Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications at Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA)

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Manager, Investment Promotion

Direct reports: Principal Corporate Communications Officer

Indirect reports: All other staf in the Corporate Communication section

Job Purpose

Responsible for executing the Authority’s corporate communications strategy, policy and programmes aimed at enhancing relationships with stakeholders and building a positive corporate image.

Responsibilities

Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Develop work plans and budgets for the Section for approval
• Oversee the execution of the approved section work plans and budgets
• Oversee performance management in the section
• Prepare and submit all monthly, quarterly and annual reports for the section
• Prepare a draft board management papers for approval
• Identify training needs for the sectional staff
• Participate in the recruitment of staff within the section
• Participate in the development and review of the Authority’s strategic plan
• Identify procurement needs of the section
• Mentor and coach section staff
• Participate in various committees in the Authority

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Identify main client groups and audiences and determine the best way to communicate publicity information to them.
• Write interesting and effective press releases, prepare information for media kits and develop and maintain company internet or intranet web pages.
• Assign, supervise and review the activities of public relations staff.
• Evaluate advertising and promotion programs for compatibility with public relations efforts.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with local and municipal government officials and media representatives.
• Direct activities of external agencies, establishments and departments that develop and implement communication strategies and information programs.
• Formulate policies and procedures related to public information programs, working with public relations executives.
• Respond to requests for information about employers’ activities or status.
• Facilitate consumer relations, or the relationship between parts of the company such as the managers and employees, or different branch offices.
• Maintain company archives.
• Manage in-house communication courses.
• Produce films and other video products, regulate their distribution, and operate film library.
• Observe and report on social, economic and political trends that might affect employers.
• Develop and maintain the company’s corporate image and identity, which includes the use of logos and signage.
• Manage communications budgets.
• Manage special events such as sponsorship of races, parties introducing new products, or other activities the firm supports in order to gain public attention through the media without advertising directly.
• Draft speeches for company executives, and arrange interviews and other forms of contact for them.

Job Dimensions

Financial Responsibility

• Preparation and development of section’s budgets and approval.
• Oversee the execution of the approved section work plans and budgets

Responsibility for Physical Assets

• Responsible for physical assets assigned by the institution;
• Provide oversight for all the section physical assets

Decision Making

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

Working conditions

Work predominantly within the office. The position will require participation in public events and fairs and local & regional travel

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).

Academic Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Communications/ International Relations/International Business or equivalent from a recognized Institution;
• Bachelors degree in Public Relations, Communications or related field/Business administration or related field from a recognized Institution;

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

• Post-graduate Diploma in Public Relations;
• Communications or in a relevant field;
• Membership to related professional bodies – PRSK, CIM KIM etc;
• Attended Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized Institution;
• IT Proficiency and
• Meets provisions of chapter 6 of the Kenya Constitution.

Previous relevant work experience required.

• Have nine (9) years relevant experience with three (3) years’ experience in the position of Principal Corporate Communications Officer or comparable position in EPZA job Group 5.

Functional Skills: Behavioral Competencies/Attributes

• Organization skills
• Good IT skills
• Fair design and management skills
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Work under pressure
• Team player
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Be well groomed

Salary Scale for the position

Minimum basic Salary Kshs 75,731.00 : Maximum basic salary Kshs 270,000.00

Total allowances 77,400.00

Successful candidate will enter the scale at basic salary of Kshs 75,731.00