Policy and communications officer at Dynamic People Consulting

The Policy and Communications Officer will work as part of the Embassy team across the political, development and trade portfolios to:

• deliver informed and insightful political, economic and other research, analysis and reporting;

• develop strategic and engaging communications content on behalf of the Embassy.

The successful candidate will:

• Undertake political analysis, reporting and media monitoring across the countries of Embassy accreditation and build robust networks within the Government, media and civil society to deliver trusted tracking of political and policy issues that support overall Embassy engagement (including mission strategy planning and annual business planning).
• Create strategic and engaging communications content on behalf of the Embassy, including press releases, speeches, social media posts, and website material to promote the Embassy’s work.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the next mission strategy.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The precise range of duties will vary over time according to the need of the Embassy but will include:

• Political and economic research, analysis and report writing
• Media monitoring, reporting and analysis
• Attendance and reporting on meetings
• Public diplomacy, including Embassy digital communications and supporting event organisation
• Building and maintaining a network of contacts with key partners
• Working on the Embassy’s social media outreach

This role will report directly to the Deputy Head of Mission. The position will engage regularly with the Ambassador and Second Secretary, work closely with other staff at the Embassy to ensure a whole of Embassy approach, and actively engage with stakeholders across the Department as well as the countries of accreditation.

Essential requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• Candidates must have a post-graduate qualification in international relations, communications and/or related field.
• Candidates must have a minimum of five years relevant experience as a political analyst in Kenya (and/or the Horn of Africa)
• Candidates must have at least three years of experience working on communications with a proven ability to produce high quality written material and the ability to write in an easily understood style and format for a range of audiences (examples may be requested).
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent written and spoken English. Applicants may be contacted in advance to establish language proficiency and a short written language test may be required.
• Candidates must be able to proactively work with internal and external stakeholders building and sustaining impactful networks and relationships, in particular with media outlets/journalists, civil society and other policy analysts.
• Demonstrable capacity to work in complex environments delivering results at pace and under pressure and taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Strong relationships/networks with key national, regional and, ideally, international networks.
• Resourceful and results-orientated, candidates should be able to demonstrate an ability to problem-solve working both independently and as a team member.
• High degree of integrity and trust.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint and social media platforms; additional IT applications would be beneficial (e.g. working with datasets).
• Candidates must be able to travel regularly in Kenya and, potentially internationally, up to 30 days/year.
• The successful candidate must have a legal entitlement to live and work in Kenya prior to recruitment.

Desirable competencies candidates are able to demonstrate:

• Experience with Thinking and Working Politically (TWP).
• Practical knowledge of grant management and programme cycle management including monitoring, evaluation and learning.

Terms and conditions of employment:

• The successful candidates will be hired on an initial 2 year fixed-term contract and will be based at the Embassy Nairobi office.
• The salary for the position is Ksh 4,992,000 per annum, paid locally on a monthly basis direct to a bank account. A pension plan is available to the successful applicant.
• The positions will have an annual leave allowance of 21 days per annum, exclusive of public holidays, adjusted pro rata.
• All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.