Function
- The
Communications Officer will be responsible for strategic media and
partners engagement and promoting project visibility through publicity
events and workshops, leading the development of quality promotional
materials for the TRANSFORM Project that include brochures, factsheets,
annual reports and their printing and circulation in the press, print and
electronic media to increase the exposure of the project. The position
will also lead the documentation and dissemination of project lessons
newsletters and ensure project experiences and impact are shared with the
relevant target audiences, including policymakers, development
practitioners and academics at the county and national levels.
Essential Character Traits
- Heifer
International Kenya is looking for an individual who is analytical,
pragmatic, self-motivated, attentive to details and a team player.
Responsibilities
& Deliverables
Communication Planning and Product Development and Partnership (30%)
- Deliver
high-quality writing and communications support. Develop communications
materials including talking points and presentations, website and social
media content, fact sheets, presentations, reports, and other collateral
per USAID, Heifer International and Cargill brand guidelines.
- Support
the project manager in executing a communication networking strategy for
the project.
- Quality
communications materials, collaterals and products developed and available
for the project team that conform to USAID’s, Heifer International and
Cargill’s branding guidelines.
- Collect
and share program information including program background, success
stories and best practices with media and other stakeholders.
- Support
the project manager in developing and nurturing good working partnerships
and linkages with NGOs, National and County Governments, the private
sector community organizations including farmer organizations and other
like-minded partners to advance the mission of Heifer International,
USAID, Cargill and the project goals.
- Ensure
responsive communication to Heifer International, USAID, Cargill and other
partners and stakeholders concerning Heifer International events.
- Strengthen
Heifer International’s branding and visibility.
- Maintain
the project stakeholder database.
Mass Media Campaign on Animal Health, Nutrition and Biosecurity
Practices (20%)
- Strategically
engage media and other partners to amplify the voice, results, leadership,
and key messages of the TRANSFORM Project among target audiences
- Contributing
to developing, implementing, and evaluating the communication strategy,
defining, and maintaining USAID, Heifer International and Cargill identity
in all communication channels and reporting feedback and improvements when
required.
- Coordinate
and implement all the key mass media activities targeting producers, value
chain actors and Farmer Producer Organizations.
- Mass
Media dissemination and outreach strategies for all project audiences
developed and monitored quarterly with communication focal points of
USAID, Heifer International and Cargill.
Communications Resources Development and Dissemination
(10%)
- Propose,
design, organize and implement specific outreach and communication
activities, including visibility or launching events and the production
and distribution of publications, success stories, web stories, brochures,
newsletters and visibility or promotional materials about Heifer
International, USAID, Cargill and TRANSFORM activities.
- Develop
a communication database and manage partner and stakeholders’
dissemination.
- Develop
and manage an annual program of communication activities including launch
events, radio and television features, press releases, social media and
bulk SMS campaigns, SBCC, and impact stories delivered for TRANSFORM.
Project Support (10%)
- Document
and communicate project activities such as case studies, stakeholder
workshops, project management committee meetings, advisory committee
meetings, and project (donor) visits.
- Facilitate
biannual capacity building for program staff on communication parameters
based on identified needs e.g. media relations, writing skills,
photography, among others.
- Support
TRANSFORM’s reporting to the donor, including monthly updates, quarterly
progress reports, annual reports, and the final report.
- Content
development: preparation of key messages and highlights from key project
reports.
Managing Communication Materials (5%)
- Manage
the database, project documents and files, and communication material such
as photographs, videos, and SBCC material amongst others in a safe and
easy-to-access system.
- Identify
key project resources relevant to knowledge-building and learning within
the organization.
- Facilitate
knowledge-building and learning and ensure key project resources are
incorporated into the country office shared filing system.
Lead Internal and External Learning Processes (5%)
- Oversee
the establishment of local learning platforms in the project areas.
- Oversee
organization of field days and exchange visits between project and
operational areas.
- Coordinate
the development of organization and project technical manuals.
- Publish
articles in relevant newspapers and journals.
Social Media and Digital Communication (15%)
- Lead
ideation, design, and production of the project digital content for
effective project storytelling on the organization’s social media channel.
- Monitor
trending topics to take advantage of opportunities for positioning the
project interventions and impact.
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor (5%)
- Carry
out other duties assigned in the interest of Heifer International and the
TRANSFORM project.
Minimum
Requirements
- Bachelor’s
in public relations, mass communications, development studies, or related
field, plus three (3) years of related experience. Proven knowledge and
experience in the field communications of agricultural development. Proven
experience in managing social media campaigns.
Preferred Requirements
- A
master’s degree in a similar field is preferred with at least 2 years of
practical working experience in communication and networking, knowledge of
agricultural development, and work experience in the INGO world is an
added advantage.
Most Critical Proficiencies
- A
good understanding and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty,
hunger, environment, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit
organizations operate.
- Good
analytical skills with the ability to verify information.
- Strategic
thinking with the ability to anticipate future communications developments
and trends and incorporate them into project plans.
- Excellent
interpersonal skills, creative, writing and visual communication skills.
- Computer
proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools,
electronic mail, and Internet software (Microsoft Office preferred).
- Demonstrated
proficiency in oral and written English and Kiswahili.
- Strong
experience in using graphics tools (Canva, Adobe Suite) and creating
visual (photo and video) assets for use on social media channels.
- Expertise
in creating content for major social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram,
TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Meta, etc.).
- Knowledge
of web and social media metrics and analytics tools, including Google
Analytics.
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands
- Preparing
and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with
great attention to detail.
- Proven
team and customer care skills with the ability to train and work
cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several
locations.
- Demonstrates
integrity by modeling Heifer International, USAID and Cargill’s values and
ethical standards.
- Openness
to change and ability to manage multiple complexities with minimal
supervision.
- Constant
face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues both
within and outside of Kenya.
- May
require constant working at a computer for extended periods.
- Working
with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
- Willingness
to work with a flexible schedule.
- Willingness
to travel both locally and internationally.
How To Apply
