To relieve poverty, distress and suffering, to educate people about the nature, causes and effects of poverty and to campaign for a fairer world.
Project/consultancy purpose:
To support Oxfam Ireland in delivering on specific communications needs during a six-month period in line with our strategic objectives.
Responsibilities:
Devise and implement an all-island media plan designed to support the achievement of our humanitarian, advocacy and campaigns objectives.
Write, edit, design, coordinate and deliver communications packages designed for multi-channel use
Establish and maintain relationships with print, television, radio and online journalists, in order to expand media coverage throughout Ireland
Devise, coordinate and deliver individual PR plans that support internal objectives
Pro-actively seek and maximise opportunities to raise Oxfam Ireland’s profile, with an emphasis on building the public profile of Oxfam Ireland’s CE in support of organisational objectives.
Experience required:
Experience of working with media (all forms).
Experience of developing and delivering high quality content for multi-channel use
Knowledge and understanding of issues pertaining to overseas development
The ability to initiate, develop and sustain positive and productive working relationships with a wide range of people, including journalists
The creative ability to find story angles and PR ideas to interest the media and the persuasive skill to sell stories to relevant contacts
Excellent oral and written communication skills
The ability to design and implement new initiatives.
The ability to work to agreed deadlines and prioritise in pressurised environment
A high level of self motivation and the ability to motivate others
Good IT skills and experience of Microsoft Office applications
Location: Dublin office with possible travel within Ireland
To apply, please send CV and Cover Letter to info@oxfamireland.org
Closing date for applications is Thursday May 31st.
Oxfam Ireland Chief Executive Jim Clarken gives a first-hand account from Niger in West Africa.
There was quite a sense of trepidation as we left Tahoua early this morning on this the second day of our visit to the affected region of the food crisis in West Africa. As we were travelling into a particularly unsecure area of Niger, there was a lot of attention put on insuring that we had all of our comms and detailed plans in place.
As we drove towards the northern region and the border with Mali, we encountered a camel train moving in search of fresh pastures. There was evidence of some irrigation being carried out and small vegetable gardens near one oasis in the middle of the arid terrain.
Photos – Top: Jim Clarken pictured with the Sarou village leader. Left: Women digging as part of Oxfam’s Cash For Work Scheme. Right: Jim Clarken pictured with the Takabalan village chief. Second from bottom: Food is so scarce that women grind grains they’ve gathered from ant hills. Bottom: Oxfam Ireland & Concern on the ground in Niger to draw attention to the crisis.
Many people here spend much of their time in or around Tahoua looking for casual work and then return to their land at planting season and for harvesting. The annual rainfall is typically 400-500 mm and government and NGOs have been supporting communities to plant seeds with a shorter gestation period of 90 days (instead of the usual 120) in order to maximise the potential for the harvest.
We arrived in Sarou village where we were welcomed at a large gathering of women and children and village elders. Like our visit to the village of Takabalan yesterday the absence of younger men to carry out the work was very clear. Again we were told of how they had travelled to neighbouring countries in search of work to support their families. Here Concern runs a cash transfer programme to support the most vulnerable.
The village leader, Ayouba Wakasso (pictured above) described the food crisis situation. Since 1997, they have never experienced more than three consecutive years where they have had enough food to eat.
We heard first-hand how women are travelling out in search of anthills in order to seek out the grains of millet to make a weak porridge called fonio that has little nutritional value. This is difficult work and they may have to visit four or five anthills before they get any grain at all. Some come home with nothing. The grains have to be pounded to make Sabi from which the paste is produced.
At least a quarter of households in the village are forced to resort to this desperate measure. Malnourishment is growing here and in many other regions where agencies such as Oxfam and Concern are providing food support for the most vulnerable.
Searching for tiny pieces of grain in anthills is a desperate measure adopted by people across West Africa. Oxfam Ireland’s current TV appeal (see below) features Adjitti Mahamat doing the same to try and feed her family in the village of Azoza in Chad.
Oxfam is working in the affected regions of Niger and other countries in West Africa to provide vital food aid, cash-for-work schemes, water and sanitation and support for farmers’ crops and livestock.
