Belgium: Short-term Media Consultant

On October 5^th 2016 the Afghan government and international donors will meet in Brussels to discuss and pledge support to Afghanistan for the next four years. We want to raise media attention on this pivotal moment for the Afghan people – and that’s where you come in.

Brussels Conference Media Consultant

Position: Consultant – part time

Salary: Market rate

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Period of work: 5^th September – 5^th October 2016

Deadline for applications: Midnight 23^rd August 2016

Background

BAAG – British & Irish Agencies Afghanistan Group – is a unique advocacy and networking agency which aims to support humanitarian and development programmes in Afghanistan. We work closely with Afghan civil society groups, reflecting Afghan views and aspirations. Founded in 1987, we currently have 29 member agencies. BAAG is a source of expert advice for policymakers, donors, media and the public.

BAAG’s vision is for a just and peaceful Afghanistan where every citizen is able to fulfil his or her potential, enjoy their economic and social rights, and play an active part in the development and governance of their country. Its mission is to work together with member agencies and others to raise awareness of the needs and aspirations of Afghans, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable. It aims to promote policies to counter poverty and encourage good practice and policy in development and humanitarian work.

BAAG is currently working with the European Commission (EC) on a programme to deliver a large-scale international donor conference on Afghanistan, in Brussels on the 4^th and 5^th October 2016. The Brussels Conference on Afghanistan (BCA) will be co-hosted by the European Union and the National Unity Government of Afghanistan, and aims to solidify ongoing international commitment to Afghanistan. Approximately ten Afghan delegates from civil society will attend this, two of whom will deliver a statement in the main conference on the 5^th. They will also attend an Empowered Women, Empowered Afghanistan event on the 4th October, along with development experts from international NGOs, think tanks and academia and policy makers from Europe, Afghanistan and further. BAAG is organising a full-day workshop in Brussels on the 3^rd October for the Afghan and international civil society delegates, and it is possible that this will culminate with a statement to high level EU, Afghan and international delegates and the media.

In addition, leading up to the conference, BAAG will work with international NGOs and the EC to organise a schedule of peripheral events (round tables, discussions, high level meetings).

A core objective for BAAG and the EC is to secure international media coverage of the BCA and its Afghan delegates, and thus we are seeking an experienced Media Consultant.

Scope of work

· Develop biographies of the Afghan civil society delegates, based on questionnaires and individual telephone/skype interviews.

· Pitch these profiles to international media contacts in Brussels and Afghanistan to secure interviews. Interviews may be offered in Kabul or Brussels.

· Work with BAAG to develop feature pitches and press releases for international media contacts. Work with recommended NGOs/CSOs (civil society organisations) in Europe and Afghanistan to develop supporting information – this may include case studies, programme visits for Afghanistan-based journalists, staff interviews etc. Pitch these to international media contacts in Brussels and Kabul.

· Offer basic media training and guidance to those Afghan delegates requiring it. This can be delivered in Brussels shortly before the conference.

· Manage 1-2 volunteers during the week starting 3^rd October (who will support in the coordination of the Afghan delegates, organising media logistics, booking interview taxis etc.)

· Management of the conference press room on the 4^th and 5^th – with support from BAAG and the volunteer(s)

Deliverables

1. 
   

   A minimum of 5 interviews, news pieces or features in traditional and/or online international media which involve or quote Afghan delegates to the BCA

   
   


2. 
   

   Short lessons learnt document for future BAAG media activities

   
   

Experience and skills required

Essential

· Demonstrable experience of securing mainstream Brussels media coverage (print and broadcast) of international development issues and/or events

· Strong and current relationships with the Brussels correspondents of major European news outlets

· Experience of writing press releases and op-eds

· Management of media logistics

· Strong relationship development skills and experience of managing multiple stakeholders/partners

· Brussels based or able to be based in Brussels during the work period at no cost to BAAG.

Desirable

· Journalism experience

· Knowledge of the Afghanistan development context

Reporting line and structures

Reports into BAAGs Programme & Communications Manager (London based)

Shared oversight of conference volunteers

Schedule of work

A total of 18 days work is anticipated. The schedule below is indicative though the final period is required on a full-time basis:

Week commencing 5^th September – 2 days (including brief orientation with BAAG staff)

Weeks commencing 12^th and 15^th September – 3 days

26^th September – 5^th October – 9-10 days (including some work at the weekend)