KEMRI/CDC Communications Job in Kisumu

Vacancy No. K08/1/11

Program description: This program is collaboration between Kenya Medical Research Institute and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention whose remit is to conduct research in malaria, HIV and other diseases.

To effectively carry out its mandate, the program has a vacancy in its BASE Communication Section. The position will report to the KEMRI/CDC Director

Position: Communications Officer II
MR 9

Location: Kisumu

Essential Requirements:

• Must have a Bachelors degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or its equivalent
• Three (3) years work experience as a communications officer.
• Computer knowledge

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working in an NGO
• Photography and Videography training
• Desktop publishing skills and computer packages.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must have strong and proven writing, editing and desktop publishing skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, good public relations skills,
• Highly motivated and self driven with good problem solving and decision making skills
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili
• Must be computer proficient
• Must have the ability to multi-task, set priorities and demonstrate strong teamwork skills
• Should be creative and posses good photography and videography skills
• Must have the ability to prepare and manage project budgets

Job summary: The incumbent will be overseeing all internal and external communications in the organization and support all seven branches while ensuring that KEMRI/CDC maintains the highest organizational image.

Duties and responsibilities:

The incumbent will be overseeing the BASE Communication Section activities which include:

• Provide communications support to all projects in KEMRI/CDC and advice projects on public awareness activities and mobilization
• Developing a media strategy, drafting press releases, responding to media enquiries and building dialogue with journalists
• Developing a communication strategy for the organization including the implementation of the crisis communication plan
• Coordinating training for staff in participatory communications and proactive media interaction
• Use of unique and new media to disseminate activities
• Ensure that the organizational website is properly managed, including updating and ongoing monitoring
• Work on the ongoing development and production of organization magazine (CDC in Kenya) as well as other internal and external organization communications materials, in consultation with other staff
• To contribute to planning and execution of organization events
• To undertake other duties as required commensurate with the level of this post

Terms of Employment:

Contract for 6 (1) year renewable as per KEMRI schemes of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education, experience and demonstrated competency.

Applications should include the following:

• Letter of Application (Indicate vacancy number)
• Current Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address
• Three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses
• Copies of Certificates
• Day time contact telephone number

Note: Applications must include copies of certificates, Diplomas and Transcripts. Applications without this will be disregarded.

Due no later than 8th February 2011

To:

Human Resource Manager,
KEMRI/CDC Program,
P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu

OR E-mail to recruitment@ke.cdc.gov

Internal candidates interested in applying for this position are strongly advised to access an internal candidate application form available in the CDC Intranet; print and process it through the project Managers and attach it before forwarding application to HR.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

THE KEMRI/CDC program is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process including, application, interview meeting and processing of offer letter. If asked for a fee, report such a request immediately to: 0701112145