SAVE THE CHILDREN
ROLE PROFILE

TITLE: Head of Communications and Media
TEAM: Programme Development, Communications and Engagement

LOCATION: Mogadishu/Hargeisa/Garowe
GRADE: Grade 1 POST TYPE: National
CONTRACT DURATION: 2 years

Child Safeguarding:
Level 3: the role holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work in country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.
ROLE PURPOSE:
The Head of Communications and Media reports to the Senior Director Programme Development, Communications and Engagement (PDCE) and he/she is responsible for:
• Developing and implementing communications and media plan for the country office
• Initiating drafts of media related outputs (press releases, Q&A documents and key advocacy messages)
• Consistently collects contents to ensure brand visibility (case studies, video, photos, multimedia contents etc) for use by the SCI and members
• Proactively works with humanitarian team to support humanitarian comms and media needs
Overall, s/he is responsible for designing and delivering robust communications and media plan to support country
strategic plan. S/he is responsible for developing and sharing of quality information and other communication
materials, managing and updating social media platforms and supporting other staff members to achieve brand
consistency in line with organizational policy standards and donor requirements.
S/he works closely with the New Business Development team, area leadership team, Child Rights and Advocacy team,
Program Managers and partners to promote Save the Children’s policy influencing and public campaigns to influence
internal and external audience. The post holder contributes to maintaining relationships with the media, members
and donors to advance children’s rights agenda in the country.

SCOPE OF ROLE:
Reports to: Senior Director Programme Development, Communications and Engagement
Dimensions: Save the Children has worked in Somalia for over 60 years, since 1951. Our vision is that every child in
Somalia and Somaliland attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Save the Children
has 500 staff across 14 field offices: Hargeisa, Burao and Borama in Somaliland; Bossaso, Garowe, Gardo and
Galkayo in Puntland; Belet Weyne, Adaado, Abudwaq, Baidoa, Dhobley, Kismayo and Mogadishu in Central and
South Somalia. Due to our long operational history and broad geographical coverage, we have established positive
working relationships with key stakeholders, including national government, local authorities, donors, international
and local NGOs, as well as the trust and acceptance of the communities themselves.
Staff directly reporting to this post: 2 Media and Comms officers and 1 Assistant.
Working contacts:
Internal: Matrix managed by Senior Director Programme Development, Communications and Engagement for work
plans and sign-off procedures, Member, SCI media team (GCCU/GMU) and national media with technical support
provided by Regional Media, Technical Specialists, Humanitarian team, Program Managers, thematic leads,
partnership and humanitarian team
External: CSOs partners, child rights groups, parent associations, media, consultants, service providers, local
authorities, and partners, international and domestic publics.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
External Communications
• Lead the development and implementation of the national communications strategy, ensuring
consistency with regional and global branding and messaging.
• Oversee the creation of donor-focused communication products and visibility kits to
strengthen donor visibility and engagement.
• Define and track Media Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) KPIs such as reach, engagement, and
media mentions; report on impact regularly.
• Facilitate rapid response protocols for emergency and crisis communications, ensuring timely
and sensitive messaging during humanitarian or organizational crises.
• Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with regional and global communications
teams on campaigns, storytelling, and brand alignment.
• Lead multimedia and digital storytelling initiatives, utilizing video, photography, infographics,
and other formats to amplify impact.
• Build capacity of program teams to produce compelling stories, case studies, and impact
narratives.
• Conduct media risk monitoring and proactively manage narratives to mitigate reputational risks.
• Ensure all communication outputs are of high quality, compliant with donor requirements, and approved via sign-off protocols.
• Compile and disseminate informational materials for institutional memory, partner updates, advocacy, and campaign purposes.
• Support program teams in preparing key communication materials, review facts, and verify content relevance and accuracy.

• Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with media outlets, including managing media requests, organizing visits, and facilitating media coverage.
• Write press releases, advisories, and media materials tailored for both international and local audiences.

• Monitor external news sources, partner outputs, and social media to synthesize relevant stories and trends.
• Ensure media and public relations activities adhere to safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Contribute to regional/global campaign efforts by providing stories, visuals, and media content that showcase the country office’s work.
Internal Communications
• Develop and execute a robust internal communication system that strengthens organizational
culture and staff engagement, including during emergencies.
• Produce internal newsletters, updates, and other materials to inform and motivate staff.
• Manage and regularly update the Country Office’s online platforms, intranet, and shared content hubs.
• Develop and maintain a communications calendar that aligns with organizational priorities, campaigns, and organizational events.
• Archive all internal and external communications, multimedia, and publications systematically for easy access and retrieval.
• Support the production of internal reports, sit reps, and newsletters to ensure timely and accurate information sharing.
• Lead the creative development of internal and external promotional materials such as leaflets, infographics, brochures, and audiovisual content.
• Ensure internal communications foster a positive organizational culture and staff engagement.
• Build capacity of staff on communication best practices and storytelling techniques.
Media & Digital Engagement
• Establish, maintain, and update relationships with local, regional, and international media outlets.
• Lead and oversee videography, photography, and multimedia service providers to produce high-quality visual content.
• Coordinate media visits, field visits, and interviews ensuring proper preparation, safeguarding, and child protection protocols.
• Monitor external media coverage, analyzing trends and media requests relevant to the organization’s work.
• Lead social media strategy development, including campaigns, influencer engagement, and performance analytics.
• Manage real-time social media responses during emergencies, crises, and key events.
• Facilitate media coverage that highlights humanitarian impact, organizational achievements, and advocacy efforts.

• Support regional and global campaigns with visual and storytelling content, including stories, photos, and videos.
• Coordinate press conferences, media briefings, and organize media field visits.
• Ensure all media activities align with organizational policies, safeguarding, and child protection guidelines.
• Prepare media materials, press releases, and advisories tailored for diverse audiences, ensuring consistent messaging.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)
Accountability:
• Holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
Ambition:
• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same
• Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• Future orientated, thinks strategically
Collaboration:
• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters
• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to Creativity:
• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• Willing to take disciplined risks Integrity:
• Honest, encourages openness and transparency