Job Opportunities at Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH)

‍About the role

• We have a unique and exciting way of doing things at TICAH and we need you to help us share this with the world in ways that touch the souls and hearts of our audiences! We’ve been told our organization is a “best kept secret” but with TICAH turning 20 this year, it’s time to make us more visible. The Creative Storytelling and Communications Associate works to strategically position our work and get our audiences to EXPERIENCE our beliefs, values and work. Centering community voices is critical to who we are and we want you to think innovatively in how we can amplify these voices through Communications.
• You will work closely with the Head of Partnerships, program teams and MELs to develop innovative materials and approaches to communicate our work, our strategy and our impact. You will take the lead in widening our audiences and engaging them in a way that inspires them to champion TICAH’s philosophy. This role is best suited if you are passionate about social change, not afraid to work on topics often considered “taboo”  and care deeply about ethical and empowering storytelling. You will be the driving force showcasing TICAH’s multidisciplinary approach of centering art, culture and health in ways that attract like-minded partners, incl. funders, and influence our sector to become more equitable. As the Communications Manager, you will chair the Communications Committee at TICAH, driving our corporate communications and supporting harmonization of our communications strategy across our various programs.

Your responsibilities will include the following:
Lead our External Communication (75%)

• Lead the development, implementation and regular review of our communications strategy, driving the positioning of TICAH’s mission, work, beliefs and messages towards key audiences. Lead the thinking on aligning communications strategy to our strategic plan and culture-art-health-framework, integrating our various programs and our interdisciplinary approaches into a coherent story
• Steer the development of guidelines and SOPs around communicating our work that reflect our creative approaches and commitment to beauty, art, provoking deeper understanding and honest conversation about social issues and fundamental rights. Create, disseminate and educate on brand guidelines
• Create the communications calendar, work plan & budget
• Media tracking (global and local): What is reported about TICAH and our key issues? Share with the team internally and identify relevant actions in programming, fundraising, communications, strategy, etc.
• Spearhead TICAH’s position as a thought leader, ensuring we share our beliefs and values on key issues with the public and relevant stakeholders in strategic ways (conceptualize and implement convenings, global commemoration days, online panels, OpEds, etc.)
• Drive and implement all corporate level communications
  • Drive external messaging around our impact/results (collect input, write copy, visuals)
  • Run our corporate social media
  • Lead on selected communication campaigns (e.g. TICAH anniversary, multidisciplinary program work)
  • Collaborate with Head of Partnerships on the creation of pitch decks and fundraising materials
  • Manage website content (make basic edits using CMS and liaise with editor for layout changes)
  • Coordinate content and supervise design of annual report and other TICAH external communications
  • Create and manage newsletter liaising with programs teams for input
  • Design and implement strategies to grow our audiences (newsletter, social media, etc)
• Chair the Communications Committee, that is tasked with ensuring a systematic, integrated approach to communications across program teams and the organization
• Provide strategic oversight and quality assurance on all reports, publications, knowledge products, and public-facing materials
• Provide editorial support and ensure proof-reading for news items, blogs, website uploads, etc
• Review IEC Materials to ensure they reflect our communications strategy and brand
• Support procurement of any communications related materials and consultancies and manage outsourced work and consultants
• Lead coordination of media relations which entails:
  • Maintain and grow media contact list
  • Identify and pursue opportunities to showcase TICAH’s work and help teams with media placement
  • Organize media briefings and prepare media kits / press statements
  • Help team prepare for media appearances
  • Provide a media coverage report for measurement
• Plan and implement communications activities in collaboration with our key partners, consortia and funders
• Support programs teams in developing and achieving their communications goals
  • 1-on-1 consultations to help define appropriate communication strategies, approaches and channels for each program
  • Ensuring that teams are following through on their goals and plans Suggesting to change to: Monitor execution and support review of program communication strategies in line with team goals and work plans
  • Provide technical advice to those programs which run their own social media channels as part of their programming
  • Help think through representation of TICAH at events, activities, etc.
• Participate in our fundraising at proposal design stage: Help think through communications strategies for the program and ensure communications costs are built into the program budget.
• Build team capacity around Communications, PR and representing the TICAH brand, e.g. help team members prepare for media engagements, presentations or key events.
• Ensure collection of impact stories from our program activities
  • Attend key TICAH events, ceremonies and program/activities to document our work (interview participants, capture stories, take pictures, share on social media, etc)
  • Support program teams to systematically and skillfully collect impact stories as part of their engagement with communities
• Support conceptualization and implementation of online fundraising campaigns

