Knowledge and Communications Specialist at Energy 4 Impact

Purpose of the Role

The aim of this role is to enhance the profile, reputation and visibility of the organisation internationally and among our target audiences and to deliver multiple communications initiatives to meet Energy 4 Impact’s strategic goals and objectives. In addition the role will identify and disseminate best practice examples within the organisation to improve the implementation of Energy 4 Impact’s existing portfolio of work and business development activities.

Working within the Head of Communications, the Knowledge and Communications Specialist role will be central in creating information and delivering communications both inside and outside the organisation. The post holder will be expected to support and lead on the identification of internally generated knowledge and learning, as well as of external market and development trends. S/he will turn complex information into compelling stories, craft think pieces, infographics, presentations, fact-sheets, press releases, key messages, briefings, while maintaining and strengthening media outreach and increasing online engagement through social media sites.

The post holder will work with other teams across the organisation when developing communications and knowledge products, such as the Programme, M&E and Advisory teams, Country Managers, the Business Development team as well as with Energy 4 Impact’s implementing project partners and clients. This is to ensure we exploit synergies within other functions in the organisation and ensure we give visibility to our most strategic work and its impact to our audiences, including our donors.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and capture key information from programmes’ implementation, impact reports and research studies, including success stories, key lessons, best practices, case studies, industry insights; and package information clearly so to produce insightful content for a variety of channels and audiences.
• Market knowledge products to maximise their visibility among target audiences (at events, through industry networks and channels)
• Identify newsworthy and trending stories, draft press releases, opinion pieces, and actively seek opportunities to achieve positive media coverage.
• Identify speaking opportunities for key staff, preparing relevant briefs / materials and preparing speakers for media interviews.
• Handle the daily proactive and reactive media relations with media representatives; develop and maintain key relationships and run media briefings as and when required.
• Collate, analyse and evaluate impact of media coverage, social media and other communications activities (events, webinars, etc.).
• Support the programme, business development and communications team on the development and writing of compelling capacity statements, marketing materials (brochures, infographics, and presentations) and corporate publications (newsletters and the Annual Report).
• Support the delivery of marketing, advocacy and awareness campaigns.
• Manage the production of high quality photographic and video material.
• Work with the Head of Communications to support the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for the organization and contribute to the development of the annual PR and marketing plan.
• Work with the programmes and advisory teams to identify best practice methodologies from the existing portfolio of work.
• Develop a knowledge management methodology for the organisation and lessons learnt sessions to ensure knowledge is captured and usefully disseminated across the organisation.
• Keep fully abreast of trends, news and developments from outside Energy 4 Impact in the renewable energy/energy poverty field, other initiatives by private companies and other NGOs, so that communications efforts can be better streamlined and be more impactful.
• Keep staff informed of positive developments in the organisation, as well as relevant industry developments and events.
• Support the development and maintenance of the organisation’s website and social media channels.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate or Postgraduate in Communications/ Public relations/ Journalism/ English / International Development studies or other relevant subject. A degree obtained in Anglophone countries would be preferable.
• Outstanding research, writing and presentation skills and proven experience in writing and publishing well researched, thought provoking, compelling copy for blogs, publications, presentations, pitches, videos, websites and social media channels.
• Good all-round knowledge of a broad range of communications: marketing, online advertising, digital media, social, print and broadcast media.
• Good understanding of corporate branding and experience regulating the implementation of branding requirements.
• It is essential to have demonstrable experience in summarising outcomes of energy projects/research/studies in a very user friendly language. Skilled at presenting complex project information in a clear and engaging way.
• Fluency in spoken and excellent written English (native-like competence) is a must. A good knowledge of French would also be an advantage.
• Previous experience in energy / climate change in an international development context would be desirable.
• A high level of attention to detail; strong analytical ability, able to evaluate and to appraise critically quantitative and qualitative information.
• Understanding of planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
• Excellent planning and time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• High level of computer literacy, primarily in Microsoft Office packages and graphic designs softwares (Photoshop, Canva, Prezi, etc).
• Team player – able to forge productive, collaborative relationships with colleagues internally and externally.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure to deliver as part of a team.
• Approachable, flexible, creative and with willingness to accommodate other people’s ideas.
• Ability to travel in country, regionally and internationally sometimes on short notice.
• Empathy with Energy 4 Impact’s mission, and values, with a high level of corporate commitment, demonstrated by an ability to take decisions and to act in the best interests of the organization.