Communication/Publications Assistant at The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)

Duties & Responsibilities 

Administrative:

• Assist in preparing, coordinating, and distributing targeted dissemination packages for AERC meetings and workshops.
• Handle all logistics for meetings and workshops organized by the department.
• Maintain databases as needed for communication including all contacts within the AERC network.
• Assist in the consolidation of supporting documents for payment preparation.
• Handle routine correspondence, filing and records maintenance for the department efficiently.
• Ensure that general office supplies and stationery are made available as required.
• Support in the general editorial process for all AERC publications.
• Assist in processing of publications (editing, design/typesetting, proofreading etc.).
• Assist in keeping track of the publication production schedules and pipelines.
• Assist in following up with reviewers, authors, printers, and publishers as may be necessary to facilitate efficient operation of the publication processes.
• Assist in the production of AERC Promotional materials (e.g. Annual Report, Newsletters, Brochure, Banners, and Posters etc.).
• Any other duties that may be assigned by the Manager, Publications. 

Social Media:

• Responsible for coordinating content across social channels, this includes blog posts, tweets, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram, status updates, photos, and videos to ensure appropriate messaging is executed online to support organizational goals.
• Assist with managing content creation for ongoing social media communications and optimize content plans to grow engaged social communities.
• Leverages measurement tools to provide progress reports and mine insights, while continually finding ways to improve on those metrics through testing and new initiatives.
• Monitor and engage in organization-related online conversations and respond to social media inquiries about online activities in a timely and courteous fashion.
• Work closely with programmatic and event staff to create integrated campaigns and conduct strategic social media outreach.
• Assist with pitching stories to the media; field media calls and monitor press and social coverage.
• Assist with writing articles, press releases, media alerts, communications materials, and other digital material and determine relevant online and social channels for optimal engagement.

AERC Alumni:

• Support in the administration tasks relating to the AERC Alumni.
• Collate the registrations of new members in preparation for vetting.
• Respond to questions by registered and potential members on issues regarding the registration process.
• Posting information on the alumni website.
• Assisting in searching for additional information in the vetting process of the registered members.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Information Science, or related discipline.
• Post graduate diploma in Mass Communication or Book Publication.
• Thorough knowledge of desktop publishing.
• Working knowledge of the publications process.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Well organized and able to multitask.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills and team player
• Ability to work independently.