Communications /PR Officer at Beacon of Hope Vocational Training College

To manage the communication and public relations programs, activities and efforts for Beacon of Hope, raise awareness and increase visibility of the organization with key stakeholders and the general public, ensure dissemination of appropriate messages to relevant audiences (both internally and externally), and promote documentation of the organization’s program work as well as information sharing and learning.

Roles

Management of Communication Initiatives and Processes:

• Ensure that Beacon of Hope maintains effective communications and public relations policies, strategies and plans.
• Manage continuous profiling of Beacon of Hope to build and maintain positive image with its audiences.
• Enhance communication with key stakeholders and facilitate use of appropriate media to support communication with external audiences.
• Manage the publication and distribution of Beacon of Hope’s newsletters and magazines.
•  Support external communication with Beacon of Hope’s partners and collaborating agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective mechanisms for internal communications.

Production and Dissemination of Corporate Materials: 

• Liaise with staff to ensure finalization of the writing, proofreading, editing, and compilation of all communications, correspondence and publications.
• Coordinate the production of online monthly newsletter and other general updates according to the communication and advocacy objectives.
• Take and edit pictures, audio and video recording for documentation purposes and for information dissemination to Beacon of Hope’s key stakeholders.
• Maintain an updated database of key stakeholders including partners, donors and collaborating agencies.
• Facilitate the production of Beacon of Hope’s annual reports.
• Produce publicity materials such as brochures and videos.

Management of Beacon of Hope’s Website:  

• Ensure that Beacon of Hope maintains a user-friendly website.
• Ensure that the content of Beacon of Hope’s website is appropriate and up to date.
• Prepare and disseminate blogs, updates, photos features, and interesting and impact stories.

Support Beacon of Hope’s Public Relations: 

• Ensure that Beacon of Hope maintains effective communication and share relevant information with its key public audiences.
• Manage appropriate responses to requests for information and enquiries about Beacon of Hope, its programs and activities.
• Represent Beacon of Hope at relevant meetings and events.

Manage Media Relationships:  

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key media houses to promote Beacon of Hope’s profile.
• Provide communications advice including development of relevant messages and use of the right media channels when need arises.
• Develop press materials including press statements and releases, and information kits/fact sheets when need arises.  Identify and facilitate opportunities for Beacon of Hope to feature in the media.
• Manage and provide appropriate responses to media inquiries.
• Coordinate and manage placement of advertisements in the media.
• Prepare periodic updates to Senior Management Team on media coverage and its implications to Beacon of Hope.

Facilitate Documentation, Sharing and Learning:   

• Manage Beacon of Hope’s documentation and publication work processes.
• Collect and compile updates from Beacon of Hope’s activities and disseminate to relevant audiences through appropriate channels.
• Facilitate documentation of Beacon of Hope’s learning experiences, best practices and case studies from its work and engagements.
• Develop and maintain a system to capture positive reports on Beacon of Hope’s work that appear in the media and other publications.
• Train, coach and mentor staff and affiliates on communication, information sharing and learning, and documentation.

Provide Support on Resource Mobilization:

• Identify and support the Executive Director in development of institutional relationships for resource mobilization/fundraising.
• Identify and disseminate information on donors’ application processes and deadlines.
• Provide support in writing concept papers and proposals to respond to specific solicited and unsolicited funding opportunities that are within the mandate and values of the organization.
• Establish contacts and networks with other likeminded organizations and back donors.
• Research and analyse donor calls for funding applications, expression of interest and request for proposals.
• Prepare an update including information on donors’ thematic areas of focus on a regular basis.
• Develop information material to be used in contact with back donors.
• Proactively scout for new funding avenues; help in preparing and submitting proposals in liaison with appropriate units.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the organization of Beacon of Hope’s initiatives, activities and events.
• Support marketing initiatives, tools and materials.
• Carry out any other duties and responsibilities which may be assigned by the Executive Director and Senior Management Team from time to time.

 Job Requirements 

• A Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in communication or any related field.
• Post graduate training in public relations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills.Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and with minimum supervision.
• Strong team orientation. Excellent leadership and coaching skills
• At least three (3) years’ experience in a similar position.