The Communications and Public Information Section (CPI) of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) operates a radio station tasked with disseminating information of importance, promoting awareness of the Mission’s mandate, and peace messages. This strategy requires radio personnel to communicate in a compelling, interactive, accurate and impartial manner with diverse audiences across the country. In the current fragile political and security climate where South Sudan is transitioning from conflict to peace and its first post-independence elections, it is crucial for Radio Miraya staff to utilize approaches that are sensitive to peacebuilding, protect the network from being used for political purposes, and provide a safe space for conflict resolution and civic engagement. In addition, after 18 years in existence and in response to recommendations of internal and external audits, Radio Miraya is seeking to refresh its brand, revamp its news and programming, and enhance the skills of its personnel in newsgathering and the production and distribution of high-quality news and current affairs content. (a) To improve basic reporting, production of news and programming, and presentation skills of broadcast journalists. • Identify a story, research and gather the key components • Interview talent (live and pre-recorded) • Script compelling stories with strong structures and told from a human perspective where possible • Edit and voice packages • Conduct live interviews • Present news bulletins (b) Develop the skills for the broadcast journalists to conceptualize, produce and present podcasts. • Topic ideation • Scripting • Recording high-quality audio • Sound design • Editing • Presenting • Marketing (c) Improve the capacity of radio personnel to develop and deliver concepts for new, inclusive, and engaging news and current affairs programming, including shows dealing with political, youth and women’s issues. • Identify target audiences • Develop programme concepts, including branding, structure, content, and presentation style • Sourcing talent to feature on shows • Interview techniques • Processes to evaluate and report on programme reach, engagement, and performance (d) In coordination with the Chief of Radio, review news and current affairs programming schedule and Radio Miraya branding and promotion and provide recommendations on changes/improvements. • Structure, content and delivery of key news programmes • Programme topics for current affairs shows and broadcast timings to maximize audience reach • Miraya logo and branding refresh, including jingles and other promotional techniques • Style of presentation • Processes to capture and respond to audience feedback
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in broadcast journalism, journalism/communications, international relations, political science, or related fields. A first level university degree with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • At least 10 years’ experience working in broadcast journalism, with international radio experience required. • Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline such as Broadcast Journalism, Communications, Film/Video/TV, Media, Broadcast Operations and Broadcast Journalism is required. • Technical training in the field of radio broadcast and specific knowledge of software editing packages is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required.
