Principal Communications Officer at County Government of Kirinyaga

Job Ref: KCPSB/PCO/05/03/02/23

Duties And Responsibilities

An officer at this level will be deployed in the Communication Directorate at the County Headquarters and will report to the Director Communication.

• Duties and responsibilities at this level will entail assisting the Assistant Director Communications in:
• Gathering information on programmes, significant events in various sectoral areas and the impact on customers, and forwarding the same to the Director Communication for dissemination;
• Carrying out research on local and national press on public opinion on the County Government;
• Assisting in the development of communications and media strategy;
• Editing stories on various topical issues before they are released to the public and liaising with media practitioners and the public on issues of mutual concern;
• Handling complex news, information and features that require objective judgment.
• Edit press releases/statements, keynote speeches, annual reports and other key documents for the County.
• Prepare talking notes and speeches for staff during media interviews and press conferences
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements for Appointment

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

• Served in the grade of Chief Public Communication Officer or an equivalent and comparable position in the Public Service or Private Sector for a minimum period of three (3) years;
• Bachelor’s Degree, in any of the following disciplines: - Mass Communication, journalism, Public Relations, Communication Studies, Media Studies/science or Photojournalism from a recognized institution; OR Bachelor’s Degree in social Science with a Postgraduate Diploma in Photojournalism, Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Communication Studies or Media Studies/Science from a recognized institution;
• Have a clear understanding of working of the media;
• Have attended a management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized Institution;
• Possess advanced computer application skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills’ and
• Have demonstrated professional and managerial competence in information work as reflected in work performance and results Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.