Communication Specialist Job Vacancy in Kenya

Name of Project: Kenya Coastal Development Project
Purchaser: Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
Project ID No: P094692
Credit No: 4801 - KE

Project Background

The Government of Kenya has received financing from the International Development Association (IDA) towards the Kenya Coastal Development Project (KCDP). 

The KCDP covers a period of 6 years and its development objective is to promote environmentally sustainable management of Kenya’s coastal and marine resources by strengthening the capacity of existing relevant government agencies and rural micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in selected coastal communities.

The project is comprised of the following four components:

1. Component 1 : Sustainable Management of Fisheries Resources;
2. Component 2: Sound Management of Natural Resources;
3. Component 3: Support for Alternative Livelihoods;
4. Component 4: Capacity building, Monitoring and Evaluation System, Project Management and Communication, Community Village Fund (CVF).

The project is implemented by 7 agencies of GoK comprising of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research institute (KMFRI), Fisheries Department FD), Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), Coast Development authority (CDA), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Department of Physical Planning under the Ministry of Lands (MoL) and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). 

Their activities are coordinated by a centralized Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) based at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).

Role and Position:

The Communication and Outreach Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator. The Specialist will work hand in hand with the KCDP Managers and coordinate closely with them to implement the KCDP Communication Strategy (CS).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operationalize the communication strategy and ensure that it is fully integrated into KCDP’s operational plan and activities at all levels;
• Design presentation materials about KCDP to suit general audience for general use by Project staff at various forums e.g. workshops, symposiums, etc.;
• Produce timely and regular (quarterly) Project Newsletters (through desk top publishing, reproduction and distribution) for external audiences, and manage the development of other communication products as needed;
• Produce weekly project updates for internal audiences (e.g. KCDP staff);
• In collaboration with the Project Coordinator and KCDP Component Managers, develop and regularly update and maintain the Project website;
• Work with technical experts within KCDP to produce factsheets, reports and general content of the project website;
• Distribute, disseminate and share information with internal and external stakeholders;
• Work with technical team members to identify and document best practice examples for knowledge sharing;
• Work with technical team members to identify appropriate venues and methods for knowledge sharing among internal and external stakeholders;
• Monitor and evaluate implementation of the Communication strategy ¡n collaboration with KCDP Component managers and other key staff;
• Prepare and manage annual plans and related communication & outreach budgets;
• Manage media relations and widely promote KCDP locally and nationally;
• Provide training and/or procure relevant trainers where required; and
• Conduct a periodic communication audit/awareness survey or other quantitative evaluations to evaluate relevance and effectiveness of existing KCDP communication tools and products.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelors degree in Communications, Information Technology or other relevant disciplines although a Masters degree would be desirable;
• A track record of at least 5 years (with a Bachelors) or 3 years (with a Masters) or in designing and implementing communication material;
• Evidence of work with material relating to environmental awareness or social marketing is an asset;
• A high degree of tact and diplomacy;
• Evidence of working with a wide variety of stakeholders, including government and/or non-governmental organizations;
• Experience in managing a budget;
• Ability to work without supervision and meet set guidelines;
• Knowledge of marine and coastal management issues in Kenya is an asset;
• Excellent command of English and Swahili communication, writing and computer skills.

Duration of the position:

The successful candidate will be offered an attractive competitive package with an initial contract of 24 months (following a 6 months probationary period).

Interested persons may obtain further information at the address below from 0800 to 1500 hours from Monday to Friday excluding lunch hours (1300 to 1400 Hours) and public holidays.

The applications must be delivered in a written form to the address below either in person and deposited in the Tender Box located at the entrance of KMFRI Main Building, or by mail and addressed to the Chief Procurement Officer, or by fax, or by e-mail by 16th May, 2012.

The Director
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
Silos Road, English Point - Mkomani, Mombasa.

Email: director@kmfri.co.ke

Tel: +254 -20-2353904 or +254-20-8041560/1; Fax: +254 -20-235 3226

Mr. Gabriel M. Kitonga
For: Director/KMFRI

Date: 2nd May 2012