The Gambia Press Union (GPU) is pleased to invite suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Secretary General. The Secretary General serves as the head of the GPU Secretariat and is responsible for managing the administrative component of the Union’s mandate. He/she reports directly to the Executive Board and serves as its Secretary.
Background of GPU:
The GPU is the umbrella body for Gambian journalists, registered with the Attorney General’s Office in 1979. The Union’s mission is to promote press freedom, freedom of expression, media development and professionalism, and access to information, as well as promoting and protecting the welfare and safety of media practitioners.
Key Responsibilities:
As the head of the Secretariat, the Secretary General (Executive Director) is the key management leader of the GPU. He/she is responsible for overseeing the administration, fundraising, programmes and strategic plan of the GPU.
Other key duties include:
- Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the GPU Secretariat
- Work with the Board to fulfil the Union’s mandates and mission,
- Work closely with the Board in policy formulation, resource mobilisation and key decisions and undertakings of the Union,
- Lead and coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Union’s programmatic, financial and institutional plans
- Serve as Secretary to the Board and keeps minutes as records
- Lead the resource mobilisation efforts of the Union,
- Serve as the primary spokesperson of the Union,
- Initiate and maintain high level contacts or relations with local and international media organisations and human rights bodies or institutions
- Oversee the organization of Board and other Statutory Committee meetings
- Enhance good communication between the Secretariat and the members of the Union, as well as its stakeholders and partners
- Ensure transparent, effective and efficient management of the Union’s assets and personnel, as well as the continuous improvement in the policies and systems of the Union
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communication, Political Science, Development Studies, Law or any other relevant social sciences. A Master’s degree would be an added advantage,
- Minimum of ten (10) years of work experience in journalism or media work for BA holders, and 7 years in the same fields for master’s holders, in The Gambia,
- Holders of degrees obtained in fields other than the stated areas but with professional experience in journalism or media work are eligible to apply.
Skills and Experience:
- Strong leadership and strategic management skills
- Demonstrable experience, knowledge and understanding of Gambia media landscape, especially media laws, regulations and issues of journalists’ welfare
- Experience in media advocacy and development initiatives
- Experience in project management would be an added advantage
- Experience and skills in working with a Board of Directors
- High level strategic thinking and planning
- Ability to envision and convey the Union’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers and donors
- Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff
- A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results
- Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community
- Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, programme development and task facilitation
- Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Strong work ethics
- Excellent networking skills and ability to collaborate with partners and stakeholders
- Ability to work in a demanding environment and meet deadlines
- Good IT skills, especially in MS Office applications
To Apply:
Please submit your CV/Resume, a cover letter stating your reasons for applying and how your experience and qualification are relevant to the job, and other relevant documents (educational & professional). Please provide at least two professional referees in your CV.
All applications should be sent to both email addresses: presidentgpu@gmail.com and pressuniongambia@gmail.com
Only applications submitted via email are accepted.
Deadline for application: 16th September, 2024 at 4pm. Applications received beyond this date will not be considered.
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
The Gambia Press Union is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.
