Assistant Director Strategic Communications at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)

KMF/3. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS (KMFRI GRADE 4)

• Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 148,634 – KShs. 193,225 P.M.
• House Allowance: KShs. 45,000 P.M.
• Commuter Allowance: KShs. 12,000 P.M.
• Annual Leave Allowance: KShs. 10,000 P.A.
• Medical Cover & Other Allowances: As provided by KMFRI
• Terms of Service: Permanent & Pensionable

Duties and responsibilities in this position will entail:

1. Advising on the Institute’s communication needs for planning
2. Provide leadership in formulating corporate communication policies, strategies and regulations; execute and manage strategic communications intended to create a favorable point of view among stakeholders
3. Reviewing corporate communication messages
4. Coordinating benching activities of communication programmes
5. Identifying relevant online accounts that can efficiently and effectively promote the Institute’s research activities; encourage live tweeting from events,
6. Initiating and provide angle to online conversations with the Institute’s like-minded organizations, research communities and funders.
7. Coordinating of meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops and exhibitions;
8. Cultivating, manage and sustain meaningful relationships and collaborations with media and other key stakeholders internally and externally;
9. Preparing the department’s board papers for presentation to the Institute’s Board of Management
10. Taking lead in development, execution, and interpreting the organization’s mission, vision and mandate cohesively and communicate the same message to every stakeholder
11. Supervising creation and publishing of relevant website content and manage all content uploaded on the Institute’s website
12. Providing direction in awareness creation related tasks by suggesting relevant engagement techniques ideal for the Institute activities, services and products;
13. Coordinating the development of Institute’s calendars, diaries and internal communication by providing needed leadership;
14. Promoting the Institute’s profile through consultations with chief research scientists and Centre Directors/Station Coordinators on sharing information on research activities and researchers’ profiles for ongoing projects
15. Enhancing the Institute’s linkages and outreach services through networking with KMFRI publics including government agencies, NGOs, SAGAs, universities and fisher communities;
16. Making recommendations for the review of the Institute’s corporate image;
17. Coordinating the Institute’s advertising and publicity activities and ensure safe custody of corporate communication records;
18. Coordinating the drafting, editing and reviewing of the organization’s profile and recommend updating of the same from time to time
19. Preparing and managing departmental budget and ensure prudent use of resources allocated to the department
20. Spearheading the Institute’s branding and re-branding activities by generating relevant information, artworks and manuals to guide the management in decision-making
21. Coordinating the Institute’s public functions and corporate social responsibility activities;
22. Providing guidance in evaluation of customer service charter and ensure concerns arising from service delivery are addressed promptly in line with the requirements of the service charter;
23. Providing guidance in the development of pitch messages sent to media outlets on activities and developments within the Institute that need coverage and brief editors from multiple channels on the same
24. Scheduling interviews with top management
25. Identifying relevant media training for top management;
26. Monitoring dissemination of information to stakeholders through relevant communication digital application, identifying gaps and addressing them
27. Preparing and managing the departmental budget and monitoring absorption of resources;
28. Monitoring and evaluation of corporate communication services;
29. Mentoring, guiding and supervising staff.

Requirements for Appointment/Person Specifications

For direct appointment in this grade, a candidate must have:

1. Master’s Degree in Communications Studies; or Journalism or Language & Literary Studies; or Public Relations; or Mass Communication; or Social Media Journalism; or Science Communication from a recognized institution
2. A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Studies; or Journalism or Language & Literary Studies; or Public Relations; or Mass Communication; or Social Media Journalism; or Science Communication from a recognized institution
3. KCSE C +(plus) or its equivalent and above
4. At least eight (8) years relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been in a supervisory position
5. Membership to Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) or related ` recognized professional body.
6. Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks, or equivalent, from a recognized institution
7. Proficiency in computer applications
8. Demonstrated track record of performance
9. Fulfilled the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution

Other Competencies and Skills

1. Communication skills;
2. Interpersonal skills;
3. Negotiation skills;
4. Strategic thinking;
5. Persuasion skills
6. Editing skills
7. Knowledge in budgeting
8. Good team player; and
9. Analytical skills
10. Creative skills
11. Ability to work under pressure.