Principal Officer, Corporate Communications at Salaries & Renumeration Commission

Job Purpose

Responsible for implementing the corporate image and stakeholder management policies and strategies to enhance the Commission’s brand.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks

• Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Provide input into the departmental work plan and compile budget estimates to inform the departmental planning process;
  • Support in the management of media relations to build a positive SRC image;
  • Organise and coordinate the Commission events, including press conferences and mediabriefings;
  • Facilitate access to information and data when required by the public;
  • Manage review of media and social media for news and information relating to SRC’s mandate;
  • Assist in monitoring the impact of the communications strategy, communications policy,
    stakeholder management and mapping strategy, stakeholder management policy, and propose reviews where appropriate;
  • Supervise the production of Mishahara quarterly newsletter, e-Connect weekly bulletin and any other special publications;
  • Lead the development and performance management of staff that report to the position for the achievement of both individual and departmental goals;
  • Carry out training needs assessment and propose training programmes for departmental staff that report to the position;
  • Identify and evaluate communication risks and implications of all of the departmental activities;
  • Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff that report to the position; and
  • Mentor and coach staff that report to the position, in liaison with the Head of Corporate Communications.
• Operational Responsibilities / Tasks
  • Implement policies, procedures and manuals to ensure improved efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery;
  • Draft content for print and electronic media to ensure clear communication to stakeholders;
  • Review and update the Commission’s website, intranet and social media platforms ensuring that the content is factual and timely;
  • Provide requisite information to ensure accurate and timely responses to media and other key stakeholders.
  • Respond to media queries for the Commission to ensure responses are timely and factual, in liaison with the Head of Corporate Communications;
  • Prepare information, education and communication (IEC) materials and other promotional materials;
  • Implement the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy and programmes;
  • Draft opinion editorials for publication in line with Commission’s mandate.
  • Draft press releases and briefs on SRC’s programmes and activities;
  • Draft speeches and statements for the Chairperson and CEO;
  • Review audio-visual productions, documentaries, radio productions, as well as other  printed materials;
  • Identify public relations issues as they emerge and propose remedial action;
  • Provide secretarial services to the Commission’s Corporate Image and Stakeholder
  • Management Committee, as may be assigned by the Head of Corporate Communications;
  • Develop individual work plan, monitor own performance and seek support to ensure delivery of agreed targets; and
  • Prepare and submit departmental monthly, quarterly and annual reports to Head of Corporate Communications.

Job Dimensions:

• Financial Responsibility
• Provide input to the department budget and procurement plan.
• Responsibility for Physical Assets
• Computer
• Office equipment and furniture
• Camera
• Banners
• Decision Making / Job Influence
• Managerial
• Analytical
• Operational

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills)

Academic qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Journalism or any Bachelor’s degree with a Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication or Journalism from a recognised university.
• Master’s degree from a recognised university shall be an added advantage.
• Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies
• Member of Public Relations Society of Kenya in good standing.
• Previous relevant work experience required
• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience, with at least 4 years in a comparable position in a reputable organisation.

Functional Skills, Behavioral Competencies /Attributes:

• Meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution;
• Ability to deliver results in a complex and dynamic environment;
• Demonstrate ability to manage and lead high performing teams;
• Ability to identify customer needs and deliver service excellence
• Demonstrate knowledge on relevant legislation and applicable professional standards;
• High level of interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and under strict timelines;
• High level of attention to detail;
• Knowledge of relevant media software;
• Ability to work with teams;
• Possess problem solving skills; and
• Good analytical and communication skills.