Communication Assistant at Islamic Relief

Reporting To:

Communications Coordinator

Qualification

• Undergraduate degree in Communications, Journalism, Film Production or related field, with at least 3 years of experience in a Communications role,
• Not less than least 3 years of experience in a Communications role, preferably in a humanitarian organization.
• Technical experience of the following, to a high standard: - Videography including corporate/humanitarian videos, corporate/humanitarian photography and editorial skills. Significant experience of all elements of the video and photo production process – creative briefing, storyboarding, pre-production, post-production.

Location: Nairobi 30% (with frequent travel to field offices – 70%)

Purpose of Department:

The Communications Department is responsible for public communications of Islamic Relief Kenya (IRK), supporting and facilitating the communications work of field offices across Kenya. The department’s responsibilities include brand protection and reputation management; development and dissemination of audio-visual media materials to communicate the need and impact of IR’s work, editorial management of IR publications, digital media platforms (IRK website and social media platforms), marketing and media activities, internal communications; and visibility.

Job Purpose:

The Communications Assistant supports the Communications Department to act effectively on requests for media material project reporting, global campaigns and fundraising efforts. The postholder provides support in developing compelling video, photographic content and information/case studies to promote Islamic Relief Kenya’s work. The Communication assistant will be working directly under the supervision of the communications Coordinator. The Communications Assistant assists in creating content briefs for producing compelling written, video and photographic collateral to serve the needs of IRK. This includes but is not limited to collecting and capturing the community needs and success stories of the transformative impact of BREAC Project. The Communications Assistant will ensure the timely capture of case studies demonstrating how donors’ money is being utilised to benefit those in need based on the communication plans of projects. The postholder will give project needs special attention by working independently (or with a freelancer) to film, photograph and edit visual and audio content to professional standards. The postholder continuously looks for new, creative and cost-effective ways to produce compelling content for a range of multi-media platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communication Planning, Implementation and Reporting
  • Support the implementation of an effective communications strategy that follows the IR guidelines and donor requirements.
  • Support efficient planning and management of communication work undertaken in the field offices in line with projects’ Detailed Implementation Plans (DIPs), as well as continuously adapting to the risks and opportunities posed by both internal and external changing environments.
  • Participate and contribute in partners’ coordination forums and further prepare a catalogue of partners in Wajir.
  • Ensure timely submission of project reports as per IR and Donor requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with the requirements of the IR’s Social Media Policy, IR Writing Style, and other relevant policies.
  • Assist in timely submission of communication material for project reporting.
  • Prepare monthly activity cash request for facilitation by the Finance Department
• Media Product Development - Collecting, and developing compelling multi-platform offline and online collateral
  • Support the team in conducting documentation of project progress through high quality photography and videography production.
  • Offer support to Communications Department in writing, editing and distributing content for a wide range of audiences and contexts, including case studies, briefs, articles, website content, newsletters, press releases, lessons learnt and impact publications.
  • Work closely with field-office programming staff to ensure powerful stories, best practices and lessons learned of the work that IR does are being chronicled with complementary video and photography.
  • Support project staff with presentation design and critical eye for data visualization communication.
  • Liaise with graphic designers and other vendors to develop and produce visibility material including IEC and promotional materials, and banners, t-shirts, IEC and promotional materials.
  • Ensure branding and style compliance, in observance of communication policies and guidelines across all materials.
  • Abide by brand guidelines that guarantee a coherent look and feel for all communication.

Digital Engagement

• Support the expansion of digital dissemination outlets for information sharing such as websites, social media, videos, data visualizations, infographics, emails listservs, and local media.
• Support Communications Department in managing SEO-friendly website content of IRK and edit for consistency and accuracy.
• Assist Communications Department in creating, editing and posting creative content on IRK’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube platforms to promote the work of IR in Kenya.
• Support Communications Department in maintaining a collection of photos, graphics, infographics, raw video footage to use in various digital content.
• Actively build relationships with key media people at the field level to raise IRK’s profile. Coordinate responses to incoming media inquiries, review of press releases, and relevant news coverage monitoring.

Qualification and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Communications, Journalism, Film Production or related field, with at least 3 years of experience in a Communications role, preferably in a humanitarian organization.
• Technical experience of the following, to a high standard: - Videography including corporate/humanitarian videos, corporate/humanitarian photography and editorial skills.
• Significant experience of all elements of the video and photo production process – creative briefing, storyboarding, pre-production, post-production.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Content Management Systems and social media platforms.
• Sound portfolio of media-related work
• Experience in collaboration to engender positive relationships with internal colleagues and external bodies.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to write as well as develop photographic and video collateral in an inspiring, accurate and descriptive manner, that brings its reader/donor into proximity with beneficiary communities.
• Excellent knowledge of and familiarity with software for video editing and photo editing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, content management systems, and social media platforms.
• Excellent written English
• Attention to detail.
• Strong team-working and able to work in a collaborative manner.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good ability to work calmly under pressure to tight deadlines and balance competing priorities.

Personal attributes

• Is committed to integrity and IR Values, upholding the highest standards in conduct.
• Desire to serve in a humanitarian and development INGO, serving beneficiaries.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively and frequently to field offices.
• Strong emotional intelligence and resilience, and able to maintain composure - acting in a calm way in difficult situations.
• A positive demeanour / disposition, and able to overcome setbacks.
• Is highly flexible and able to adapt to changing situations and priorities.

A learning attitude and a continuous improvement philosophy

Note: Please note that this recruitment, shortlisting will be done on a rolling basis.