Director, Communications and Strategy at Kenya Vision 2030

Job Description
The job holder is responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and overseeing implementation of Corporate Communication, Media and Public Relations activities, marketing strategies, policies, systems, and initiatives that translate into brand value enhancement, Institution’s visibility, and Reputational Risk Management. 
The job holder is also responsible for spearheading the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Secretariat’s performance contracting and reporting, including the development, review and monitoring of the VDS Strategic Plan.

The Director, Communications and Strategy will be responsible to the Director General in carrying out the following roles: -

• Leading the conceptualization, formulation, designing, developing, implementing, managing, analyzing, and reviewing public relations and corporate communication 
• strategies, policies, procedures and practices that promote Kenya Vision 2030 Flagship 
• Programmes and Projects, locally and internationally.
• Designing, development, implementation and management of corporate strategy and 
• operational plans geared towards attaining and sustaining a positive public image of the institution.
• Overseeing the management of media and other stakeholder engagement including 
• interviews, and preparation of informative press briefs, press releases, newsletters, 
• publications and branding/marketing materials to be disseminated to external and internal stakeholders to enhance accurate information dissemination to the public on all matters of concern to VDS.
• Creating awareness on the roles, goals, objectives, and activities of the Kenya Vision 2030 
• Projects and Programmes while spearheading all the institution’s media campaign activities in liaison with other Directorates to improve on VDS visibility.
• Devising and implementing measures to project, promote and protect the Secretariat’s corporate image and profile locally and internationally.
• Liaising with other Directorates and Divisions to develop or review various strategies to support programmes/projects under VDS and MTP.
• Designing, initiating, undertaking and supervising public relations and communication research to develop and execute sound corporate public relations and communication strategies and appropriate interventions for the VDS.
• Developing and implementing appropriate and strategic networks, collaboration, linkages and partnerships with the stakeholders nationally and internationally to support the VDS.
• Responsible for designing, producing, and disseminating information, education and 
• communication (IEC) materials including other VDS’ publicity materials e.g documentaries, newsletters and brochures.
• Developing a strategic and people-centered communication strategy and spearhead the 
• management of the relationship between the institution and external Brand and PR communication agencies assigned to the institution.
• Overseeing the management of the implementation of all artworks, production of branding or marketing materials and media campaigns to enhance brand affinity. 
• Overseeing the development, production, and execution of all the VDS advertising strategies to enhance brand visibility and corporate identity. 
• Overseeing the management of VDS annual events and exhibitions to promote and enhance 
• stakeholder engagement forums and initiatives to publicize VDS activities. 
• Overseeing compliance and adherence to the VDS’ Citizen Service Delivery Charter for efficient service delivery.
• Design and manage the VDS’ website’s content in liaison with ICT and develop and manage information resource centre for VDS content while ensuring that information on databases remain secure by instituting copyright measures as applicable. 
• Develop, coordinate and implement VDS corporate social responsibility strategies.
• Working with the management and staff to recognize internal and external communication opportunities and solutions that define and execute appropriate strategies to support the VDS. 
• Coordinate the preparation, vetting, signing and evaluation of the VDS Performance Contract.
• Spearhead the development, implementation and monitoring of the Secretariat’s Strategic 
• Plan and identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization for further action.
• Overseeing the preparation and submission of all periodic and ad hoc reports for the 
• Directorate geared towards sustaining high positive media tonality of the Secretariat and departmental reports for submission in the Senior Management and Board meetings for informed decision making.
• Inspiring and mentoring the department’s staff on career progression and personal growth to ascertain succession planning.

Job Specifications
For appointment to this grade a candidate should possess:

• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: - Mass Communication, Corporate Communication, Development Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: - Mass Communication, 
• Corporate Communication, Development Communication, Journalism, Media 
• Studies, Public Relations, or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Must have served in the position of Deputy, Assistant or Senior Principal Public 
• Relations and Communications Officer or in a comparable and relevant position in the Public or Private sector for a minimum period of (3) years OR at least fifteen [15] years relevant work experience required, seven [7] of which should be at senior managerial level.
• Be a member of good standing in a recognized professional body such as Chartered 
• Institute of Public Relations Society of Kenya or any other relevant professional body.
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.
• Proven experience in designing and/or implementing a local, national, or regional strategic communications strategy.
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of National goals, policies and objectives and ability to relate them to realization of Vision 2030.
• Should have done Senior Leadership Development Programme Course (SLDP) or 
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Ability to management and lead teams.
• Ability to work under pressure. 
• Knowledge of best practices in Customer Experience
• Knowledge of Brand & Product Marketing
• Digital Media Management
• Project management skills
• Communication skills
• Reporting skills
• Competitive analysis
• Analytical skills
• Negotiation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Reliability & Dependability
• Creativity and Innovative
• Emotional Intelligence