Media and Communications Officer

YOUTH AND SOCIETY YAS

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Founded in 2012, YAS is an institutional non-profit organization with a mandate focused on human rights and democratic governance. Our primary objective is to promote and defend human rights and democratic principles, with a special emphasis on young people aged 10 to 35 and marginalized groups such as young persons with disabilities, youth in conflict with the law, young women, and refugees. Our current Strategic Plan (2021-2025) outlines our mission as “To mobilise, organize, and build a revolutionary youth movement that proactively participates in wealth creation, economic justice, and democratic governance in Malawi.”

At YAS, we are deeply committed to empowering the youth population, encouraging individual agency, and fostering collective action in the defence and promotion of human rights and democratic governance. We work tirelessly to ensure that both public authorities and non-state actors fulfil their human rights obligations as outlined in the constitution and international law. YAS is seeking to recruit qualified, passionate, and dedicated professionals for the following position: Media and Communications Officer.

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATINS OFFICER

Media & Communications Officer is responsible for managing organization’s communication platforms, media relations, and digital presence. The ideal candidate should be passionate about human rights and advocacy and experienced in media engagement, content creation, and digital communication.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality communication and media engagement for the organization, and all project activities, aligning with YAS’s mission and standards.
• Develop and document success stories from YAS programs and create engaging content for various platforms, including media releases, newsletters, and digital platforms. Foster and maintain healthy relationships with media outlets to ensure consistent, positive coverage of YAS’s activities.
• Oversee and manage YAS’s online presence, including social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.) and the organization’s website, ensuring content is up-to-date and engaging.
• Provide relevant communication and media tools to project staff for efficient project management and visibility.
• Maintain and update the communications calendar for YAS, ensuring timely release of key messages, media content, and updates.
• Support the coordination of digital signage strategies for effective communication and visibility.
• Monitor media for human rights violations and other topical issues, and conduct research to provide relevant information for organizational responses.
• Prepare and submit quarterly work plans, activity schedules, and reports, and contribute to project mobilization, planning meetings, and field visits.
• Maintain records of media coverage and compile analytics to measure the impact of YAS’s communication efforts.
• Assist in designing promotional materials, TV and radio program concepts, and other communication products using design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.). Liaise with the media for event coverage and write post-event stories and communications reports.

Knowledge, Skills, and abilities

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in media, communications, or public relations.
• Strong understanding of media relations, communication strategies, and social media management.
• Familiarity with human rights issues, advocacy, and community development communication.
• Strong ability to craft clear and engaging content for media releases, newsletters, and digital platforms.
• Proven experience managing and creating content for social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and websites.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with media outlets, ensuring consistent and positive coverage of organizational activities.
• Proficiency in creating communication products, including success stories, policy briefs, and digital content.
• Basic design skills using tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar software for promotional materials.

APPLICATION PROCESS

YAS is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. If you are passionate about human rights, governance, and financial management, and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and join us our mission.

Applicants who meet the required qualifications and experience should send their applications and two traceable referees to the following email address: info@yasmw.org and copy youthssociety@gmail.com.

All applications should be addressed to:

The Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee
Youth and Society (YAS)
P.O. Box 545
Mzuzu

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5th October, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.