By Lekan Otufodunrin
Years ago, being a digital literate was not one of the requirements for getting a job as a Communications officer or journalist. Not anymore.
Nowadays, knowledge of new media has become a major requirement for anyone to be hired for any media related job by any organization seeking to communicate effectively with its target audience worldwide.
A vacancy announcement by The Kofi Annan Foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland, seeking to hire an Associate Communications officer (Digital) underscores the need for any media professional who wants to remain relevant in the years to come to acquire new media skills.
While applicants for the job must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations or multi-media from an English Language University which many graduates have, only those who have good knowledge of professional use of social media and other editorial skills qualifies for consideration.
For those who still think that knowledge of social media, like other new media skill is not critical to determining their future in the industry a careful study of the requirements outlined for the suitable candidate for the Associate Communications Officer (Digital) job should convince you.
Especially for new graduates seeking employment who are still digital illiterate, the time to start getting educated about these new skills is now. More than being social media tools, Facebook, Twitter, Google plus and many others are now professional tools for communication by organizations.
You may not have what takes to qualify for the above job or similar one today, but you should not be prepared for the next vacancy and have what is required to be a communicator in the 21 century and beyond.
The vacancy announcement is reproduced below.
VACANT POST – BASIC INFORMATION
Organisation:
The Kofi Annan Foundation
Location:
Geneva, Switzerland
Application Deadline (optional):
March 14, 2016
The Kofi Annan Foundation is an independent non-profit organisation, legally incorporated in Switzerland in 2007. It serves as a platform to deploy Kofi Annan’s attributes, to catalyze new thinking, commitment and solutions to emerging global challenges.
The objectives of the Foundation are to mobilise political will to overcome threats to peace, development and human rights. In most cases, the expertise and evidence needed to solve pressing problems such as poverty, armed conflict and poor governance already exist. What holds us back is the lack of leadership or political will to identify and deliver solutions. The Foundation mobilises those who are in a position to influence and bring leadership to the world’s most pressing problems.
The Kofi Annan Foundation has 9 very active social media channels with combined followership of close to 2 million people, which require full-time management and attention.
The Foundation’s website also requires maintenance and daily management to ensure it is always updated and consistent with the social media channels.
These tools require a well-managed photo-library, forward planning calendar and a contacts database.
• The Foundation is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill the position of an Associate Communications Officer (Digital).
Core tasks and responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of the Communications Officer, the AssociateCommunications Officer (Digital) will:
• Assist in managing the Foundation’s social media platforms and actively proposes social media initiatives supporting the overall communications efforts;
• Monitor traditional and social media and produce weekly coverage reports
• Assist in managing the Foundation’s website and ensure that is always up to date and consistent with the other digital platforms;
• Assist the Communications Officer in producing regular digital newsletters;
• Draft content for the website and ensure that all posts adhere to highest linguistic standards;
• Maintain and update the Communications unit’s back-office tools: the forward planning calendar, the photo-library and the contacts database;
• Assist in the production of print products such as brochures, annual reports, and leaflet;
• Liaise with the Foundation’s digital service providers, producing digital content such as infographics, etc.;
• Support the Communications Officer with any other task.
The candidate should also have the following profile:
Qualifications and Experience
• You have at least a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations or multi-media from an English Language University with a minimum of 3 years working experience in the management of social media and website management.
Competencies and Skills
• You have an excellent command of written English at a native or near-native level. It is an asset if you are fluent in spoken and written French;
• You have produced and edited content for websites;
• You are organised and can manage and maintain contact- and photo- databases;
• You are self-motivated;
• You can, at least at a basic level, work with Photoshop and in-design;
• You have experience in website management and content management systems such as WordPress;
• You have a keen eye for design and photo editing.
Contractual arrangements
• An indefinite period contract with a three months trial period;
• You hold a valid work permit for Switzerland (or be an EU citizen);
• Compensation is competitive and commensurate with skills and experience.
• Remuneration is subject to Swiss social charges and taxable under Swiss/Geneva law.
Submission Instructions:
How to Apply
Please send your CV with a letter of motivation in English to HR@kofiannanfoundation.org by 09h00 CET Monday, 14 March 2016. A written test may be part of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