Knowledge Management (10%)

• Ensure proper archiving of communications materials (videos and photos from program activities, release forms, etc)
• Document all our media appearances

Spearhead effective Internal Communications (10%)

• Ensure we have effective internal communication structures, channels & guidelines in place
• Support the Leadership Team in effectively and creatively communicating our vision, goals and values internally
• Help draft internal memos and communications

Manage Department & Contribute to Organization Development (5%)

• Participate in the reviews of the strategic plan
• Work with Leadership to develop the Communications department over the next years to ensure adequate staffing for our ambitious goals
• Manage any volunteers or interns in the Department.

Who we are looking for:

• You share our passion for culture, holistic health and social justice and are dedicated to addressing the intersections of the climate crisis, health and inequalities in Kenya. You hold a deep belief that communities own their challenges, solutions and decisions and have devoted your career to amplifying community voices and solutions to key audiences.
• You believe in the individual’s right to choose and self-determine when it comes to their health, e.g. sexual and reproductive health rights, alternative treatments.
• Excited about a highly diverse role ranging from designing complex multi-issue strategy to dotting the i's in a report. One that combines maintenance of existing channels with pursuing new avenues and innovative approaches to increase visibility.
  • A self-driven, creative and passionate Communications Leader with at least 5-7 years of progressive relevant work experience
  • You have previously been involved in the design and implementation of communications strategies in the social-impact non-profit context, with strong contribution to fundraising and partnership building.
  • Extensive experience mapping audiences and defining key messages and calls for actions for each.
  • Track record in managing a nonprofit organization's communications materials, media, channels and digital platforms, including website, and social media accounts.
  • You know how to tease out impact stories and package them in a way that influences mindsets and moves audiences to action. You have your definition and tested approach for ethical and empowering storytelling in working with marginalized communities, and we'd love to discuss it with you!
  • You have an eye for detail and you are strategic in harmonizing materials to strengthen an organizational brand
  • Well connected with interesting networks, including other communication visionaries, media contacts, influencers in our impact areas, and excited to use them for joint campaigns and value.
  • You are strategic about content placements and where we should showcase what.
  • You are a strong writer and you have previously written and edited blog pieces, newsletters, articles or OpEds related to human rights, holistic health, indigenous knowledge or other areas of work TICAH engages in (see above).  We’d love to see and discuss your work as part of the hiring press!
  • You can showcase visual materials you have created or led the development of that you are proud of. You can put together simple graphics (Canva etc.) and have experience managing external designers for more complex communications materials and designs.  
  • You have experience utilizing social media analytics tools to evaluate and enhance the performance of communications strategies, leading to significant growth in reach
  • You are up-to-date with trends in communications for nonprofits
  • You have previously created communication materials around topics that are culturally/socially sensitive or considered “controversial” - you know how to balance being bold/influential and safeguarding the reputation of an organization.  
• You are highly strategic and analytical: You keep the big picture in mind and prioritize well.
• You are organized and able to bring efficiency and structure into organizations WHILE being comfortable with uncertainty, multiple urgent arising priorities and change.
• You hold at least a relevant bachelor's degree.

You have the cultural fit to work with the team at TICAH if

• You are genuinely interested and comfortable conversing on diverse ideas and opinions. You continuously challenge your own assumptions and beliefs
• You love or are interested in exploring the African indigenous culture
• You don’t judge people for their life choices but genuinely want to support them!
• You think out of the box, and work hard to see your crazy ideas come to life
• You are humble and comfortable in varying social and professional settings, alternating between interacting with grassroots community members, and high-level stakeholders
• You walk your talk, your words and actions mirror your personal and professional beliefs. You are self driven and genuinely are excited to be contributing to positive change in the world
• You genuinely listen to understand, and believe that those closest to the problem are best placed to find solutions to the problem.

