Communications and Media Relations Manager at Plan International

Role Purpose

The Communications & Media Relations Manager will provide strategic leadership and management in enhancing corporate communications; build the brand profile and visibility of the organisation internally and externally; promote Plan International’s global campaigns at country level; develop in-country campaigns for communications and advocacy, optimise information and knowledge management and documentation to profile the organisation. Plan International Kenya is also increasing its focus on humanitarian response and the position holder will be required to raise the profile of the organisation as a humanitarian actor. 

Accountabilities and Main work activities

Corporate Communications (35%)

• Lead and manage the formulation and implementation of Country Communications Strategy in line with the five (5) year Kenya Country Strategic Plan whilst being cognisant of global strategy and campaigns;
• Provide strategic advice and support to the leadership team, technical advisors and Programme Unit Managers in relation to communications as well manage risks related to Plan International’s communications and media work;
• Communicate Plan International Kenya achievements and lessons learnt in order to influence change at policy level and raise its profile as a key player and expert in the thematic areas identified in Plan Kenya’s Country Strategy;
• Ensure adherence to communication policies, protocols, standards and implement guidelines for producing communications content across Plan International;
• Ensure the consistent and correct use of all the corporate and branding elements in line with the global brand guidelines and approved project brand books for all communications and IEC materials and in public events;
• Lead the production of high-quality communication products including information packs, power point presentations, press releases, speeches and talking points, annual reports, organization profile, newsletters, photos and video and multimedia content;
• In liaison with programme staff, lead the production of creative key messages appropriately tailored to external and internal audiences including through the production and dissemination of reports, the organization of events and conferences;
• Provide strategic and tactical emergency communications to increase visibility of the country office as a humanitarian actor;
• Lead internal communication and keep staff regularly informed of up-to-date organizational developments at global, regional and country level through effective channels;
• Take full responsibility for performance management of all direct reports, work closely with them to define their performance objectives, mentor and focus their work to be in line with Plan International values;
• Develop a communications budget, monitor the use of the resources and take appropriate actions to optimize use of funds;
• Support the development of Plan International Kenya staff’s communication skills;
• Manage all external consultants as required for the achievement of agreed outputs.

Digital Communications (10%)

• Develop and disseminate a digital communications strategy in line with the country strategic plan and global priorities to convey the right messages to the targeted audiences using the right channels;
• Communicate the global/country social media policy and protocols to all users;
• Oversee the website content management to ensure it is relevant, accurate and up to date.

Campaigns (10%)

• In liaison with the Director of Programme Strategy, Development and Innovation and the Influencing & Advocacy Advisor, lead and support campaign initiatives in relation to Plan International’s global and local campaigns, organise events and ensure appropriate messages for the local context;
• Establish, strengthen and maintain strategic partnership and alliances with campaigns and advocacy partners;
• Support in the production and dissemination of positions papers and statements, key messages, fact sheets on the campaign themes.

Media Relations (25%)

• Establish, strengthen and maintain strategic partnership with media and public relations partners in order to boost Plan International’s public image, profile and visibility in the country;
• Ensure that Plan International Kenya is positioned high and known as a pro-adolescent girls and young women organization through creating of opportunities for media engagements;
• Support the positioning of Plan International Kenya as a charity of choice - for development and humanitarian works using targeted mass media both at country and county level;
• Build the capacity of staff, children, adolescents and youth on media engagements to adequately prepare them to engage with media.

Information Management (10%)

• Support the programme staff, ensure the effective gathering, packaging, management and sharing of critical information required to achieve country program goals, external influence and strategic directions.
• In collaboration with Technical Advisors, ensure that reports are professionally and efficiently produced and disseminated to all stakeholders.
• Support user friendly systems or infrastructures are in place where learning resources are shared.

Leadership competencies

• Set and communicate ambitious but realistic work goals and priorities for the team, explaining how these contribute to Plan International’s country strategic plan and global purpose;
• Set high standards for self and others’ behaviours, inside and outside work, championing Plan International’s values and commitment to rights, gender equality and safeguarding whilst supporting the health, well-being and both physical and psychological safety of our staff, including their safety to speak out;
• Hold self and others to account for what Plan International agrees to, dealing with poor performance quickly, firmly and constructively;
• Create a positive team spirit, helping people work well together, to reflect and continuously improve the efficiency and quality of what Plan International sets to do;
• Collaborating with team members, colleagues and partners in finding creative solutions to problems by sharing information, experience and ideas and actively seeking their input;
• Motivating and developing others by taking an interest, giving constructive feedback and praise, ensuring they. Are properly trained and helping them develop their potential;
• Positive about change and supporting others in adjusting to it, helping team members understand.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

• Enforces appropriate use of brand throughout all written and verbal communications.
• Understands relevant sectoral context including how the sector operates in terms of funding and governance and awareness of Plan International’s purpose, values and global strategy;
• Manages legal and reputational risk including risk assessment, communication, risk management and reporting in full compliance with risk-related standards, including in areas such as Child and. Youth Safeguarding and Protection, Gender Equality and Inclusion, counter fraud, safety and security;
• Managing activities and resources including skills in planning and organising, financial and project management;
• Managing people and information including skills in communication, both speaking and writing, digital working including personal digital skills.
• Managing resources and delivery: Knows the resources required for their role. Manages their own workload, avoiding under or overcommitting to delivery activities; Works according to a budget and uses the relevant financial systems.; Works according to principles of data protection; Understands how information is used for reporting and decisions making; Seeks to continually improve personal working practices.
• Programme and project management: Aware of the programmes that Plan International delivers directly and through partner organisations. Aware of the programme and project management procedures relevant to their role.; -Complies with financial procedures and controls relevant to their role; -Seeks opportunities to reflect on and learn from all work.
• Digital working: Identifies ways to use digital to improve the effectiveness of work activities. Understands how digital enablers can contribute to achieving Plan International’s purpose. Utilises the digital tools available in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines.
• Evidence-based management: Understands the importance of high-quality data and the implications of poor data. Understands what data Plan International needs to inform decision-making. Interprets a range of sources to inform evidence-based decisions relevant to their role.
• Cascades knowledge throughout the organisation by sharing key messages, having team meetings and working collaboratively with other teams or departments.
• Encourages two-way channels of communication, facilitating conversations using digital and non-digital methods.

Educational Qualification and Experience Rrequired

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, International Relations or Marketing;
• At least 7 years of relevant working experience of which at least 3 years’ experience should be in a management/leadership role;
• Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies;
• Knowledge in digital communication and social media;
• Writing skills including ability to write press releases, editorial pieces, speeches and presentations;
• Event management skills;
• People skills – able to interact, supervise, negotiate, influence, network, advocate and facilitate;
• Good understanding of child protection and development issues.

Qualifications/ experience desirable: 

• A relevant Masters’ Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism and Media

Languages required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
• Working knowledge of Swahili is desirable;

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Behaviors:

• Role model our values and behaviors both internally and externally.
• Engages sensitively with community members on issues of gender equality and inclusion, demonstrating an understanding of the local culture and context.
• Promotes equality, including gender equality, inclusion and girls’ empowerment in Plan International’s work and in its work with partners
• The ability to build collaborative working relationships
• Uses creativity to challenge the norm and promote innovation and thinks and acts for the wider organization – linking partnership opportunities with the context of the wider organizational strategy
• Communicates effectively at and with a range of appropriate styles for different audiences
• Builds capability through knowledge sharing, networking, mentoring, coaching and advocates the importance of knowledge management