COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT OFFICER (REF: ACT/CSO/02/2021) At Act Change Transform

Act Change Transform (Act!) is a local Non-Governmental Organization whose mission is to facilitate the empowerment of marginalized people and communities in Kenya and neighboring countries, to become active participants in their development by enabling them to: stand up for their rights; demand good governance in the management of resources; and participate in decision making processes. Act! does this through implementing partners, offering them capacity development, management of grants so that value for money is achieved and providing strategic leadership in national advocacy for the benefit of women, youth, people with disabilities and other marginalized communities.

COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT OFFICER (Ref: ACT/CSO/02/2021):

1.0 Job Summary

The Communications Support Officer (CSO) will provide communications support to the communication function under the leadership of the Communications Manager charged with providing timely and effective advice and guidance on all internal and communication needs of the organization. The communications support officer contributes to the implementation of communications strategies and plans for Act! by ensuring that the right communications resources are sought, developed and distributed to the relevant audiences. The role will contribute to the building of a progressive communications culture that supports Act!’s organizational strategy on creating an integrated organization with a strong brand identity, shared across all staff and programs.

2.0 Key responsibilities

Supervised and guided by the communications manager, the main roles and responsibilities of the Communications Support Officer will include but not be limited to the following:

2.1 Support to Responsive and Effective Communications Design

• Support in collaborating with management and program teams to implement the communications strategy based on Act!’s target audience and budgets.
• Support in establishing the credibility of communications as a management discipline.
• Support quality control on all communications with Act! & partners.
• In partnership with the ICT function, support in ensuring Act! is at the forefront of all communications technology.
• Support quality implementation of the Act! brand by nurturing the communications skills of staff to express themselves simply, clearly and powerfully.

2.2 Support to Documentation and Publications Development

• Support in producing compelling success stories, press releases, internal newsletters, annual reports, presentation materials and other communications products and publications.
• Support in the design and layout of project documents including brochures and ensure Act! branding guidelines are adhered to.
• In coordination with the program teams, design, edit, record and produce and publish quality promotional / campaign materials such as posters, leaflets, fliers and brochures.
• Coordinate the production, collation and editing of Act! web articles as well as relevant organization’s publications such as newsletters, annual reports.
• Support in undertaking photography and dissemination of photographic materials to speak to Act!s programming requirements.
• Provide videography and documentary support including idea generation, conceptualization and implementation.
• Ensure regular updating of Act! website content and social media pages in liaison with the ICT department.

2.3 External Communication

• Support in the development of strong media relations with key local and international media to promote Act!s profile.
• Participate in communications planning and briefing for example during press conferences and media interviews.
• Support in social media management and website content management through regular posting and monitoring of public comments regarding Act! online content.
• Develop and implement strategies and new tools for recruiting and engaging supporters /public through social media especially during major activities/events –national/international events relevant to Act!’s areas of work.
• Provide support in photography and dissemination of photographic materials to speak to Act!s programming requirements.
• Support in media engagement activities such as drafting of press releases and other stories.

2.4 Networking and Representation

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with media and maintain a media database.
• Support collaboration with the media with regards to press coverage and adverts.
• Attend external meetings and other Advocacy related gatherings through which Act! can profile our work.

3.0 Qualifications, Experience & Personal Requirements

The minimum required academic and professional skills for the jobholder to perform successfully in their job are:

3.1 Academic qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism or related field.

3.2 Experience in years and indicate level of experience

• ·At least 3 years’ substantive experience in development communications.
• Experience in managing donor related (USAID or other) program communications will be an added advantage.

3.4 Essential competencies

Excellent written and oral communications skills.

• Strong analytical, editorial and report writing skills as well as excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Self-driven and able to deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the country, work extended periods in the field and interact effectively with partners and willingness to learn new approaches.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multicultural environment and with partners at all levels.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge in photography and videography including editing skills are added advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, content management systems and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing software (InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop) are added advantage.