Senior Press and Publicity Officer

Plan is an international, child-focused development organisation without religious, political or governmental affiliations.  We work with and for poor children and communities in more than 49 countries around the world.  Our vision is of a world in which all children realise their potential in societies that respect people's rights and dignity.
We currently have a vacancy for a Senior Press and Publicity Officer at our International Headquarters "IH" based in Woking, Surrey.

Job Summary
 
To help develop and implement our Press and Publicity strategy.   You will be required to create, develop and source stories and ideas from a variety of stakeholders generating persuasive case studies and commentaries.  With strong leadership skills you will help shape the global media team.

What does the job holder Plan?

• Developing & Implementing the Press & Publicity component of the communications strategy
• Supervise the production of central media tools
• Supervise the production of opinion/commentary pieces for international media outlets
• Identify key performance indicators for global external media activities
• Develop media strategies for campaigns
• Development of story-angles and ideas
• Sourcing of story material such as facts and figures, case studies and comment
• Sourcing of stories from contributors such as Plan field workers, subject experts and children

What are the outputs and deliverables?

• Develop and manage Plan’s global external media strategies
• Increase Plan’s image and position externally
• Develop communications and public relations activities and materials
• Ensure global media coverage supports national/local media coverage, and is consistent with key messages and values
• Disaster response & issues management support
• Coordinate and assist in increased external awareness of Plan’s global advocacy campaigns and Programs
• Coordinate media training for staff
• Develop media & organisational literature
• Establish a wide and personal network of media contacts
• Direct reactive and proactive commentary
• Position Plan as a leading children’s NGO 
• Create systems for reporting, gathering and distributing Plan’s information

What does the postholder oversee?

• Manage PR events & campaigns (internal & external) & subsequent media relations
• Respond promptly to media enquiries,
• The Press and Publicity budget and team
• CEO media profile
• Media training
• Issues and reputation management skills

Which teams/posts report into the post holder?

• Reports to: - Director of Communications
• Manages - press & publicity officer, press officer (broadcast) and freelance staff

Criteria for Success

• Significant media coverage in all Plan countries
• Significant increase in public and media awareness of Plan globally
• Increase in media traffic into Plan
• Increase in country skill levels

What are the primary linkages for this post?

• External – Media and journalists -  - all forms (print, electronic, broadcast)
• Plan’s crisis response
• Plan’s issue management
• Programme Department
• Communications teams and Forum
• National Office comms teams

Leadership Behaviours

• Provides vision and direction
• Provides opportunity and development for staff
• Promotes high performance
• Promotes innovation and learning
• Communicates effectively 

Skills specific to the post

Essential

Proven ability:

• In English language news & feature writing
• To sub edit to a high standard
• To write & edit copy for different audiences
• To summarise technical or academic material into target audience language
• To deliver to tight deadlines
• To build good relationships with people

Strong:

• Story research skills
• Interviewing skills
• Team building and motivational skills
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Experience of interviewing children
• Experience of working in developing countries

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree level or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 7 years experience in the communications, public relations, or journalism field.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, and hiring, training, developing, supervising and appraising personnel.
• Working with international media and coordinating media activities in an international environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
• Journalism qualification will be an advantage

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter and comprehensive C.V. to recruitment.admin@plan-international.org by 24 October 2008.

References and background checks will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Plan is an Equal Opportunity Employer