Senior Communications Officer – AWARD

The Senior Communications Officer will play a critical role in advancing the mission and visibility of AWARD. This position is responsible for developing, executing, and evaluating communications strategies and initiatives across various platforms, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals. The Senior Communications Officer will collaborate with internal teams, stakeholders, and media to promote our work, build partnerships, and engage our audience.

Duties and responsibilities

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1.       Strategic
Communications Leadership:

• Lead the development and execution of
  integrated communications strategies to support communication’s goals and
  ensure alignment with AWARD’s goals and objectives.
  
• Oversee communications plans for key
  projects and advise senior leadership on key messaging, and public relations
  efforts.
  
• Led the production of strategic
  reports such as updates for the Steering Committee, donor reports among others.
  
• Oversee the contracting of
  communications consultants and support the monitoring of communications budget
  and other resources.
  

2.       Content
Creation and Management:

• Led the development and production of
  high-quality content including news articles, blog posts, newsletters,
  press releases, reports, audio visuals and other collateral materials.
  
• Ensure the content is
  customized for publication and dissemination across different AWARD’s
  platforms including the website (s), social media, and other in-person
  platforms.
  
• Coordinate production
  of quarterly electronic newsletters and maintain mailing lists.
  
• Ensure that all
  communications materials are consistent with the organization’s branding
  and marking guidelines.
  
• Manage content calendars and coordinate the
  timely delivery of communications across various platforms.
  

3.       Media
Outreach:

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists,
  media agencies and outlets.
  
• Draft press materials, including press releases,
  statements, and op-eds, and manage media outreach and inquiries.
  
• Track media mentions and reach
  
• Position the organization as a thought leader by
  securing media placements and interviews.
  

4.       Events
management:

• Coordinate the
  conceptualization and delivery of key stakeholder engagements events including
  side events at major conferences, and other notable events such as
  commemoration of International Women’s Day among others.
  
• Led production of event
  outputs such as concept notes, guest lists, invitation letters and event
  reports.
  
• Represent the organization
  at external events as needed.
  

5.       Digital and Social Media Strategy:

• Oversee development and
  implementation of digital communications strategies, including website updates,
  email marketing campaigns, and social media engagement.
  
• Oversee website management
  including timely website review and frequent updates as required.
  
• Track the online footprint
  and media mentions of AWARD and amplify these where appropriate.
  
• Analyze and report on
  digital performance and metrics to optimize communication strategies.
  

6.       Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the communications’
  subscriptions to various platforms include graphic design applications,
  newsletter management platforms, digital tracking among others.
  
• Support the maintenance of
  an inventory of AWARD’s information, education and communication materials and
  communication assets/equipment.
  

Requirements

• A master’s degree in journalism, public relations,
  communications, or related field, preferably within agricultural research and
  development and non-profit sector.
  
• At least ten years’ relevant professional experience
  in a communications position including at least 2 years in a senior or
  leadership role.
  
• Proven track record of creating and executing
  communications strategies that increase visibility and engagement.

Education, knowledge and experience

•A master’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field, preferably within agricultural research and development and non-profit sector.
•At least ten years’ relevant professional experience in a communications position including at least 2 years in a senior or leadership role.
•Proven track record of creating and executing communications strategies that increase visibility and engagement.

Terms and conditions

•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
•The appointment will be for a period of 2 years, inclusive of a 6-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
•The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.