Communications Officer (Media Relations & External Engagement) at World Vision Kenya

Key Responsibilities:

Media Relations and Brand Visibility

• Develop and execute a media relations strategy to secure positive coverage of World Vision Kenya's work in local, national, and regional media outlets.
• Draft press releases, media pitches, and other communication materials that effectively communicate World Vision Kenya's brand story and impact.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers to increase brand awareness and media visibility.
• Assist to develop and implement a social media strategy to engage audiences, promote World Vision Kenya's initiatives, and foster online communities.
• Create compelling content (written, visual, and multimedia) for various platforms to showcase World Vision Kenya's work and achievements.
• Maintain awareness of the latest media trends, communication technologies, and best practices to ensure World Vision Kenya's message resonates with its target audiences.
• Lead in media planning, engagements and timely response to media inquiries and perform media outreach to achieve brand placement in publications and other mass media platforms.
• Proactively pitch ideas for new content and content updates to Communications & Marketing Manager and contribute to the maintenance of planning of a content calendar.
• Contribute in crisis management through media monitoring for potential reputational risks.
• Track analytics and create reports detailing successes and failures of communications content
• Ensure that all communications and marketing material align with brand standards

Networking, Partnerships & Advocacy

• Develop and execute communication campaigns that raise awareness of critical issues affecting children in Kenya, influencing policy change and garnering public support for World Vision's advocacy efforts.
• Craft media pitches, press releases, and talking points tailored to secure impactful media coverage that advances World Vision Kenya's advocacy goals.
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, civil society organizations, and the donor community, to strengthen World Vision Kenya's external engagement and advocacy initiatives.

Planning and Capacity Building

• As media focal point, coach others to create and deliver effective messages as thought leaders to represent World Vision activities to the media, discussing both current events and strategic issues of improved and sustained well-being of vulnerable children in Kenya
• Under the guidance of the Communications & Marketing Manager, train and position approved media spokespersons to respond to media inquiries and achieve positive coverage for World Vision Kenya
• Under the guidance of Communications & Marketing Manager provide advice and training to others where needed on communications activity – eg advice on social media, media interviews or other related skills.
• Support in developing strategic solutions to emerging communications challenges.

Learning, Documentation and Quality Assurance

• Document success stories/case studies and best practices, and to be shared during learning events.
• Review project publications and external marketing engagement materials for alignment to WVI quality and brand.
• Create relationships and connections utilizing various channels for information sharing, learning, influence to help shape and advance the communications agenda

Others

• Participate in Trans teams and support other initiatives by partners in the spirit of integration
• Any other duties as might be assigned from time to time

KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ROLE

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public information, external communications, journalism, international relations,
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in leading media relations, external engagement
• Experience working in a communications office in NGOs or for a media outlet in print, radio or television is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated experience in strong editorial skills for traditional media & digital publication and distribution
• Strong communicator who works well independently and with the team
• Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve communication efforts
• Understanding of communications, public relations and marketing best practices