Communications Officer at Heifer International

FUNCTION

• The Communications Officer will be responsible for strategic media, partner engagement and project visibility. The position will take responsibility for sharing project lessons and impact with multiple stakeholders through documenting and disseminating different communication material. The Communications Officer will report to the Communications Manager, and work in liaison with the Project Manager.
• This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS

• Heifer International Kenya is looking for an individual who is analytical, pragmatic, self-motivated, attentive to details, and a team player.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

Communication Planning and Product Development and Partnership (30%)

• Develop a communication strategy for the KLMP project.
• Deliver high-quality writing and communications support. Develop communications materials including talking points and presentations, website and social media content, fact sheets, presentations, reports, and other collateral in accordance with Heifer and SIDA brand guidelines.
• Develop and support the project leadership in implementing a communication networking strategy for the project.
• Collect and share project information including project background, success stories and best practice with media and other stakeholders.
• Develop and nurture good working partnerships and linkages with NGOs, government agencies, local institutions including and other like-minded organizations to advance the mission of Heifer, SIDA and the project.

 Mass Media Campaign on Poultry and beef production targeting 38,000 households (20%)

• Develop an overall project mass media campaign and outreach strategy for three years.
• Generate an annual plan of key project mass media activities, events, and materials.
• Develop key messages and materials including radio, print, and electric media materials on poultry and beef production, nutrition, and consumption.
• Coordinate and implement all the key mass media activities targeting producers, consumers, schools, and feed distributors in the project.
• Develop and maintain useful links with the media; organize media events, including the Launch of KLMP at the County level, press conferences, and other engagements with the media.

 Communications Resources Development and Dissemination (10%)

• Design, write, edit, produce, and distribute simple and/or complex communication products (e.g., newsletters, progress reports, brief note series, brochures, Web messages) about Heifer, SIDA, and KLMP activities.
• Develop and manage partner and stakeholders’ dissemination and communication database.
• Carry out regular review and updating and management of all the IEC materials and tools.

 Project support (10%)

• Facilitate capacity building to project staff on communication parameters i.e., success story write-ups, Photography, among others.
• Support KLMP’s reporting to the donor, including monthly updates, quarterly progress reports, annual reports, and the final report.
• Document and communicate project activities such as stakeholder workshops, project management committee meetings, steering committee meetings, launch activities, and key monitoring and evaluation events and project visits.

 Managing Communication materials (5%)

• Ensure responsive communication to Heifer, SIDA, and other partners and stakeholders concerning Heifer’s events.
• Maintaining and updating communication and networking files
• Maintaining communication materials such as photographs, films (both soft and hard Copies), and recording materials such as camera
• Strengthen Heifer’s branding and visibility with the government and development community.

 Lead internal and external learning processes (5%)

• Oversee the establishment of local learning platforms in the project areas.
• Oversee organization of field days and exchange visits between project and operational areas
• Coordinate development of the organization and project technical manuals
• Publish articles in relevant newspapers and journals.

 Social Media and Digital Communication (15%)

• Lead the ideation, design, and production of the project's digital content for effective project storytelling on the organization’s social media channel.
• Actively collaborate with the other members of the Communications team to contribute to the digital editorial plan and ensure its 100% implementation.
• Monitor trending topics to take advantage of opportunities for positioning the project interventions and impact.
• Contribute to regular tracking, analysis, and reporting on online metrics, providing insights, and acting on the information to improve performance, impact, and reach.

 Other duties as assigned by the supervisor (5%)

• Carry out other duties assigned in the interest of Heifer International and SIDA.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors in public relations, mass communications, development studies, or related field, plus three (3) years of related experience.
• Proven knowledge and experience in the field communications of agricultural development.

Preferred Requirements

• A master’s degree in a similar field is preferred with at least 2 years of practical working experience in communication and networking, knowledge of agricultural development, and work experience in the NGO world is an added advantage.

Most Critical Proficiencies

• Good analytical skills with the ability to verify information.
• Excellent management, communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills.
• A good understanding and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, environment, natural resources management, climate change, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate.
• Ability to promote the vision and strategic goals of Heifer International.
• Computer proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail, and Internet software (Microsoft Office preferred).
• Strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate future developments and trends and incorporate them into organizational plans.
• Demonstrated proficiency in English and Kiswahili oral and written.
• Excellent creative, writing, and visual communication skills.
• Strong experience in using graphics tools (Canva, Adobe Suite) and creating visual (photo and video) assets for use on social media channels.
• Expertise in creating content for major social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)
• Good experience in managing paid social media campaigns.
• Knowledge of web and social media metrics and analytics tools, including Google Analytics.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

• Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with great attention to detail.
• Ability to lead teams effectively and exhibit strong conflict resolution skills.
• Proven team and customer care skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with diverse staff, including field staff in several locations.
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling Heifer’s and SIDA’s values and ethical standards.
• Openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone, and electronic communication with colleagues both within and outside of Kenya.
• May require constant sitting and moving, working at a computer for extended periods.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Performing multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work with a flexible schedule.
• Willingness to travel both locally and internationally.