Senior Communications Manager at TechnoServe Kenya

Position Description:

The Senior Communications Manager will strategically lead internal and external communications efforts for the TechnoServe Kenya country office. A pivotal leadership role, the role holder is accountable for elevating the organization's reputation, media relations, stakeholder engagement, public visibility, and internal communications activities. The role requires developing an integrated, multi-channel communications strategy aligned with organizational goals, overseeing the implementation of high-impact communications campaigns, cultivating strategic media/influencer relationships, and providing expert communications counsel to executive leadership, country and regional teams.

Key roles and responsibilities:

Communications Strategy & Positioning

• Review, adapt, and execute an integrated communications strategy and a communications work plan. This involves coordinating activities and ensuring alignment between the diverse program portfolio, to strategically advance the TechnoServe Kenya Country's mission, vision, goals, and programmatic priorities to raise awareness of its programs and impact.
• Ensure the development of compelling, audience-targeted communications and learning materials including a TechnoServe Kenya micro site, and periodic knowledge articles, reports, multimedia content, speeches, digital assets, op-eds, etc. i.e. , including but not limited to print and web materials such as articles, reports, briefs (policy), multimedia products, posters, and information packets.
• Proactively share compelling stories and visual content with the home office and partners to showcase the organization's achievements.
• Work closely with TechnoServe Kenya’s Senior Management team to develop internal and external communications materials, including newsletters, templates, social media content, training, and visual communications materials, and ensure that materials are kept updated.
• Liaise with other TechnoServe’s Kenya project communication staff and home office communications team to ensure proper amplification and visibility of country-level content, while identifying opportunities to drive the organization’s global agenda in the country and region.
• Ensure compliance with communications governance including policies, processes, workflows, and approval protocols to support operational efficiency.
• Develop communication work plans that outline key implementation activities supporting TecnoServe's Kenya Strategic Plan and Communications strategies. This includes creating and managing the communications budget to prioritize strategies that provide value for money.
• Work closely with monitoring and evaluation leads to develop data and metrics into compelling stories, documenting best practices and lessons learned.
• Work with colleagues throughout the region to produce and commission, as appropriate, editorials, features, advertisements, brochures, fact sheets, briefings, position papers, news stories, etc., and research and commission visuals, videos, photographs, and other footage as necessary.
• Develop and establish processes for monitoring issues, mitigating risks, scenario planning, and preparing crisis communications.
• Support Program Managers to update web pages on the microsites

Media and Public Relations

• Build and and nurture strategic relationships with journalists and key media outlets , influencers, and communications professionals to increase positive brand awareness.
• Develop multimedia, initiatives, and events to shape external perceptions and drive consistency including favorable media coverage as appropriate.
• Identify high-value opportunities to strategically enhance visibility and shape external engagement priorities for organizational leadership.
• Continuously monitor dynamic media landscape, trends, and stakeholder conversations to identify threats or opportunities proactively.
• Collaborate with Senior leadership to design, organize and host in-person and virtual events around topics and with audiences that advance TechnoServe’s global and country agenda
• Liaise with home office communications team to respond to global media requests

 Project Communication

• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop tailored, integrated communications plans for major programs, initiatives, and events ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals.
• Support knowledge management and exchange (KMX) through an internal strategy and workplan, including standards-setting and oversight, learning sessions, and content organization.
• Edit, proofread, summarize reports, project documents, and write articles about TechnoServe as needed.
• Ensure all program communications uphold brand standards, align with master strategy, and support broader organizational objectives
• Direct the creation and delivery of content , including photos, videos , and other visibility products to  help the organization build and nurture relationships with donors and the general public.

Capacity Building

• Periodically assess communications capabilities across the country office projects and design training curricula to upskill staff on communications principles and best practices as needed
• Deliver training workshops and provide mentorship to build organization-wide proficiency in core communications competencies (e.g. media training for Senior Management Team)
• Foster an environment of consistent learning, knowledge management, creative thinking, and innovation within the communications function incorporating cross-functional approaches
• Coach and support junior communications associates, including through dotted-line reporting
• Build the capacity of the local program staff to capture and share stories and photos.
• Support the development of internal business/information sharing platforms (Share Drive, etc.) for effective internal communication to build and maintain Technoserve's Kenya communication network. Additionally, oversee internal communication initiatives to keep staff informed and engaged, including news updates and internal announcements.

Required skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, advertising, communications, or a similar subject area and at least 10 years of experience in communication, writing, editing, design, and content management or a Masters degree in related fields and 6 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrable success in developing and executing high-impact, insight-driven, integrated communications strategies and campaigns
• Exceptional written/verbal/presentation abilities to expertly craft messaging and tell compelling stories for diverse audiences
• Significant expertise in media & public relations, executive communications, brand building, digital/social strategy and content marketing
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications strategies.
• Ability to present and package information into various formats to suit different audiences.
• Knowledge in desktop publishing, HTML, photography, and photo editingg. in Adobe Creative Suite of products.
• Knowledge of and experience with Wordpress; Canva (Available at TNS Global), Mailchimp, and Microsoft Suite (notably PowerPoint)
• Excellent interpersonal oral and communication skills
• Ability to generate innovative solutions in work situations.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with attention to detail
• Proficiency in communications planning, metrics, measurement, and ROI analysis to optimize strategies and investments
• Proficiency in key communications software
• Experience using photography and videography for storytelling.
• Adept in crisis communications, risk mitigation, perception management, and organizational reputation preservation
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.