While we were in Sarou village, we saw a little girl called Chamsia Maazoh who was born with spina bifida. She has already had one foot amputated and her remaining foot looks dangerously infected. It was fortunate that we happened upon her and that her mother had brought her to the front of the group so that we and the cameras could see her.
She was carried from the village by motorbike to Tahoua hospital where we hope her foot can be saved. It really struck me how difficult life is already, particularly for a girl growing up in this environment – what would it be like for a girl with a major disability?
A few hours away, in Koukatalla village, we visited a cash-for-work scheme where a large group of women and men were digging ‘demi lune’ semi-circular pits on slight hills which capture rain when it comes. Millet and corn are grown in these and each one is capable of yielding 10kg of grain – enough to feed a family of seven for about four days. Each drain takes two people about two days to dig. There are 3,000 people engaged in this Concern-supported project and the hope is to dig up to a million pits.
Again, we met people who are doing their utmost to try and cope with the very difficult food situation they now find themselves in. These are extraordinarily resilient and hard-working people who now need our support more than ever in order for them to survive this lean period. Please help them today.
Jim Clarken is in Niger as part of a joint-trip Oxfam has organised with colleagues from Concern.
Oxfam Ireland Chief Executive Jim Clarken gives a first-hand account from Niger in West Africa.
Today, after a few days travel, we finally got on the ground in Niger to see the work that is going on and the vast need that is here as the food crisis worsens.
Following an early morning World Food Programme flight from the capital Niamey to the large southern town of Tahaou, we started to meet some of the people affected by this crisis. We went to the CRENI clinic at the town’s regional hospital. There we witnessed some horribly tragic cases of very weak children suffering from severe malnutrition complicated by other problems.
Abdoulatif Salou pulls the bowl of breakfast left-overs from the hands of his sister Aldaoula Banounassane. They are all hungry after their three day walk from Mali to the refugee camp.
Mariama is 13 months old and has been suffering from diahorrea and vomiting. She is incredibly weak and could barely move her tiny arms whilst her ribs poked out through her skin. The feeding tube and drip are her lifeline and if she can gather enough strength over the next day or so, she could respond to the treatment provided by the centre’s medical staff. But her situation is very precarious.
Isweba was just brought in as we arrived and is extremely ill. On top of the acute malnutrition, she also has a respiratory infection. As we watched, the nurse desperately tried to find a vein in her head to set up a drip but had no success due to the effects of her weakened system. The poor little girl was barely strong enough to object to the painful prodding around and the nurse eventually took her away to try and get more help.
Her only hope is to get infused with antibiotics immediately to kill the infection, as well as having a food line directly to her stomach to provide her with emergency nourishment. These cases are horrendous but thankfully are few. The situation here will be influenced by the response the international community makes now.
Oxfam's Cash For Work Project: Workers holding their work tools. Gobro, Departement of Tibiri, region of Dosso, 1000 km east from Niamey
As part of our response to the crisis in West Africa, Oxfam and our partners in Niger are working to help 450,000 people with vital aid such as food, cash, water, sanitation and support for livestock, with a focus on helping communities to build their resilience long-term. We are also working to help the families that have opened their doors and are sharing what little they have with the 30,000 refugees from Mali who have arrived in Niger.
Happy to have food, Abdoulatif Salou (6) brings a bowl to his neighbours in the Oxfam-supported refugee camp in Yassan, Niger. Everyone is exhausted and hungry from their three-day walk from Mali to this camp. Fatoumata Diabate
Back in Tahoua, we also visited the Garkawa primary health clinic where mothers and children were being treated for problems including early onset malnutrition. The treatment is very effective if delivered in time.
We travelled out from Tahoua, through arid landscape with no people or animals for miles and miles with the one exception of a group of young girls on donkeys collecting water for their local village.
