Vacancy Notice – Information Manager, Department of Disaster Management

The Department of Disaster Management invites applications for the post of Information Manager.

Role Summary

The successful applicant will be responsible for developing Public Relations Campaigns, writing press releases, conducting radio interviews, producing television programmes, developing and managing social media presence and other related functions to increase public awareness of disaster threats and the measures that should be adopted to cope with them.

Main Responsibilities

1. Develop, implement and maintain an outgoing Public Awareness and Education Programme designed to keep government agencies, private and voluntary organisations and members of the public fully informed on all aspects of disaster threats and the measures that should be taken to cope with them.
2. Maintain and update the Department’s website to ensure accurate information is available to the public.
3. Research, write, design, and edit communication materials for internal and external audiences, to ensure adequate coverage of communications via multiple media outlets. Persuade media to publish / broadcast information so that it reaches as wide an audience as possible.
4. Conduct periodic surveys and produce reports on activities and effectiveness of communications for the Director, making recommendations for improvements where possible.
5. Provide assistance to the Chairperson of the Public Information and Education subcommittee of the National Disaster Management Council as required.
6. Attend public participation consultation meetings and functions as necessary; coordinating all requests from the public for presentation, training, information and assisting in making presentations to the public on various hazards.
7. Collaborate with regional and international disaster management agencies on specific projects. 8. Maintain knowledge and understanding of key issues in disaster management through attendance at training courses so that the department is continually updated and expanded.
8. Liaise with government and non-government agencies, Deputy Governor’s Office’s Information Officer, and Government Information System (GIS) to ensure internal and external coverage of programmes, activities and press conferences.
9. Serve on the relevant National Disaster Management Council sub-committees.
10. Upon activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), the Information Manager becomes the Public Information Officer. The Public Information Officer (PIO), a member of the Command Staff and assigned by the NEOC Director, is responsible for the formulation and release of information about the incident to the news media.
11. Perform any other duties as required by the supervisor or senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications, Public Relations or in a related area
• Five (5) years’ working experience in a related area
• Sound knowledge of the Government structure, policies and procedures
• Sound knowledge in the operation of computers, cameras, video cameras, recorders, the internet and other sources of information
• Sound knowledge of the use of standard office equipment and computer applications
• Sound supervisory and management skills
• Good interpersonal and organisational skills
• Sound oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure