Communications Manager at Plan International

Typical Responsibilities - Key end Results of the Position:
1. Corporate communications

• Communicate Plan International’s achievements and lessons learnt in order to influence change at policy level and raise Plan International’s profile as a key player/expert in the areas identified in the Global Strategy and Plan Kenya’s Country Strategy
• Ensure the consistent and correct use of all the corporate and branding elements in all the external communications materials and public events
• Advise management and ensure the execution of decisions on various creative, diversified and effective channels to communicate, ensuring appropriate messages to the relevant audience.
• In liaison with programme staff, lead the delivery of key messages appropriately tailored to external audiences, including through the production and dissemination of reports, the organization of events and conferences, the establishment and maintenance of social media outlets and websites, and the use of other media channels.
• Advise on and manage risks related to Plan International’s communication and media work.
• Lead internal communication and keep staff regularly informed of up-to-date organizational developments at global, regional and country level through effective channels.
• Lead and manage the formulation and implementation of Country Communications Strategy
• Support the development of Plan International Kenya staff’s communication skills.

2. Campaigns and advocacy

• In liaison with programme staff, lead campaign initiatives in relation to Plan International’s global and local campaigns, ensuring appropriate messages and means to the local context.
• Establish, strengthen and maintain strategic partnership and alliances with campaigns and advocacy partners.
• Lead in the production and dissemination of positions papers and position statements, key messages on the campaign themes.

3. Media relations

• Establish, strengthen and maintain strategic partnership with media and public relations partners in order to boost Plan International’s image, profile and visibility in the country.
• Ensure that Plan Kenya is positioned high and known as a child centered community development organization. Ensures Plan International’s public profile is high and positive.
• Support the positioning of Plan International Kenya as a charity of choice - for development and humanitarian works.

4. Information and knowledge management

• In liaison with programme staff, ensure the effective gathering, packaging, management and utilization of critical information required to achieve country program goals, external influence, external publications and inform strategic directions.
• Ensure that Emergency Response and Recovery Program Situation Reports are professionally and efficiently produced and disseminated to all stakeholders.
• Ensure that best practices, success stories, case studies etc are produced and add value to country operations, fundraising and donor retention plan.
• Ensures that proper systems and mechanisms are in place through which corporate communications and marketing products are properly documented, protected, shared and displayed as necessary.
• Ensure that user friendly systems or infrastructures are in place where learning resources are shared.

Educational Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, International Relations or Marketing.
• Masters’ Degree in the above mentioned areas is desirable.
• At least 10 years of relevant working experience, out of which 3 years managerial experience.
• Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies.

Knowledge & Skills

• Good understanding of child protection and development issues.
• Knowledge in digital communication and social media.
• People skills – able to interact, supervise, negotiate, influence, network, advocate and facilitate
• Writing skills – able to write press releases, speeches and presentations
• Event management skills

Competencies

• Takes initiative
• Takes responsibility
• Analytical ability
• Team orientation
• Problem solving
• Multi-tasking

Physical Environment and Demands
Typical office environment with approximately 30% field visit demands.