Why work with us

• You will be part of growing our impact with a vast exciting network and pool of partnerships that we have built over the past 19 years
• Opportunity to shape a multidisciplinary approach to fundamental rights and holistic health in communities
• An opportunity to dream of all possible solutions and make them come true
• We are a committed team and we treat each other like family
• Our team works hard and also realizes the importance of having fun in and out of work
• We walk our talk. We are brave and bold in everything we do
• We are an egalitarian organization – if equality and fair access to opportunity excites you, join us!

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About the role

• To deliver our exciting and complex mission and growth goals, our team is key! Designing programs and methodologies that can effectively amplify community action is one thing. Fundraising for and executing them with and through communities, champions and partners is another. We need to constantly re-invent ourselves on our journey to scaling interventions on holistic health and fundamental rights while remaining firmly founded in our roots and values.
• The Talent Management Associate will work closely with the team and all managers to help build and sustain the drive, capacity, skills and culture needed. This is a highly strategic role that reports to the Head of Finance and Operations, and works in collaboration with the Leadership Team.
• If you are a vibrant, passionate, systematic and growth-oriented Talent Management / Human Resource professional and Community & Rights enthusiast, we might have a job for you!

‍Your responsibilities will include the following:
Spearhead Talent Management and Development (70%)

People Strategy & Culture

• Together with the Leadership Team, steer an inclusive process that defines the desired organizational culture and talent management strategies that will help us achieve our ambitious mission and goals as per strategic plan
• Curiously and boldly explore how we can grow TICAH’s people strategy and culture true to its roots, i.e. feminism, appreciation of indigenous culture, social justice and the arts
• Coordinate the design, implementation and evaluation of culture development activities across the organization
• Continually work to ensure that all management systems are aligned to our desired culture

Talent Planning

• Together with the Leadership Team and Programs Committee, develop a clear vision for how TICAH’s team should look like to meet our mid-term goals. Have a clear and deep understanding of the type of talent that thrives at TICAH, and the mindsets, skills and knowledge required to do our kind of work
• Partner with all teams across the organization to proactively identify staffing needs in line with growth plans
• Assist the program and finance team with talent planning during grant proposal writing

People Growth

• Align our learning agenda to our dreams and goals. Spearhead a culture of learning, where people embrace learning, growth and professional development
• As capacity development needs are identified across the organization in the pursuit of the strategic plan, work with the respective team in charge to come up with effective and creative learning approaches to meet these needs
• Support leadership skill development across the organization
• Be a thought partner to people around their career growth and personal and professional development

Employee Value Proposition

• Run an inclusive process that defines our Employee Value Proposition and derive key strategies to implement it
• Chair and coordinate the Staff Welfare Committee, with the aim of involving team members in creating a warm, human-centered work environment and delivering our EVP
• Spearhead integration of wellness into TICAH’s every day, including review of organizational systems and coordination of wellness programs. (Sometimes, we neglect our own “holistic health” internally, when doing this mentally and emotionally engaging work)
• Build strong rapport with staff, understand the current employee experience at TICAH and identify ways to make TICAH the place to be in our field of work
• Conduct staff engagement surveys and implement recommendations

Performance Management

• Coordinate the quarterly and annual appraisal process in a way that drives engagement, conversations, alignment and learning (beyond filling in templates)
• Work closely with each line manager to support them in meaningful Performance Management for their direct reports:
  • Collaborative JD Design and goal setting (SMART goals) by the teams as part of the annual reviews
  • Each staff member understands their role and expected results clearly as roles change when the organization and work evolves
  • All staff have individualized learning and development goals and action plans
  • Performance gaps are addressed early and effectively, supporting the staff member to meet expectations. Ensure documentation as needed
• Come up with performance based motivation and reward approaches

Recruitment

• Anticipate talent needs and build a relevant talent pool through networking, partnerships, internships, employer branding initiatives, etc
• Partner with hiring managers on recruitment, which includes coordinating the overall process and guiding hiring teams on the design of assessment tools. Carry out vacancy posting, active sourcing of candidates, applicant shortlisting and present a longlist of candidates to the hiring managers
• Improve our orientation and onboarding procedures, ensuring that new staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and relationships to rapidly integrate at TICAH and perform at their best. Support managers to set their new colleagues up for success.
• Develop and track annual objectives, workplan and budget for the department
• Stay abreast with trends and best practices in the industry
• Further improve and document all our Talent Management processes and procedures, ensuring fair, effective and streamlined approaches as the organization grows.

