Media Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that their needs are met in some of the world's most challenging environments. NRC's mission is to help those affected by crises rebuild their lives and regain their dignity, and it emphasizes a culture of empowerment, diversity, and inclusion among its staff.

Job Overview:
The Media Advisor position at NRC is designed for an experienced media professional who possesses a strong media network and a keen understanding of media dynamics. The successful candidate will be expected to manage and support NRC's media work in key markets, including Norway, Germany, and Sweden, while also overseeing media operations in one of NRC's regions. This role requires a proactive approach to developing media products, engaging with journalists, and providing strategic media advice to senior management, particularly in crisis situations. The Media Advisor will be part of a collaborative global media team and will play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of displaced individuals through effective media strategies and communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Media Advisor will lead and coordinate NRC's media efforts in key fundraising markets, aiming to enhance media reach and support brand building, fundraising, and advocacy initiatives. Responsibilities include providing technical guidance to colleagues with media responsibilities, developing and assuring the quality of media products, and executing media strategies in one of NRC's regions. The role involves identifying media opportunities, pitching stories, and developing media products while also providing crisis communication support and participating in Crisis Management Teams as necessary. The Media Advisor will contribute to the creation of strategies, guidelines, and training materials, and will be involved in building new spokespeople within the organization. Additionally, the Media Advisor will participate in NRC's media standby duty system, which requires availability during evenings and weekends approximately every sixth week.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an extensive media network, particularly in Norway, and demonstrate a strong media acumen with the ability to produce and edit various media products, including press releases and opinion pieces, in a fast-paced environment. A proven track record of high-level strategic media performance, including experience in developing and implementing media plans, is essential. Fluency in both written and verbal English and Norwegian at a native level is mandatory, while proficiency in additional languages such as Swedish, German, Arabic, French, or Spanish is considered an advantage. The ideal candidate should also have experience in crisis communications and the ability to work collaboratively across teams unfamiliar with media and communications.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as journalism, communications, international relations, or development is required. Candidates with degrees in other relevant fields combined with proven media experience will also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in media practices and communications strategies, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to excel in this role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of work experience as a media and/or communications adviser or journalist is required, preferably in contexts related to development, humanitarian crises, or foreign affairs. Candidates should demonstrate extensive experience in content production and digital communication, including photography, videography, and social media content creation. Experience in crisis communications and conducting crisis communication training is also an asset, as is prior spokesperson experience, particularly in live media settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Norwegian is mandatory, with native-level proficiency required in Norwegian. Additional languages such as Swedish, German, Arabic, French, and Spanish are advantageous and will enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Oslo, with the possibility of considering other locations within the same time zone. The contract is permanent, and the role may involve travel of up to 20%. NRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package, and is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion in its hiring practices. The organization encourages innovative thinking and provides employees with the responsibility and autonomy to contribute to its mission. Employees are expected to uphold NRC's safeguarding principles, ensuring a respectful and safe environment for all.