Starting Salary (Gross): KES. 108,000
Reports to: Communications Manager and Country Director
Supervision Given: [None]
The Communications Officer supports RefugePoints external relations activities by serving as a liaison between the Nairobi Urban Refugee Protection Program and the organization’s headquarters in the United States.
Responsibilities
Writing and general communications
Write compelling clients stories that highlight RefugePoints work.
Draft high quality professional written content for various RefugePoint publications, including Development appeals, newsletters, grant proposals, and reports.
The Communications Associate will be responsible for producing content from start to finish: from setting up interviews with other RefugePoint team members and clients, traveling into the field on a weekly basis, developing interview questions, interviewing clients to collect stories, writing final stories using quotes/audio/notes taken and submitting finalized work, with photos (sometimes video) to the Communications Manager.
Maintain strong relationships with all Nairobi teams (medical, social work, livelihoods, counseling, etc) and check in on a weekly basis for story leads, suggestions.
Research, draft, and update information related to Nairobi’s refugee population, including cultural profiles for new arrivals and/or changes within existing refugee communities.
Respond to immediate requests from headquarters for updates on programs, clients, or events.
Track refugee resettlement departures and update headquarters regularly. Track refugees post-departure, and set up systems to put this into place.
As needed, help with the printing of T-shirts, posters, tote bags, and other collateral.
Social media and website support
Support the Communications Manager in developing content for RefugePoint’s web and social media platforms.
Provide assistance managing and evaluating social media platforms as requested, in particular internal platforms for staff communication.
Conduct media monitoring on issues related specifically to urban refugee protection and alert headquarters to relevant stories.
Update the internal staff website with new content, especially new staff bios and stories of interest, photos from RP events, etc.
Draft Quarterly internal newsletter content with pertinent updates from the Nairobi Office.
Video and Photography
Take professional photographs of clients, programs, and the environment in Nairobi for RefugePoints publications, website, and social media.
Film, or arrange for videographers to film, material for RefugePoints audio/visual needs. This includes occasionally setting up live video feeds for special events in the U.S.
Organize and manage Nairobi’s image library, ensuring that all photo and story releases are signed and accessible.
Event Management and Training
Assist with coordinating RefugePoint events in Nairobi, including trainings, conferences, community working groups, and fundraising forums.
Lead internal communications trainings and motivate staff to engage in external relations activities, including sharing stories and highlights from their departments.
Orient newly hired regional and local staff to RefugePoints external relations policies.
As needed, coordinate focus groups to support RefugePoints operations team.
Qualifications
Excellent professional writing, editing, and proofreading skills (in English) are imperative to this position. Writing with a U.S.-based population in mind is required.
Excellent interviewing skills, and communication skills in speaking, transcribing, contacting and following up with refugee clients.
Ability to work very well both independently and collaboratively. Candidate will need to be a self-starter, someone who can manage their time and tasks independently and responsibly.
Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, etc). Degrees in human rights or international affairs will also be considered.
A minimum of three years of experience in a related communications position.
English fluency required.
Experience with popular social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc).
Experience with photography required. Videography skills are preferred.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite software highly preferred.
High level of respect for individuals regardless of their race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age or legal status.
A strong interest in the mission of RefugePoint and refugee protection.
High levels of patience and diplomacy.
Must be legally able to live and work in Kenya.
Special Requirement: A police clearance certificate is required prior to issuance of contract.
