Adeso Senior Communications Officer Job in Kenya

Senior Communications Officer

Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands: Improving Resilience (REGAL IR)
Organization: Adeso, www.adesoafrica.org

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya, with frequent travel to field offices in Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Turkana, and Marsabit

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.