After travelling for many miles on our way to the village of Tahoua without seeing a single person or animal, we came across this group of young girls and their donkey collecting water
After about an hour we came to the village of Takabalan which is essentially a collection of mud and straw huts and many well constructed mud grain stores – all of which are now empty. We were greeted by the chief, Asouman Mahatan, and a large group of women and children waiting patiently under a tree.
The first question we asked was, ‘Where are all the men?’ They have gone to the Ivory Coast and countries like Nigeria and Libya in search of work with the intention of sending cash back to support their families but unfortunately due to instability in many of these places, even this is drying up.
Oussoumanou Djibril (63) is receiving money in exchange for work improving land for agriculture as part of a scheme supported by Oxfam and its partners in the village of Gobro, 1,000 km east from the Niger capital Niamey. Fatoumata Diabate
This village is really on the brink of disaster, like others in the area where malnourishment and infant deaths are increasing. If the support for Takabalan and other villages like it does not arrive, we’re facing a catastrophe. But it’s not too late to help.
Around the world every night, one in seven people go to bed hungry—that’s almost one billion people. People are hungry not because there isn’t enough food produced but because our food system is broken.
We can address this hunger if we support small-scale food producers, tackle climate change, and reduce food waste.
Check out our latest INFOGRAPHIC, part of the GROW campaign and produced in partnership with GOOD to learn about some of the ways that the food system can be fixed to improve the quality of life for millions.
Oxfam Ireland has over 50 shops all around Ireland and is seeking additional internal auditors to join the existing team.
Location: Northern Ireland/ Republic of Ireland. Responsible to: Director of Finance & CS. Allowance: Local transport costs and lunch. Closing date: 25th May 2012
The role entails visiting Oxfam retail shops around Ireland, performing an audit and reporting the findings. The ideal candidate will be numerate, able to travel within an agreed area and also capable of working unsupervised. Knowledge of general business and management practices would be beneficial. A basic IT knowledge would also be helpful but not essential.
About Oxfam Ireland
Oxfam Ireland is an independent, secular, not-for-profit organisation, committed to working with people to overcome poverty and injustice worldwide. The organisation strives to ensure that people in the developing world have sustainable livelihoods, access to essential services, equal rights and status and physical security. Oxfam Ireland works in the following core countries – Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Oxfam Ireland is a member of Oxfam International, a confederation of 15 organisations working together to achieve greater impact through our collective efforts. Oxfam is many different things – it’s the relief agency that saves lives when disaster strikes, it’s the campaigner for change and it’s the local shop raising funds for the poorest communities in the developing world. At Oxfam Ireland we all share the vision of a just world without poverty.
Role outline
Key responsibilities
Liaise with Shop and District Managers to ensure effective independent review of all major risks of the shops on a regular basis, with interim audits as needed
Plan, organise and carry out an audit plan. Two Types of plan, detailed and summary.
Report detailed findings of the audit to The Finance Director and Head of Internal Audit.
Make recommendations on the systems and procedures under review
Review and report on the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of the financial and other information that is provided for management
Key activities
Report on adherence to internal control procedures for shops, with reference to security, cash handling, accounts and stock.
Verify that financial returns are properly completed and submitted on time
Review the adequacy of shop security arrangements
Make recommendations for improvement to shop internal control systems
Assist in the continuous review and development of the Audit Programme
Carry out other tasks which may be requested by the Director of Finance or Head of Internal Audit
Person specification
Essential qualities
An ability to gather, analyze and evaluate facts and to prepare and present concise oral and written reports
Numeracy skills
An ability to establish and retain effective working relationships with staff and volunteers and to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
An understanding of and empathy with the charitable sector
An ability to work unsupervised
An ability to travel within an agreed area given to the volunteer internal auditor
Desirable qualities
An understanding of general business/management practice
Basic IT knowledge including Spreadsheet Excel.
Benefits
Lunch expenses
Travel expenses
Opportunity to develop professional skills
Regular supervisory meetings to discuss progress, raise concerns and see measurable achievements
References available after three months or when manager can evaluate performance
If you are interested in this role please send a CV and cover letter to our HR Department, 115 North Street, Belfast BT1 1ND or email to evelyn.mulhern@oxfamireland.org
Interviews with our Internal Audit Manager and Finance representative will be held week starting 28th May 2012.
