OPEN SOCIETY INITIATIVE FOR WEST AFRICA (OSIWA)

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are
accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure
greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the
Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and
independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as
corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the
lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help
countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and
more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of
boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is an advocacy and grant making foundation that forms
part of the global Open Society Foundations Network. OSIWA is based in Dakar, Senegal and works to support
the creation of open societies in West Africa marked by functioning democracy, good governance, the rule of
law, basic freedoms, and widespread civic participation. It has offices in Abuja, Monrovia, Freetown and
Conakry.

OSIWA seeks a COMMUNICATION OFFICER for its Dakar Regional Office to provide strategic direction
and advisory support on communication at the regional level. S/he identifies opportunities, and then plans and
develops strategies for OSIWA communication. S/he is responsible for following-up on the execution and
ensuring smooth and effective implementation of the OSIWA communication plan.

The Communications Officer will under the supervision of the Executive Director, design and oversee the
implementation of OSIWA’s regional communication strategy; Plan and coordinate the communication,
profiling and showcasing of OSIWA’s work; Support relevant program staff to acquire the skills for
mainstreaming communication into programming; Review write-ups from available program information, for
use in showcasing OSIWA’s program work; Coordinate OSIWA’s input to OSI communication initiatives;
Provide expert advice to the Executive Director on communication issues; Building strategic partnerships with
key local, regional and international media outlets; and design content for the OSIWA website and supervise its
upkeep. In addition, s/he will ensure Quarterly Publication of OSIWA Newsletter; Work with the Executive
Director for the production of OSIWA Annual Report; Coordinate the production of OSIWA documentary
and perform any other assignment given to him or her by the Executive Director.

Qualification, experience and skills:

o 4-6 years relevant work experience in journalism, international communications, public
relations, or a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience is required.
o Graduate degree in relevant field;
o NGO or foundation experience preferred.

STELE MERMOZ N° 100 EL HADJ IBRAHIMA NIASSE X RUE PPCI DAKAR, SENEGAL
POSTAL ADDRESS: P.O.BOX 008, DAKAR-FANN, SENEGAL
PHONE: +221-33 869-1024/ 33 869-1033/33 869-1036 • FAX: +221-33 824-0942
EMAIL: osiwa-dakar@osiwa.org  www.osiwa.org
 o Excellent verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
o Excellent written and oral English and French, exceptional analytic capacity and skills;
o Knowledge of local West African languages desirable
o Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication
differences;
o Flexibility and willingness to work as a team member and independently, with a high level of
self motivation;
o Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced working
environment;
o Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and Shows discretion and ability to handle
confidential issues;
o Ability to travel internationally on a frequent basis;
o Excellent and extensive computer skills and high comfort level with computer research,
database management , proficient in Microsoft Office, experience with database management
preferred;
o Excellent coordination, networking and facilitation skills;
o Ability to operate in a difficult working environment;
o Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritizes and works well under
pressure, often simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;
o Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-
workers and the general public.

Salary: Commensurate with experience with full benefits.

Start Date: July 2011

To Apply: send resume (in English), cover letter, brief writing sample and salary requirements, by cob June 20th,
2011 to: osiwarecruitment@osiwa.org

Note: Due to the number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by
OSIWA.

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

STELE MERMOZ N° 100 EL HADJ IBRAHIMA NIASSE X RUE PPCI DAKAR, SENEGAL
POSTAL ADDRESS: P.O.BOX 008, DAKAR-FANN, SENEGAL
PHONE: +221-33 869-1024/ 33 869-1033/33 869-1036 • FAX: +221-33 824-0942
EMAIL: osiwa-dakar@osiwa.org  www.osiwa.org