Head of Media & Publicity at The Brand Kenya

Ref: BKB/HR/ HMP/02/2016-2017

Reporting to the Director Marketing & Communications, the Head of Media & Publicity shall be in charge of the Media and Publicity function.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:- 

The following are the key responsibilities and duties for this position:

1. Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Development and execution of a comprehensive media, publicity and public relations strategy for the nation brand – Kenya and for the corporate brand- Brand Kenya Board to be implemented across media platforms;
• Analysis and interpretation of public opinion, attitudes and other contextual issues that have an impact – positive or negative on the nation brand – Kenya and on the corporate brand- Brand Kenya Board;
• Advise on the course of action to win public understanding of the nation brand – Kenya, and of the corporate brand- Brand Kenya Board; and resolve issues that may arise;
• Undertake mapping of all media and other stakeholders necessary and sufficient for nation branding and develop and stakeholder engagement plan for realization of desired branding goals;
• Ensure a steady supply of positive content on Kenya to be easily accessed by the public and stakeholders across all media platforms;
• Identify opportunities and generate ideas for media coverage, and pitch ideas to appropriate media outlets;
• Undertake daily media monitoring and analysis on Kenya and provide regular updates on trends and necessary interventions to sustain and or improve positive coverage;
• To ensure that all efforts of the media and publicity function are fully integrated with all strategies and promotions;
• Develop and implement an effective media relations plan to generate continued greater awareness of the Kenya brand and support any overall branding initiatives;
• Facilitate arrangements for media events and other fora aimed at improving interactions between the Board and media professionals;
• Develop and continually maintain a database of media stakeholders i.e. owners, editors, journalists, analysts etc.;
• Research and write all media releases, press materials, press kits and public service announcements (PSAs) for the Board, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
• Develop and implement a digital optimization strategy that will be implemented to increase Kenya’s awareness, reach and conversion of citizens/‘wananchi’ into patriots and positive ambassadors of Kenya;
• Develop and implement relevant digital analytics tools that will maximize performance of messaging and engagement strategies online;
• Develop and publish a national events calendar for Kenya;
• Manage publicity for events on the national events calendar for Kenya based on the Board’s guidance;
• Develop and implement a strategy for execution of each of the Board’s strategic events;
• Manage stakeholder engagement and coordination for the Board’s strategic events;
• Develop and execute a risk management strategy for all the risk factors affecting the Kenya brand;
• Ensure Departmental compliance with the relevant ISO standard and procedures of the Board; and,
• Any other duties incidental thereto.

1. Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead the department by budgeting, planning and directing resources to achieve targets and objectives;
• Build a highly effective team, by leading, managing and motivating staff and by directing and coaching them where appropriate, so that they achieve excellence in delivery.
• Ensure performance measures are designed to evaluate performance of the media and publicity function against the Board’s strategic plan;
• Ensure timely and comprehensive reporting is done on work undertaken on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis including for performance contracting;
• Take responsibility for the reports emerging from the media and publicity function and all documentation sent to the Director and the CEO.
• Play a senior leadership role in bringing along the internal community within Brand Kenya Board to support the delivery of targets and goals by developing effective and strategic interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships; and,
• Working with various stakeholders to continually build and sustain the nation brand.

III. Decision Making:

• Makes strategic, operational and financial decisions for the section
• Directs and supervises the work of subordinates
• Assigns work to subordinates
• Monitors subordinates work performance
• Appraises/evaluates subordinates performance

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, Linguistics, Literature or other business related field from a recognized University
• Masters Degree in communication or its equivalent will be an added advantage
• Post graduate qualification in Mass Communications or Journalism from a recognized University/Institution
• Membership of a professional body of Public Relations, Journalism or Communication practitioners.
• At least 7 years’ work experience in Journalism, Public Relations or Communications of which 3 years must be in a busy newsroom as a reporter, editor or producer;

Key Competencies:

• A well-developed network with media houses to be able to push content onto all the media outlets in a timely manner;
• Excellent media relations;
• Experience in media crisis management;
• In-depth understanding of the socioeconomic and political situation of the Country
• Print and digital editorial skills;
• Exceptional (speech) writing skills
• High integrity, self-driven and result oriented
• Excellent communication, teamwork and problem solving skills
• Creativity and innovation