Background

ARIDLIFE Development Agency (ARIDLIFE) is a national NGO in Somalia implementing humanitarian and development programs that support vulnerable and underserved communities. Its work focuses on child protection, livelihoods and resilience, food security, climate-smart agriculture, community engagement, accountability, and evidence-based programming. ARIDLIFE works closely with communities, government institutions, donors, and development and humanitarian partners to strengthen resilience, protect vulnerable groups, and improve access to sustainable opportunities and essential services. We are inviting applications from qualified individuals for a project anticipated to start in September 2026.

Media and Communications Officer

Department: Communications & External Relations

Reports To: MEAL Manager

Duty Station: Mogadishu with frequent travel to Baidoa, Afgoye, Balcad and other Project areas

Contract Type & Duration: Full-time (6 months) with a high possibility of extension.

Minimum Experience Required: 3+ years of experience in media, communications, or journalism, ideally within an INGO or UN environment.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.

Position Summary

The Media and Communications Officer tells Aridlife’s program story to donors, media, and the public, producing content that documents impact while protecting the identity and dignity of the children and families we serve.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Content Development and Storytelling: Produce human-interest stories, photography, and video that document program impact for donor reports, proposals, and public communications.
• Media Relations: Serve as Aridlife’s point of contact for local and international media, respond to press inquiries, and coordinate interviews and field visits.
• Digital and Social Media Management: Manage Aridlife’s website, social media channels, and email communications, and track audience engagement.
• Child Safeguarding in Communications: Secure informed consent, apply age-appropriate imagery standards, and follow Aridlife’s Child Safeguarding Policy and ethical storytelling guidelines for all content featuring children.
• Donor Visibility and Branding: Ensure donor branding and visibility requirements are met across published materials, in line with each grant’s communications plan.

Key Skills & Competencies

• A portfolio of published multimedia content — writing, photography, or video — that demonstrates strong storytelling ability
• Working knowledge of child-safeguarding-compliant photography, interview, and consent practices
• Proficiency with a content management system and major social media platforms
• Experience handling presses inquiries and coordinating media field visits
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or comparable design and editing tools

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following two documents in a single email:

• An updated CV (maximum 3 pages) that includes contact details for three professional references, one of whom must be your most recent direct line manager.
• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) that states the exact position title you are applying for.

Send both documents to [email protected] with the subject line: Position Title – Your Full Name.

Applications close on 28/08/2026 at 17:00 EAT. Aridlife reviews applications on a rolling basis and may fill a position before the deadline if a strong candidate is identified, so early submissions are encouraged. Incomplete or late submissions will not be evaluated. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.