Success! The Irish Government recently committed to publishing climate legislation before the end of 2013 and we now have a chance to make sure Ireland gets the climate law it deserves.
Can you spare 10 minutes to have your say on what a strong climate law for Ireland should look like?
Right now, the Department of the Environment’s public consultation on climate change policy is taking place and it’s crucial that our voices are heard to ensure we get legislation we can be proud of.
Completing the public consultation online survey
This public consultation is the most direct opportunity you will have to tell this Government what you think about climate legislation.
The online survey may look very technical but don’t worry. You don’t have to answer all the questions and as part of the coalition Stop Climate Chaos, we have identified the 15 most important questions.
If you want to do even more, why not take the Stop Climate Chaos action which lets youemail the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, directly so you can tell him what you want to see in a Climate Bill.
March 26th 2012 marked the beginning of a 100 day countdown until the 193 member states of the United Nations gather in New York for a month-long negotiating conference to agree the first ever international treaty to regulate the arms trade. As the countown continues, Rima Chemirik (Oxfam France’s Advocacy Officer for the Treaty on the Arms Trade Treaty) visited Lebanon to attend the launch of the regional campaign for the ATT:
It is always a pleasure to come back to Lebanon, the Land of Cedars. Not just for lemonade with mint or the delicious mezze, but also for the joy of living that remains here, despite the painful past that has resulted in so many dead, wounded, displaced persons and other victims.
It is in this country, which is familiar with the tragedies caused by arms, that the NGOs of the Arab world have officially launched, on 26th March, their campaign for regional mobilization in support of an international treaty on the conventional arms trade. They have chosen to state their commitment to a treaty on the arms trade loudly and clearly a full 100 days before the start of formal negotiations on this treaty at the UN in New York.
These NGOs, coming from nine countries in North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf, gathered at the symbolic Hope for Peace monument erected at the entrance to the Defence Ministry, next to Beirut. Some 5,000 tons of concrete, 30 metres high, encases 78 tanks, jeeps and various pieces of artillery. A work of art to bury war so visible that no one forgets its dramatic impact upon humanity.
“Speak Out! Control Arms Now!” was the slogan proclaimed by the NGOs there supporting the international Control Arms campaign*, which has been demanding that states control the arms trade worldwide since 2003. Is it not surprising to learn that the banana trade is more regulated than the trade in weapons that actually cause the death of about 2,000 people a day?!
So we are in the home straight of this historical process, which officially began at the United Nations in 2006. It is our responsibility to ensure that states coming to New York on 2nd July take positions that put human rights before political and financial interests. In the Arab world, which has experienced several months of uprisings all too often suppressed by armed force, civil society refuses victim status and is campaigning for a strong and effective treaty, a treaty that saves lives and protects populations. Back in their respective countries, these NGOs will take further action to mobilize and raise awareness so that their voices are heard even louder.
Amongst all these voices, is Abdou Bendjoudi, a democracy and human rights activist, member of the Club des démocrates algériens, an NGO involved in the Control Arms campaign in the region:
“In October 1988, the Algerian army used live ammunition to kill 500 people while they were demonstrating peacefully to demand their democratic rights. My country then experienced a bleak decade in which soldiers were killed with a variety of conventional weapons. In 2001, 128 young people were killed in Kabylia. So the uncontrolled use of weapons is a danger for both the State and the people.”
*Oxfam is a founding member of the Control Arms Campaign which has recently been nominated for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.
Our friends in Oxfam Australia have teamed up with the design site RedBubble to run a competition that’s calling creative and artistic types to come up with a design inspired by Oxfam’s GROW campaign.
It’s a very simple brief and the winning design will be the one that best encapsulates our GROW campaign.
Who’d like this see this type of competition run in other parts of the world…closer to home perhaps?
Laura's finished table features woodland creatures
WANTED: Kind and patient owner with creative vision and plenty of elbow grease. You will be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that has helped to fund Oxfam Ireland’s vital work overseas.
