ACBF Communications Officer, and Program Assistant Jobs in Kenya

1. Communications Officer - Writer/Editor

One year contract (with possibility of extension)

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), with headquarters based in Harare, Zimbabwe, is seeking an exceptionally and highly motivated professional for the position of Communications Officer
— Writer/Editor. 

The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

ACBF is an autonomous institution supported by a wide range of donors and African states to build human and institutional capacity for sustainable growth and poverty reduction in Africa. 

ACBF was contracted in January 2012 by AusAID, the Australian Agency for International Development, as Resource Facility Manager for the Australia Africa Community Engagement Scheme (AACES).

AACES is a partnership of ten Australian Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and their Africa-based partners. 

It contributes to the AusAID strategy forAfrica through community-based interventions across the sectors of water and sanitation, food security, and maternal and child health. As Resource Facility Manager, ACBF supports communication, coordination and management of the program.

The position of Communications Officer-Writer/Editor is instrumental in strengthening internal communication between AACES partners, and communicating program achievements to various external stakeholders.

Duties and responsibilities

• Update and implement the AACES Promotion and Communication Plan.
• Compile a high quality AACES Annual Report. The annual report shall communicate effectively to the diverse AACES target audience including the Australian government, other development partners, staff and the general public. Tasks include review and synthesis of partner reports, identification of suitable case studies, stories and images for the report, overseeing design and layout and proof reading.
• Write and edit workshop and other reports.
• Facilitate stronger internal communications between AACES partners; including production of a quarterly newsletter.
• Regular interaction with AusAID and NGO partners to deliver quality internal and external communications products.
• Write and edit communication materials for external audiences, including for the AusAID website, AusAID Focus magazine and in-Africa media.
• Boosting internal communication through the AACES internal website and other communication platforms.
• Preparing briefing on each of the projects for use by AACES partners.

Desired Competencies and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in English, Communications, Media studies or related field from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of five years of experience in a similar position.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, write and edit materials at a professional standard for a range of audiences, including ability to synthesize reports and documents from various sources and deliver messages in simple language.
• Good knowledge of web-based enterprise social communication and collaboration platforms.

2. Program Assistant

One year contract (with possibility of extension)
The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Organize and arrange workshops and meetings. Tasks include identifying and selecting venue, providing relevant information to participants on accommodation and other arrangements, preparing event programs and information sheets, etc.
• Support liaison with AusAID and NGOs to identify workshop facilitators.
• Participate in workshops and meetings to record discussions for reports and minutes.
• Manage the resource facility’s role in facilitating high level visits to AACES project sites in consultation with AACES NGOs.
• Support the resource facility Communications Officer in drafting and editing reports to difference audiences.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the resource facility. Tasks include managing travel, procurement, and organizing and maintaining files and records.
• Support contracting of consultants as required.
• Regular liaison with ACBF in Harare on administrative matters.
• Maintain the Register of Assets.

Desired Competencies and qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution and at least five years of related work experience are required.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; proven ability to produce well-presented reports and minutes.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills and ability to handle multiple assignments accurately and thoroughly.
• Strong computer skills, including a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office software; must also be willing to learn new technological skills as necessary to support AACES internal communication through the internal website or other platforms.

Applications, quoting ‘AACES Communications Officer, ’or ‘AACES Program Assistant,’ including detailed/updated curriculum vitae with three (3) referees, copies of academic and professional certificates, and current and expected salary should be received at the address below by 11 January
2013. 

Only candidates meeting the requirements will be contacted.

The Senior HR/Administration Officer
Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
2’ Floor, Bishops Garden Towers, Bishops Road,
P.O. Box 56445, 00200 City Square, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254-20-271 993314, +254-20-4936000
Fax: +254-20-271 9951
Email: hr_acbf@kippra.or.ke