Corporate Communication Officer at Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT)

Job Purpose

• The Corporate Communication Officer will play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining our organization’s public image and brand reputation. She/He will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication plans and initiatives that align with our strategic goals and objectives and will manage the day-to-day corporate & programme communication activities required to contribute to achieving the communications targets of MESPT and assist in monitoring their implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Trust’s communication function
• Coordinate the Trust’s participation in strategic forums that enhance MESPT's image, promote the programs and promote networking, collaborations, and networks, e.g., conferences, exhibitions, shows and festivals.
• Ensure that all MESPT events are well organized, branded and executed.
• Plan and manage the design, content, and production of all organizational materials such as brochures, fact sheets, reports and newsletters among others.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, partners, key opinion farmers and beneficiaries that will help advance the work of MESPT
• In liaison with the MEAL Manager document case studies and other stories of progress and achievement for dissemination and maintain a library of case studies and photography and the archiving and storage of information Prepare speeches for official functions of the Trust.
• Facilitate the branding of MESPT and that of donors while ensuring that the costs are within the budget and stipulated timelines.
• Carry out research based on both local and international press on possible causes of negative publicity and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Advice on suitable Corporate Social Initiatives (CSI) and managing the activities.
• Coordinate media relations strategies and identify specific events that require media coverage and packaging for dissemination to the media and the public.
• Produce and disseminate communication materials about MESPT and its programmes, Coordinate social media and website content.
• Produce monthly newsletters.
• Proofreading and editing reports and publications.
• Manage internal and external communication and develop and implement an integrated public communications plan.
• Gather information to develop high-level documents such as policies, manuals and strategies relevant to the department.
• Identify issues related to customer satisfaction and ensure that relevant measures are taken to address the issues.
• Other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the supervisor/Manager.

Key Relationships

Internal

• The CEO
• Programme Managers
• Finance team
• Programme officers
• Programme Assistants
• Human Resource officer
• ICT Team

External

• Media Vendors
• Consultants
• Suppliers
• Brand ambassadors
• Donors
• Partner Organizations, Government Ministries and organizations

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• At least Five years’ progressive work experience in a fast-paced and challenging environment preferably with development organizations and agencies.
• Solid business acumen, project/program management, the ability to drive results and influence others, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and excellent process orientation.
• Experience coordinating events for large and small groups.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience working with programmes in non-governmental organizations.

Qualifications/Other Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, PR, Journalism, or related fields.
• Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies e.g. Member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya or Media Council of Kenya or any other recognized professional body.
• Strong computer software skills on publishing, photo/video editing software and office programmes (Excel, Word, etc.) (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is an advantage).
• Working knowledge of graphic design.
• Knowledge of working with newsletters, blogs and IT design programs as well as e-Communication.

Role Competencies:

• Willingness to work in a fast paced and constantly changing work environment.
• Driven, curious and willing to engage and learn.
• Good at understanding guidelines and requirements and translating them into concrete improvements.
• Flexibility and ability to prioritize and plan daily work according to evolving needs, often with short deadlines and shifting tasks.
• Ability to work independently and in a structured and effective manner, with attention to detail and results.
• Good analytical and critical thinking skills, Problem-solving, judgment and decision-making skills.
• Excellent English oral and written communication and presentation skills, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences.
• Unquestionable integrity
• Ability to prioritise

Behaviour

• Accountable: Taking responsibility for appropriate decisions that you make, and the actions and behaviour you demonstrate
• Embracing Change: Openness to embracing change within the organisation and being able to adjust plans/activities accordingly.
• Team Player: with excellent interpersonal skills, motivated by cooperating with a diverse mix of professionals and different cultures. Ability to build and maintain networks...
• Innovative: Thinking creatively and outside of the box so that ideas generated create a positive outcome