Project Communications Officer - WEMA
Background and Context
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to access, develop, adapt and deliver appropriate agricultural technologies for sustainable use by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Since its inception in 2003, AATF projects portfolio has grown to 10 active projects.
These
include Striga control in maize, Cowpea improvement, Banana improvement, Rice
improvement, Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) and Aflatoxin
control.
These
are at various phases of implementation.
AATF seeks to recruit an experienced and talented Project Communications Officer – WEMA to support realisation of its communication goals.
2. Description and Objective of the Assignment
This is a nationally recruited position and will be based at the AATF headquarters in Nairobi. The position is on a 2 year contract, renewable based on performance and availability of funds.
Only
short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Communications and Partnership Manager and under the overall guidance of the Executive Director, the Project Communications Officer – WEMA will help enhance the visibility of the project through specialised and general writing and editing and utilisation of a mix of communication channels that will strengthen the identity and profile of the Foundation and generate goodwill to optimise on opportunities.
Key duties and responsibilities
- Develop,
implement and monitor project communications strategies and plans in line
with the project work plan and the Foundation communications strategy
- Manage the development,
production and dissemination of effective project communication products,
including a project website, for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Manage media
activities, ensuring appropriate plans are drawn, implemented and
monitored to support a healthy engagement between the project and SSA
media
- Monitor coverage
of the project by media and other communication channels, produce reports
and guide project partners appropriately
- Draw plans to
enhance project branding & marketing to support positioning and
understanding by its publics
- Develop, manage
and update the project partner database and ensure timely provision of
information to partners and stakeholders
- Assist in
managing project related events including mounting and managing AATF
displays in exhibitions and meetings as required
- Support other
project PR activities and identify visibility opportunities that will
contribute to realisation of project goals
Desired
Candidate Profile
- At least a
Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Business Administration or related
field from a recognised university with a postgraduate diploma in
communication, public relations, or mass communication
- 5 years
progressive experience in media management; science writing and editing;
utilisation of social media tools; development and management of
communication strategies and plans; event design & management;
information documentation; taking still and video photography; creativity
in development of communication products
- Excellent
communication skills – with specific experience in science writing/editing
- Ability to work
under pressure in inter-cultural settings
- Willingness to
travel especially within SSA
- Fluency in
English; working knowledge of French will be an advantage
Submission
of Applications
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Human Resource Associate aatf-hr@aatf-africa.org on or before 23 June, 2013.
Your CV should include details of your qualifications, experience, current position, telephone contact, email address, names and addresses of three referees.