Senior Communications
Officer
Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands: Improving Resilience (REGAL IR)
Organization: Adeso, www.adesoafrica.org
Reporting to: Regional Communications and Advocacy Manager
Working with: Regional Communications and Advocacy Manager, REGAL-IR Program Team (in HQ and in the field)
Start date: 15th October 2012
Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Organizational Context
Adeso, formally known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization.
At Adeso, we work with
African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside
these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive.
Our belief that
economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy
community drives the nature and intent of our programming.
We work to prevent and
overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating
the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid,
and influencing policy.
For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. Currently, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan.
Our current donor
portfolio includes the European Commission, USAID, SIDA, CIDA, UNICEF, and the
Government of Netherlands, among others.
Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.
Project Summary
The REGAL IR program is a 5 year initiative aiming to reduce hunger and poverty, increase social stability and build strong foundations for economic growth by strengthening social, economic, and environmental resilience in pastoral and transitioning communities in Kenya’s arid lands.
It has six strategic
objectives including diversifying livelihoods, improving value chain
inclusiveness, natural resource management, conflict management, disaster risk
reduction, and improving nutrition.
The program will be
based in Isiolo County and implementing in Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit,
and Turkana.
Position Summary
Adeso is seeking a qualified and committed individual to join its team as Senior Communications Officer for the REGAL IR Program being implemented in Kenya.
Reporting to the Regional
Communications and Advocacy Manager and managing the day-to-day communications
needs of the program, the Senior Communications Officer will oversee the
implementation of the REGAL-IR Communication strategy, which includes a
wide-range of public-information and outreach activities in support of the
REGAL-IR program, targeting information to specific audiences both in Kenya and
the United Sates.
He/she will also be
responsible for overseeing the communications efforts of all partners.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities
Public information and publicity materials
- Support
REGAL-IR by overseeing the drafting, editing, and dissemination of timely
and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, responses for
requests for information, and other public-information materials relating
to program activities. These documents must be written in clear, concise
English, prepared for both reporters and general audiences;
- Prepare
success stories and submissions for various publications (including
USAID’s Frontlines);
- Provide
guidance to REGAL-IR program team and sub-grantees on USAID branding and
style guidelines, and ensure regulations are implemented;
- Review
communication materials being produced by sub-grantees;
- Provide
communication support to sub-grantees;
- Manage,
prepare and maintain an updated standard information package on the
REGAL-IR program for briefings and for distribution;
- Develop
and maintain public communication materials including fact sheets,
brochures, newsletters, presentations and other visual displays on
REGAL-IR’s programs and objectives;
- Oversee
procurement of public communication materials;
- Manage
consultants for translation of materials into local languages;
- Manage
the REGAL-IR website and web materials, including those supplied by Adeso’s
partners;
- Manage
REGAL-IR’s social media presence;
- Work
with external consultants for website development, photography, and video
production.
Media Relations and Press
- Carry
out targeted information and media outreach activities. These activities
are designed to push accurate information about REGAL-IR to local,
regional and national markets in Kenya, the United States, and elsewhere,
through magazines, newspapers, radio, television, public service
announcements, and other outlets;
- Coordinate
with relevant counterparts within Adeso to produce and release accurate,
timely, useful and well-written information to local and international
news outlets;
- Write
and distribute press releases and follow up to encourage and support news
coverage;
- Monitor
REGAL-IR news coverage;
- In
close coordination with the Regional Communications and Advocacy Manager,
expand opportunities for coverage by arranging briefings, interviews, and
tours for journalists.
Community outreach
- Work
with radio producers/stations in Kenya to develop and implement an
Information, Education and Communication campaign;
- Work
with partners to develop themes and messages for radio programs, and
identify relevant resource people for these programs;
- Work
with relevant providers to implement two-way exchange of information
through SMS services.
Other
- Any
other duty as may be assigned
Skills and Qualifications
- Masters
Degree in Communications/Journalism or related field, or Bachelors degree
and demonstrated experience;
- At
least 5 years of experience working in Communications within a
humanitarian or development context, experience working on USAID-funded
projects an asset;
- Experience
in managing websites and in using social media tools in a professional
context;
- Experience
working with local and international journalists;
- Experience
overseeing the design of radio programs and campaigns;
- Proven
ability to create messages and shape information and press materials and
thorough knowledge of news-writing style required;
- Experience
and skills in the use of software programs such as MS Word, PowerPoint,
Excel, and ability to use Adobe software such as InDesign, Photoshop,
Illustrator an asset;
- Excellent
communications skills (oral and written), as well as a critical eye for
editing and grammar;
- Outstanding
written and spoken English and Swahili is essential;
- Demonstrated
effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in a timely
manner and to coordinate tasks to meet deadlines;
- Ability
to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for
diversity;
- Knowledge
of or interest in humanitarian and development programs, as well as a
commitment to Adeso’s mission and vision;
- Willingness
and ability to travel to remote locations.
Desired
- Good
written and spoken Somali, Turkana, and/or Borana;
- Knowledge
of USAID branding and marking requirements for Assistance Awards.
Application Process
This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional.
If you would like to
join this dynamic team and help contribute to better resilience and economic
growth for African communities, please submit your application to
jobs@adesoafrica.org quoting the position in the email subject matter, by
September 21st 2012.
Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager and include the following:
- An
updated CV;
- An
application letter which should includes full contact details of three
work-related referees;
- Two
writing samples.
This position is only open to Kenyan Nationals.
Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.
