff and provide technical support on media and communications. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in media relations, storytelling, and a commitment to promoting the needs of conflict-affected civilians and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution. This role involves identifying media and public relations opportunities to amplify the experiences and needs of civilians, Unarmed Civilian Protection, and the work of Nonviolent Peaceforce through earned and placed media outreach. This is a rare opportunity at a critical time to work with a diverse range of stakeholders – from affected communities, NP colleagues, and duty bearers – to uplift the needs of civilians and UCP approaches through your media expertise.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications

• Alongside key colleagues in the advocacy and communications teams, develop and implement a comprehensive media strategy to increase NP's visibility and influence.
• Amplify civilian voices as a core element of NP’s engagement with journalists and media outlets.
• Write and distribute press releases, op-eds, and other media materials to effectively communicate civilian risks and needs, as well as programmatic impact and achievements.
• Collaborate closely with NP's global teams to gather compelling stories and evidence of impact for media use.

Coordination

• Monitor media coverage and public opinion related to Unarmed Civilian Protection, Nonviolent Peaceforce, and key civilian protection matters in NP country programme areas.
• Coordinate press conferences, media interviews, and public events.
• Handle media inquiries and provide timely, accurate responses.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure consistent external messaging across all platforms.
• Provide media training and support to NP staff and partners to enhance their ability to effectively engage with media.

Representation

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to secure coverage of civilian protection issues, nonviolent responses to violence, and the work of the organisation and its partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level education (postgraduate degree or equivalent professional experience preferred) in Communication, Journalism, International Studies, Humanitarian Action, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in media, journalism, public relations, international advocacy, civilian protection, or a related field. Experience working in conflict settings is an asset.
• Demonstrated track record and existing network in media and communications outlets.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proven ability to prepare for and manage media coverage within humanitarian contexts, including crisis communications.
• A keen understanding and working knowledge of the challenges of amplifying humanitarian action through public media, including safeguarding principles, safety and security of affected populations and staff, and informed consent.
• Experience working in conflict-affected areas and/or with UN peacekeeping operations is highly desirable.
• Strong network of journalist, editor and media outlet contacts.
• Excellent analytical, presentation, communication and reporting skills, both written and verbal.
• Adaptability, resourcefulness, pro-activity, and the commitment to work within a small, flexible team.
• Strong personal organisational skills, including excellent time management, ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of other languages, particularly French or Arabic, is an asset.
• Culturally sensitive, thrives in diverse teams, and able to sensitively navigate interpersonal and inter-departmental dynamics to keep focus on common goals.
• Demonstrated commitment to NP’s mission and principles.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• As a global position in a global organisation, this role is likely to include working irregular work hours on occasion, in order to align with stakeholders and events in other time zones.
• This position requires up to 30% travel to field locations, including sometimes insecure locations where NP has a field presence.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page), through our website detailing their experience and how they qualify for the Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is 19 September 2024
• Candidates may be selected before the closing date; apply
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment before participating in an

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.

Keywords

Media AdviserGlobalPolicyAdvocacyCivilian ProtectionConflictCommunicationJournalismInternational StudiesHumanitarian ActionMedia StrategyPublic Relations