Principal Communications Officer at Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)

• Reference HR/7/PCO/2021/24
• Job Grade KIP 4
• Basic Salary Scale KES 147,181-207,612 per month
• Division Corporate Communications and Media

Position Summary

The purpose of this job is to head the division, promote KIPPRA’s corporate brand and image and communicate the Institute’s policy research output and capacity building programmes; implement the communication policy and strategy; coordinate media, publicity and Institutional events; oversee customer care services and coordinate website content and updates.

Key Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities will entail: –

• Developing, implementing and maintaining public affairs and communications strategies;
• Responding to and managing negative publicity of the Institute in consultation Executive Director;
• Leading the communications team to develop, implement and maintain a strong KIPPRA image and brand;
• Supervising and assign duties to the staff in the department;
• Developing and implementing annual work plans, budgets and reports;
• Overseeing capacity building for staff on communication;
• Developing communication messages to ensuring KIPPRA’s visibility;
• Responding to media queries and public relations;
• Drafting official speeches and documents;
• Ensuring the KIPPRA website is regularly updated;
• Designing, developing and producing the KIPPRA Policy Monitor (internal newsletter);
• Making presentations on KIPPRA during internal and external stakeholder meetings;
• Managing all KIPPRA internal and external communications;
• Overseeing the branding of the Institute;
• Ensuring the KIPPRA social media platforms are regularly updated;
• Drafting news alerts and send to relevant stakeholders;
• Liaising with the media in dissemination of KIPPRA’s research output and visibility;
• Organizing KIPPRA events;
• Drafting press releases and invite media to cover KIPPRA events;
• Compiling relevant news items daily from various sources and send to KIPPRA staff
• Updating of the KIPPRA mailing list by providing new contacts to Ensuring efficient communication with all KIPPRA stakeholders.

Qualifications

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: –

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Master’s degree in Communication, Public Relations or related field or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Minimum of six (6) year’s relevant work experience;
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Demonstrated professional competence as reflected in work performance and results;
• Computer Skills in corporate communication tools e.g., web, social media and print media.
• Fulfil the requirements for Chapter six (6) of the Constitution.

Functional Skills, Behavioral Competencies and Attributes:

Functional skills:

• Strategic management skills;
• Problem-solving skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Communication skills;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Organizational skills;
• Team building skills;
• Analytical skills;
• Computer skills in corporate communication tools;
• Excellent writing and editing skills;
• Leadership skills; and
• Mentoring skills.

Behavioral competencies and attributes:

• Strategic thinking;
• Critical thinking;
• Team player;
• Ability to work under pressure
• Motivational competencies