Communications Officer

Department: Project Development
Position: Communications Officer
Direct Hierarchy: Project Development Manager
Contract duration: Six Months
Starting Date: October 2016
Position Profile: Under the direct supervision of the Project Development Manager, the successful candidate will work closely with Project Development Department staff within the ACTED Kenya / Somalia offices to ensure the following responsibilities are fulfilled.
The Communications Officer shall be responsible for:
Develop communications strategy and support in report writing for ongoing projects in line with donor requirements but also a broader strategy in line with overall Somalia and Kenya Strategies.
Build capacity of staff across the organization in communication skills and practices;
Ensure consistency of strategy, messaging and brand identity compliance within the mission.
Create content for communication supports online and offline. Document results and best practices including compiling success stories, developing presentations and other communication materials
Distill key lessons from projects and develop communications materials. Publish articles to increase the visibility of projects and their results and disseminate communication products, as agreed in the communication strategy
Update and maintain a photo bank, organize and coordinate the production
Take lead in dissemination of communication materials to relevant stakeholders as per Manager’s guidance.
Coordinating communication activities and events of ACTED
Work on increasing the visibility of ACTED operations through organizing media profiles/interviews and submitting articles on our work when requested.
Improving internal communication (gathering success stories, staff profiles etc but also ensuring circulation of key information points to staff, producing a monthly newsletter internal/external)
Key Reporting and Support Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Project Development Manager, provide leadership in the development of communications and advocacy products.
With support of the Project Development manager, support the reporting process for all current projects.
Assist in writing proposals concept notes and budgets.
Other tasks and responsibilities as requested by the PDM or the CD
 
Requirements
Masters Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field is preferable.
Demonstrated experience in project development in an NGO/INGO is highly preferable.
Strong graphic design skills will be an advantage
At least 5 years of professional work experience in designing and executing communication activities, preferably in development programmes
Ability to work in a team and to sometimes tight deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
Very good mastering of English (both verbal and written)
Ability to communicate with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to external sources.
Ability to create new ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including creative contributions
Proficient in use of computer applications related to the tasks ·
Excellent communication skills with knowledge of both internal and external communications environments.
Proactive, self-starter – able to work with minimum supervision.
Excellent time management, organization, and prioritization skills, with the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
Flexible, enthusiastic and a willingness to listen and learn from others.