icipe wishes to recruit a suitable person to fill the position of HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS in the Office of the Director General. The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya. The position will be offered for an initial contract of 2 years, renewable, subject to continued project needs, funding for the position, and performance of the staff member. A competitive and generous compensation package that includes housing and transport allowances, child education allowance up to university first degree, comprehensive health and life insurance cover, and an offshore retirement package (all payable in US Dollars), will be offered to the right candidate. Furthermore, the incumbent will receive paid annual vacation, return airfare for themselves and their dependents to their nominated home base each year, and duty-free privileges. If the successful candidate is appointed from outside Kenya, he or she will be offered support to relocateand settle in Nairobi. Qualified candidates from Africa (and especially females) are invited to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
icipe’s communications
This role is a chance to help shape the communications agenda of an international organisation. In collaboration with the management team, the successful candidate will design and implement a Centrewide communications strategy, boosting the visibility of the Centre to its international donors, and sharing the results of its research widely. A communications team of full-time staff, consultants and several communications officers and social scientists across the organisation support the aims of the Communications Unit. Various writers, photographers and filmmakers familiar with icipe’s work are available to support specific projects. icipe’s communication outputs include a website, newsletters, corporate reports, training and dissemination materials, internal bulletins and social media posts.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership and coordination for all communication activities of the Centre, to enhance icipe’s
visibility and credibility as a centre of excellence, by: (i) supporting the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy (as well as coaching research and support staff on the implementation of the communications strategy), and (ii) raising the profile of icipe’s corporate brand, programmes, projects and individual researchers.
Strengthen and diversify icipe’s communications products, by reviewing the adequacy of icipe’s current communication materials and recommending improvements.
Oversee the design and production of icipe’s publications (including press releases, corporate reports, brochures, training materials, newsletters, social media posts, and website).
Provide communication/information advice and assistance to icipe teams, helping them to meet their visibility obligations to donors and partners, either by doing the work required or by contracting the work to consultants.
Share icipe’s work in local and international media, by meeting our obligations to donors, collaborating with partners and stakeholders, and bringing the results of our research to those who might benefit from it.
Ensure effective and appealing internal communication on icipe business, relevant topics, strategies and management decisions (through internal bulletins, intranet and meetings, and organising workshops, seminars, exhibitions and employee functions in liaison with the management team).
Ensure that employees know and respect crisis communication preparedness and communication procedures
Establish and manage an annual budget for communication functions in a responsible and cost effective manner.
Be accountable for all local and international communication activities of the Centre, including advocacy and liaison activities with organisations that share similar interests.
Knowledge and skills required for performing the job
Knowledge of media advertising and publishing is essential.
Highly proficient in both spoken and written English. Knowledge of oral and written French is an added advantage.
Computer proficiency particularly in MS Office Suite, and familiarity with desktop publishing and spreadsheet software is essential.
Familiarity with Apple Macintosh computers is an added advantage.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications required
Degree in journalism, communications, or related specification is essential.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are mandatory.
Minimum experience required
5 years of related professional experience in a position of responsibility in an international organisation or a commercial organisation with international scope.
Experience in journalism/media relations.
Proven track record in leadership, leading to capabilities in driving and developing a communications team.
Ability to think strategically, and to develop and execute strategic communication planning (as well as the corresponding messages and communication activities).
Other desirable attributes
Strong in relationship building with journalists and other relevant external and internal stakeholder groups.
High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation, and documentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and well within teams.
Reporting
This position reports to the Director General.
The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.