Communications and Outreach Officer at African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a plan for revitalising ACTS Press
• Establish effective systems and processes to support ACTS’ research programmes and researchers in promoting, and contribute to the impact of ACTS’s work through a broad range of communication tools and integrated programs to ensure consistency of messages emanating from the centre;
• In collaboration with program managers, develop and implement communication strategies and annual action plans targeting key audiences of the centre including the use of media programs, digital and social media channels as well as one on one engagements;
• Manage ACTS’s presence and visibility at major external events
• Undertake engagements with donors, policy makers, regional institutions and various stakeholders on behalf of ACTS;
• Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts and drive positive international and regional media coverage of the centre through proactive media relations using press releases, media events, contributed articles;
• Contribute to enhanced internal communications by advising on innovative mechanisms, and by developing appropriate messaging and processes to maximize the effectiveness of communication;
• Oversee the activities related to the production of high quality communications materials, including digital content, books, journals, working papers, policy briefs, annual reports, newsletters etc;
• Coordinate synthesis of results from research and innovation projects

Requirements

• Master degree in areas related to communication and outreach
• Masters or bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or related subject area.
• 5 years’ work experience in a similar position
• Experience in relationship building with diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to think strategically and to develop and execute a strategic communication planning
• Ability to read, understand and assimilate complex technical information to produce clear, well-written summaries.
• Ability to present and package scientific information into various formats to suit research and non-research audiences.
• Basic knowledge of and skills in desktop publishing, photography and photo editing (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop).
• Basic knowledge and skills in publishing articles through website content management systems (Joomla, WordPress and Drupal).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and well within teams.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Excellent communication, organizational and documentation skills.
• Professional training on scientific reporting will be an added advantage