Communication Specialist at The Center for International Health, Education and Biosecurity (CIHEB)

Job Description:

The Communications Specialist will lead and manage the public relations, promotions, and media for Ciheb-Kenya and has a significant role in achieving the program’s Communications Strategy objectives. This role is responsible for developing and implementing an effective communications plan in accordance with the Ciheb-Kenya goals, objectives, and strategies. This includes managing public relations, promotions, and media, and ensuring alignment with Ciheb-Kenya branding requirements.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Ciheb-Kenya Website maintenance and content development (using the WordPress content management system).
• Managing Ciheb-Kenya email marketing system and maintaining the organization’s supporter database.
• Media relations, writing press releases and statements, building media lists, and collecting media mentions.
• Managing Ciheb social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube accounts.
• Designing print collateral, including brochures, short publications, and event invitations and signage.
• Integrating/cross-promoting all Ciheb-Kenya communications.
• Working with vendors, including website developers, graphic designers, and print companies.
• Supporting Ciheb-Kenya basic media relations, including writing press releases and statements, maintaining media lists, and collecting media mentions.
• Providing support to media relations consultants contracted for special promotions.
• Measuring and evaluating Ciheb-Kenya online and print communications and media relations.
• Editing communications materials written by Ciheb-Kenya staff and ensuring all communications adhere to the organization’s style guide.
• Working with Ciheb staff to execute special events, including developing event communications, promoting the event, and taking photographs during the event.
• Providing communication guidance and support with implementing program activities and continuing the development and improvement of the Communication Strategy for Ciheb-Kenya.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, mass media, political science, or related field
• The ideal candidate will have tertiary qualifications in communications, marketing, or public relations from a recognised university
• Substantial communications experience, covering public relations, promotions, and media, including in an international context
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to write for a variety of audiences and communications mediums
• Personal flexibility for after-hours meetings, deadline demands, and travel

Experience:

• At least five years of work experience and demonstrated success in a communications role that includes social media.

Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent communication and persuasion skills
• Team player with strong leadership skills
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment
• High levels of integrity
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Tech savvy and strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, able to multi-task and set priorities.