JOB ADVERTISEMENT: Recruitment of Six State-Level Media Focal Points

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Recruitment of Six State-Level Media Focal Points

Organisation: SOMWA
Position: State-Level Media Focal Point
Number of Positions: 6
Duty Station: One position in each Federal Member State and Banadir Region
Contract Type: Consultancy/Short-Term Contract
Recruitment Deadline: 5^th September 2026.

Background

SOMWA is seeking to recruit six experienced local media professionals to serve as State-Level Media Focal Points, with one Focal Point based in each Federal Member State (FMS) and Banadir Region.

The Focal Points will play a key role in strengthening SOMWA’s engagement with media professionals and institutions at the state and community levels. Their established local networks and knowledge of the media landscape will provide access to journalists and media organisations that cannot be effectively reached through Mogadishu-based staff alone.

The Focal Points will work closely with SOMWA’s Outreach Officer, who will coordinate activities across all Federal Member States and lead direct outreach in Mogadishu.

Key Responsibilities

The selected Focal Points will:

• Map and maintain up-to-date contacts with media professionals and organisations within their respective state.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with journalists, editors, media houses, journalism educators and communications professionals.
• Identify potential participants, partners and media contacts relevant to SOMWA’s programmes and outreach activities.
• Facilitate communication between SOMWA and media stakeholders at the state level.
• Support the dissemination of SOMWA information, opportunities, events and programme activities through appropriate media networks.
• Participate in media mapping, stakeholder engagement and outreach activities.
• Support the coordination and implementation of field missions within their respective state.
• Participate in coordination meetings, training and other activities organised by SOMWA.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in journalism, media, communications or a related field.
• Existing and demonstrable professional networks within the media sector in their respective Federal Member State or Banadir Region.
• Good knowledge of the local media landscape and key media stakeholders.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and networking skills.
• Experience engaging with journalists, media houses, civil society organisations or communications teams.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective coordination with a central project team.
• Good organisational and reporting skills.
• Ability to identify and engage both established and freelance journalists through professional networks and referrals.
• Fluency in Somali and English is desirable.
• Familiarity with digital media platforms and online news networks is an advantage.

Key Competencies

The successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong professional integrity and credibility within the local media community.
• Excellent networking and stakeholder-engagement abilities.
• Knowledge of local political, social and media contexts.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach to outreach.
• Ability to work with diverse media professionals and organisations.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Ability to travel within the assigned state as required.
• Commitment to inclusive engagement, including outreach to women journalists and emerging media professionals.

Geographic Coverage

One Focal Point will be recruited for each of the following:

1. Southwest State, Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Puntland and Banadir Region.

Applicants should be based in the area for which they are applying.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A current CV;
• A brief cover letter indicating the Federal Member State or Banadir Region for which they are applying;
• A short description of their existing media networks and relevant professional experience; and
• Contact details for two professional referees.

Application deadline: 5^th September 2026.
Email: Info@somwa.org
Subject: Application – State-Level Media Focal Point – [Name of State/Region]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

SOMWA is committed to inclusive and equitable participation and encourages qualified women journalists and media professionals to apply.