Communication Officer AU-IBAR at African Union (AU)

Grade: P2
Supervisor: Director, AU-IBAR
Duty Station: AU-IBAR: Nairobi, Kenya

The Communication Officer under the supervision of the Director AU-IBAR shall be responsible for providing strategic guidance on the Communications activities of AU-IBAR.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the incumbent shall include the following:

• Provide strategic guidance on the communication activities of AU-IBAR including coordination, advocacy and communication strategies, planning and implementation.
• Work closely with the knowledge management officer, information systems officer, the webmaster and Projects and Programmes Unit (PPU) to develop and/or update the information, communication and knowledge management strategy based on AU-IBAR's strategic plan.
• Provide advocacy, communication and social mobilization support to AU-IBAR projects and activities to promote Information sharing and Communication: and assure maximum visibility of AU-IBAR through:
• Working with Project coordinators to bring out, package and promote AU-IBAR achievements.
• Guide programme activities needing communication support and proactively seek out achievements and disseminate such in the best communication approach.
• Establish strong linkages with relevant Media/News/Communication outlets, organisations and Institutions to enhance AU-IBAR Communication activities.
• Develop and roll-out mechanisms for wide sharing of outputs of AU-IBAR achievements.
• Contribute to the development and management of the Animal Resources Knowledge Portal.
• Contribute to the promotion of collaborative tools that facilitate sharing of ideas, information and knowledge such as the Intranet, outlook etc.
• Establish a viable media relationship between AU-IBAR and relevant media organisations at continental, regional and national levels.
• Facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge on development and communication in general as well as learning through nurturing and training activities.
• Help to capture and document information and knowledge on animal resources in Africa such as the documenting of lessons learnt and best practices and success stories.
• Work closely with Project Coordinators to document outputs and provide content for publishing of bulletins, policy papers and scholarly articles for wide dissemination.
• Disseminate information widely among AU-IBAR's target groups through publications, knowledge fairs and exhibitions; organization of Radio and TV programmes; Development of Communication materials etc.
• Work closely with the Webmaster and the Communication Expert to maintain and improve the AU-IBAR news and information dissemination facilities including the website.
• Support AU Member States in advancing good communication practices to enhance visibility of animal resource development activities across the continent.
• Develop and roll out cost-effective training on evidence-based advocacy for increased public and private investment in the animal resources sector.

Qualification and Work Experience Required

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, or other related field.
• At least 3-4 years of progressive experience in areas of communication preferably within an International or continental organization.
• University Diploma in Mass Communication, or other related field.
• At least five years of progressive experience in areas of communication preferably within an International or continental organization.
• An advanced degree preferably in knowledge management and/or development Communication will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of relevant computer applications including Communication IT tools is mandatory

Work Experience Requirements

• Experience in Development communication activities, media relation, advocacy management, organization of focus groups, public communication and social mobilization
• Familiarity with development Communication and knowledge management programmes
• Experience in developing and delivering Communication programmes and packages with and for different stakeholders and partner organisations
• Experience in the animal resources sector would be an added advantage

Other Relevant Skills

• Technical knowledge and analytical skills related to communication management.
• Ability to influence a team of professionals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to plan and organize work within a project and ability to make timely decisions.
• Effective written, oral and presentation skills, particularly the ability to present information in a concise yet accurate manner; ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in multicultural environment
• Working knowledge of data analysis; SAP ERP System, etc

Language Requirement

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a must. Knowledge of one or several other working languages is an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment

The appointment will be made on regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified candidates including women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration

Indicative basic salary of US$ 31,073.00 (P2 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (42% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 18,585.00 (per annum), education allowance (100% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), etc. for internationally recruited staff of the Commission.