Job Title: Regional Communications Officer - East Africa
Location: East Africa
Programme: All
Agency: Aga Khan Development Network
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of private development agencies working to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in Africa and Asia. The agencies' mandates range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and the promotion of private-sector enterprise. They collaborate in working towards a common goal ' building institutions and programmes that can respond to the challenges of social, economic and cultural change on an ongoing basis.
AKDN is today, active in over 30 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, the Network's underlying impulse is the ethic of compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its agencies and institutions work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of origin, gender or religion. More information.....
The Position
AKDN wishes to deploy an AKDN Regional Communications Officer (RCO) whose remit is to create awareness and raise the profile of the Network, its agencies and activities, throughout East Africa with a current priority on Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and as required on Rwanda and Burundi. The AKDN RCO will be employed on a full-time basis. Depending upon the successful candidate, the RCO will be based in the AKDN Office in Nairobi, Dar-es-Salaam or Kampala and will report to the AKDN Executive Committee (EC) on AKDN communications matters relating to these respective countries. The RCO will also be expected to develop relationships with all AKDN institutions in the region and develop a working relationship with appropriate managers within those organisations.
In addition, the RCO will form and manage a regional AKDN Communications Committee which will have adequate representation from all three countries and provide high-level guidance and views on communications issues to the AKDN on a regular basis.
The Regional Communications Officer will be expected to:
Take overall charge of the development and implementation of the AKDN Communications Strategy in East Africa.
In consultation with the Executive Committee, develop national country communications priorities and strategies. This will require that the incumbent spends appropriate amounts of time in each of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and as required in Rwanda and Burundi to manage a systematic rollout of initiatives, communications products and events to deliver the regional EA Communications Strategy.
Under the direction of the EC, develop and manage the AKDN profile in the region while at the same time, monitor, assess and manage reputational risk on an on-going basis.
Develop strong relations with the media in each country, monitor media and manage the image of the AKDN on a proactive basis.
Organise and manage all AKDN external events - aimed at various high level audiences, such as Government officials, the diplomatic community, corporate leaders, the general public etc., as well as major staff events organised by the AKDN offices.
Develop country and regional-specific materials such as AKDN briefs etc. on an on-going basis, in consultation with the AKDN Communications offices in Europe. Manage a databank of related network-wide tools such as relevant pages of the AKDN website, as well as the distribution of other AKDN 'wide material such as calendars, brochures, etc. as well as develop and manage the production of new material and products as required.
Work in liaison with the heads and communications managers of the various AKDN agencies active in the region and align all communications and public relations initiatives under one umbrella.
Work in conjunction with third-party service providers, such as PR agencies, vendors etc. as needed, to deliver the Communications Strategy.
Serve in an Information Officer capacity for the AKDN in East Africa and field all enquiries and requests for information from the media, or others. Develop and manage a database of regional and international journalists resident in each capital as well as a relationship-management system.
Develop a crisis related communications plan in collaboration with the Executive Committee and under the direct supervision of the Department of Communications, based in Europe.
Provide thought leadership and direction, under the guidance of the AKDN Communications Committee, for all future communications strategies and plans.
REPORTING STRUCTURE AND RELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent will report to a senior AKDN Staff member in the East African city in which he/she is based for administrative purposes but will have equal reporting on all communications related matters to Regionally based Senior AKDN Staff in a structured manner.
The incumbent will also have functional reporting to the Department of Communications in Europe regarding communications and development related issues.
Where and when additional administrative support is required, the Communications Officer will work with the AKDN team in that particular country.
The incumbent will establish and maintain relations with communications officers of all AKDN agencies in country and in the region.
The Requirements
The Communications Officer should demonstrate the following skills and attributes:
University degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, development etc.
At least 7 years' experience in a PR/communications/marketing role; demonstrating good knowledge of the local scene in Dar-es Salaam, Kampala and Nairobi and be prepared to develop local knowledge of Kigali and Bujumbura.
A strong knowledge base of the local corporate / government / civil society scene in each of the 5 capitals of the EAC will be an asset.
Excellent knowledge of the media in East Africa and strong network of contacts and connections in the regional media.
Ability to travel and reside when required for short periods in each of the countries of the EAC. The incumbent will be expected to spend almost equal time in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and work as required in relation to Rwanda and Burundi.
A self-starting mindset; able to remain motivated and responsible under limited supervision.
A team player, able to work productively with diverse individuals and organisations at all levels.
A hands-on attitude, taking full personal responsibility for results and working with limited staff resources.
Sensitivity and diplomacy in handling high-profile initiatives and events.
Unquestionable personal integrity, in keeping with the universal AKDN ethos.
Excellent knowledge of East Africa and development issues.
Experience in crisis communications will be an asset.
Working knowledge of communications technologies, including printing, web, apps, etc.
Excellent command of English, written and spoken. A working knowledge of Kiswahili and French is desirable.
Applicants must be eligible to work in either of Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania.
Salary & International Package
Salary and package to attract the best candidate
How to Apply:
To apply,visit;
http://sh.webhire.com/servlet/av/jd?ai=736&ji=2696671&sn=I
Deadline: 31/08/2013
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