Communications and Media Engagement Officer at Kenya Red Cross Society

Reporting To: Policy and Advocacy Manager

Scope of Role

The Communications officer will support the training Institute and ICHA in their external communication, media engagement and advocacy campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities

The key responsibilities for the communications and media engagement officer include:

• Manage content on the ICHA and Training Institute Websites
• Manage the social media handles for ICHA and the training institute
• Supports the team to track, research and analyze information to develop campaigns and engagement concepts;
• Gathers information from diverse sources and helps to assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns
• Supports effective coordination and implementation of campaigns and engagement opportunities.
• Drafts/compiles a range of information and communications products for target audiences, to include press releases, media packets and reports, brochures, briefings, video clips, newsletters, websites, etc.
• Prepares initial drafts of stories and media inputs (Key messages, press releases, new stories) for campaigns
• Organizes or participates in the organization of conferences, seminars, press briefings, interviews, etc.
•  Prepares briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in such events.
• Responds to a variety of inquiries and information requests internally and externally; prepares related correspondence.
• Develops dissemination plans for campaign materials using a range of owned and nonowned channels.
• Disseminates campaign materials, messages, events through TV, Radio, web portals, printed media, etc.
• Develops and manages existing and new social media tools to disseminate content
• Identifies key contacts/constituencies and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintains working relationships with the same. In particular, establishes working level contacts with external partners, media.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Person specification

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in communication, marketing, public relations, media or information technologies or related field is an added advantage
• A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Skills and experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, communication, media affairs, campaigns or events of public interest, or related area is required.
• Experience in drafting communication strategies and in planning and implementing large scale communication projects or campaigns is required.
• Experience in internet and social media systems, applications and interactive tools (such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN, Vimeo and YouTube) and with standard computer applications is required.
• Experience in community development and/or community outreach is desirable.
• Experience in video and photography computer-based programmes is desirable.
• Experience in writing and producing communications in English such as news stories, press releases, newsletters and leaflets is desirable