Effective HR Administration (20%)

• Track and report on HR indicators regularly, highlighting needs and suggestions for improvement
• Work with staff and managers to address any grievances and concerns quickly
• Manage disciplinary process as arising
• Maintain staff files to ensure legal compliance. Ensure that contracts and agreements are in place for all staff, volunteers and interns
• Manage staff leave and sick leave procedure
• Maintain the HR policy and communicate it appropriately to staff
• Manage safety and health (OSHA etc)
• Advise management on Kenyan labour laws and industry trends and best case practices
• Manage the administration of staff benefits (health insurance, pension, bonus calculation, etc)
• Handle work permits for expatriate staff.

Support TICAH’s Programs (10%)

• Everyone at TICAH gets to attend and support the implementation of program activities under the guidance of the respective Program Manager - in line with personal interests and passions. You may also support Monitoring and Evaluation activities as needed. We find it key for our Talent Management Associate to understand the work the team does!
• Participate in the reviews of the strategic plan.‍

Who we are looking for:

• You share our passion for holistic health and fundamental human rights. You believe in the individual’s right to choose and self-determine when it comes to their health, especially sexual and reproductive health.
• You have a growth mindset, you try out new things to learn and are up to date with trends on various issues within and beyond your profession.
• You are a vibrant, people-oriented person. You love seeing people grow. One of your gifts is to see the potential and talent in someone and help them tap it!
• Champion & Thought Leader for innovative talent management with relevant success stories:
  • 7+ years of relevant progressive work experience, with at least 2 years in a similar position
  • Track record of driving Talent Management and HR strategy and processes in a social impact or human rights environment, e.g. in a small to medium-sized NGO or a social enterprise.
  • You are strategic and systematic in your approach.
  • In recruitment, you know how to effectively screen for mission and culture alignment. You’re ready to push yourself using creative ways of building candidate pools.
  • In performance management, you have partnered with managers in defining the right set of indicators.
  • In Learning & Development, you pride yourself in your creative approach and have successfully supported individuals to find practical ways to build new skills and knowledge, away from the "certificate culture".
  • You have successfully (and maybe unconventionally) worked to align an organization’s talent needs with the strengths in the team to ensure mutual thriving. We’d love to hear all about it!
  • You are open-minded, receptive and non-judgemental. You have strong discretion and confidentiality. People find you approachable and you easily cultivate relationships with all types of people.
  • You know how to effectively guide managers and teams on processes. You are firm and objective when it comes to evaluating opinions and needs.
  • Experience integrating holistic health and wellness into the organizational processes and talent management structures. We all know the social impact space is fast-paced and high-pressure - how do we do this better?
  • You have used your mentorship, counseling, negotiation and mediation skills before to ensure win-win outcomes for employees and employer.
  • You have handled disciplinary and grievance cases with tact effectively.
• When needed, you pay strong attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of administrative HR procedures, backed up by knowledge in Kenya’s labour laws and regulations.
• You hold a relevant bachelor’s degree or Higher Diploma. You hold CHRP, IHRM membership or another relevant qualification.
• Ability to organize and manage your workload with multiple parallel priorities and keep several parallel work streams moving at the same time.

You have the cultural fit to work with the team at TICAH if

• You are genuinely interested and comfortable conversing on diverse ideas and opinions. You continuously challenge your own assumptions and beliefs
• You love or are interested in exploring the African indigenous culture
• You don’t judge people for their life choices but genuinely want to support them!
• You think out of the box, and work hard to see your crazy ideas come to life
• You are humble and comfortable in varying social and professional settings, alternating between interacting with grassroots community members, and high-level stakeholders
• You walk your talk, your words and actions mirror your personal and professional beliefs. You are self driven and genuinely are excited to be contributing to positive change in the world
• You listen to understand, and believe that those closest to the problem are best placed to find solutions to the problem.

Why work with us

• You will be part of growing our impact with a vast exciting network and pool of partnerships that we have built over the past 19 years
• We walk our talk. We are brave and bold in everything we do
• Exposure across all our programmatic areas
• An opportunity to dream of all possible solutions and make them come true
• We are a committed team and we treat each other like family
• Our team works hard and also realizes the importance of having fun in and out of work
• We are an egalitarian organization – if equality and fair access to opportunity excites you, join us!