Chief Communications Officer at Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC, KenGen

Reporting to Communications Manager, the job holder will be responsible for augmenting efforts to communicate the mission, vision and values of the company by under-taking the delivery of external communications, including website and other communications and publications, media relations and customer relations in liaison with other staff.

Will also be responsible for editing internal and external publications, and the company’s social media platforms.

Responsibilities

• To undertake the delivery of external communications, including website and other communications and publications, media relations and customer relations in liaison with other staff;
• Drafting press releases, responding to media enquiries and building dialogue with journalists and ensuring media coverage of KenGen activities and concerns
• Preparing speeches to further public relations objectives.
• Coordination and implementation of internal and external communications
• Day-to-day management of the KenGen website, including updating and ongoing monitoring, gaining input from other KenGen staff as necessary.
• leading work on the design, content and production of flyers, brochures and factsheets targeting external stakeholders together with the other staff, taking the lead on the development of content and appearance of each edition.
• Sourcing articles and images from sources within and outside the company
• Sub-editing and proof reading articles.
• Writing articles.
• Monitoring media coverage of the company
• Implementing and maintaining a “house style” in all written communications.
• Build and regularly update a database of key journalists
• Organize press conferences and other media events
• Participate in the organization of the KenGen Energy Management Awards
• Run the company’s digital media platforms: Facebook, Twitter etc. and work closely with the Communications Affairs Manager to respond to issues raised.
• Undertake the delivery of KenGen’s corporate advertising

Dimensions

• Media relations
• External communications
• Publications
• Website and Intranet
• Writing and editing
• Advertising
• Digital media, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Relationships

• Reporting to Communications Manager and working closely with other staff in the department
• Establish a good relationship within KenGen from whom information will be obtained
• Establish a strong relationship with editors and reporters

Knowledge and Experience

• Previous experience working in a media house or public relations department
• proven strategic communications implementation experience, including media relations, government affairs, thought leadership;
• Proven ability to implement crisis communications
• Proven ability in managing and implementing media relations
• Proven ability to make critical decisions independently without supervision
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with internal and external associates
• Proven ability to manage websites and digital platforms
• Attention to detail and strong customer service focus
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work within an ever-changing environment with flexibility and acceptance

Skills and Competences

• strong writing and editing skills
• Proven ability to make critical decisions independently without supervision
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with internal and external associates
• Attention to detail and strong customer service focus

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication/Public Relations/Journalism/Media Studies from a recognized institution
• Post-graduate qualification in Mass Communication/Public Relations/Journalism/Media Studies/Science or a related field is mandatory.
• Excellent editing skills
• Master’s degree in a related discipline from a recognized institution will also be an added advantage
• Working experience as a Sub-Editor in a media house will be an added advantage.
• At least seven (7) years working experience preferably in communication and/or public relations, three (3) of which must be at a Senior Officer level.
• Working experience as a Sub-Editor in a media house will be an added advantage.
• Have working experience of not less than 5 years preferably in Communication and/or Public Relations.
• Should have good attention to detail and good relationship management skills.
• Extensive experience in writing/editing in a professional environment.
• Knowledge of electronic publishing and web design management.
• Active engagement and use of various social media platforms, including writing/ creating institutional online assets.

Additional requirements

Candidates shortlisted for the interview of Manager and Chief Officer positions will be required to submit the following:

• Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations;
• Clearance Certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board;
• Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority;
• Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission; and
• Report from an Approved Credit Reference Bureau.