Office of the Public Service Commission

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Gambians to fill the following vacant positions at the Office of The President.

The Office of the DPPR at the Office of The President is responsible for planning, programming and coordinating all activities geared towards the effective collection of information on what is happening in the Executive Branch of the Government and getting information to the Media. In addition, the Office also seeks to enhance the understanding of the general public of Government policies and programs.

The DPPR is the official spokesperson for the Office of The President. He / She is also responsible for conducting briefings for the Media as well as organizing Press Conferences. He/ she is the Focal Point for all media-related issues of concern to the President. The incumbent should be very proactive and in a position to swiftly respond to media issues. He / She must take part in decision making so that those formulating policies will understand the public relation ramifications of proposed actions.

Director of Press and Public Relations (DPRR) - Grade 12

Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must have an Advanced University Degree in the following:

•  Journalism, Mass Communication, Public Relations or Political Science;
•  Must have more than 10 years experience in the Media related work with a proven track record self-starter attitude and ability to work independently while ensuring strictest adherence to all applicable rules and procedures;

Competencies
*  Must have supervisory, organisational, communication and public relation skills;
*  Must have an excellent command of the English language (written / oral);
*  Must be computer literate.

Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
*  Interpreting Government policies for public consumption through Media channels;
*  Writing press releases that emanate from the Office of The President;
*  Writing of speeches as assigned by the Secretary General;
*  Conducting regular and special briefings;
*  Providing direction for the proper maintenance of the State House Website;
*  Managing the day-to-day activities of the Press Office;
*  Preparing annual budget for the running of the Press Office;
*  Any other assignment given by the Secretary General or on her behalf.

The salary attached to the post of DPPR is in grade 12 of the integrated pay scale i.e. D62,124 per annum.

Press Officer - Grade 9

Qualifications and Experience
•  A University Degree or an Advanced Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication or Political Science with more than five years experience in Media work;
• A Diploma in Journalism or Mass Communication with more than eight years experience in Media work and must have a very good command of the English language;

Competency
* Must have a good command of the English language.

Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:

*  Drafting press releases;
*  Planning and implementing Media campaigns;
*  Handing press enquiries;
*  Assisting the DPPR in setting up interviews and briefings for the press with Government Officials;
*  Participating in speech writing and the review of speeches and messages;
*  Preparing new releases, fact sheets and other materials
*  Serving as a liaison with the supervisors of other Government press offices;
*  Arranging transportation and hotel accommodation for State travelling pressmen;
*  Preparing and issuing press credentials as approved and assigned by the DPPR;
*  Assisting the DPPR in the management of the State House Website.

The salary attached to the post of (DPPR) is in grade 9 of the integrated pay scale is D40,692 per annum.

All interested candidates are kindly requested to complete the relevant application form available at the Public Service Commission and to also submit a CV and all relevant     documents to the position that they will be applying for.

The closing date for all applications is 12th May, 2008 at 4:00pm.

AUTHOR:DO