Communications Officer at African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

APHRC is seeking to recruit a Communications Officer who will join the Policy Engagement and Communications (PEC) Program in the Visibility Unit which is responsible for the Centers corporate communications and manages the APHRC brand to enhance the Center`s profile as a thought leader in evidence-based policy formulation, showcasing impact through policy engagement and creating awareness within Africa`s research and development (R&D) ecosystem. We are looking for an individual who is creative, organized, highly motivated, results-oriented, and a great communicator to lasting evidence-based change in Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities

Digital Communications

• Work with the Visibility Unit Manager to develop and deliver the Center’s or project-specific social media strategy.
• Manage APHRC’s social media account, with the support and input of the Visibility Unit Manager.
• Create interactive and engaging content that is tailored to a range of audiences.
• Write compelling content for the website and social media, complying with APHRC’s editorial standards.
• With the support of the Visibility Unit Manager, ensure the APHRC website is regularly updated.
• Maintain a high standard for copy and content, meeting brand and style guidelines.
• Supervise digital communications interns working in PEC.
• Coordinate visibility and online campaigns with other APHRC regional offices and implementing partners.
• Monitor social media metrics using specific tools.

Content Generation

• Contribute to the development of corporate communication products, including promotional brochures, website content, newsletters and annual reports.
• Write, edit and distribute content, including blogs, articles, press releases, case studies, and human-interest stories, website content, op-eds, etc, that communicate APHRC’s activities.
• Support the development of new branded assets to meet the needs of the Center. Liaise with designers and external suppliers to ensure assets are produced on time, in budget, and to the required standard.

Internal Communications

• Collaborate on copy and content editing of various communication products -the Weekly and Monthly Updates.
• Collaborate on the Unit’s calendar of events to ensure APHRC’s work is profiled during relevant calendar days with relevant content.

Media Relations

• Support journalist requests for APHRC’s responses in a timely manner to queries and connect journalists with spokespeople from across APHRC.
• Package stories and information enabling APHRC to pitch to print and online media.
• Contribute to growing and managing APHRC’s media database.
• Conduct media monitoring and produce quarterly reports.

Additional Functions

• Collaborate in developing and implementing communications strategies to achieve the overall APHRC goals, producing and disseminating various communications products and materials.
• Support the Visibility Unit Manager with wider partner stakeholder management and engagement, as well as mapping external audiences for APHRC content.
• Support the coordination of specific events and represent the organization externally when relevant.

 Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A first degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field.
• 3-5years relevant experience in a communications role.
• Strong writing, editing and verbal skills; excellent attention to detail.
• Experience in digital communications, social media and community management, and of adapting a message to different audiences.
• Experience of website management, content management systems, and social media platforms.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, including producing quality communication material.
• Experience in graphic design and audio-visual production are an added advantage.

The ideal candidate should be able to think creatively, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.