The Embassy is seeking to recruit a Communications and Public Outreach Officer to join its team in the
Embassy. The Communications and Public Outreach Officer will work as part of the Embassy team
across the political, development, community engagement and trade portfolios to deliver strategic
and engaging communications content on behalf of the Embassy, support public outreach and provide
informed political tracking.
The Communications and Public Outreach Officer will report to the Deputy Head of Mission at the
Embassy of Ireland. The role will engage regularly with the Ambassador and all other staff at the
Embassy to ensure a whole of embassy approach, and actively engage with stakeholders across the
Department as well as the countries of accreditation.
The primary duties and responsibilities of this post are:
Create communications content, including press releases, speeches, social media posts, and
website material to promote the Embassy’s work;
Support the design and coordination of public-facing events (in person and online) and public
outreach initiatives to boost the visibility of the Embassy and its strategic objectives; and
Undertake media and political monitoring across the countries of Embassy accreditation, and
leverage and enhance robust networks within the Government, media and civil society to deliver
trusted tracking of political issues that support overall Embassy engagement (including mission
strategy planning and annual business planning).
Other key elements of this role include:
Communications
Develop and lead the implementation of an Embassy Communication Plan to guide engagement
over the medium-term, including management of public-facing platforms;
Create strategic and engaging communications content on behalf of the Embassy, including
writing press releases, speeches, social media posts, and website material to promote the
Embassy’s work across our countries of accreditation. Organise and support key staff in media
interviews and public engagement;
Contribute to the Mission’s reporting and accountability requirements and communicate the
Embassy’s work as appropriate to all relevant internal and external stakeholders, including
through the use of social media and case studies, ensuring that the material is user-friendly and
engaging;
Develop and maintain productive and strategic relationships with influencers and journalists
across diverse types of media outlets; create and manage media opportunities in order to
promote Ireland’s work and values; and
Organise and participate in field visits to contribute to learning and communications.
Public Outreach
Support the design and delivery of public outreach events that build and maintain Ireland’s
reputation and highlight Ireland’s strategic objectives in the region including the work of partners
and stakeholders;
Monitor and analyse public opinion and legislative developments that may impact the
organisation’s operations or public image; and
Contribute to the planning/delivery of Ministerial and other high level visits to Kenya which cover
all aspects of Embassy strategic priorities.
Media/political monitoring
Consistently monitor media outlets in the region and provide senior management team with
summarised briefings and analysis. Monitor engagement with the Embassy’s social and traditional
media, as well as other key embassies, and develop opportunities for building our visibility and
impact; and
Monitor and report on political developments in the region and the Embassy’s countries of
accreditation as requested by the senior management team.
General
Develop and maintain a wide range of relationships across countries of accreditation;
Represent the Embassy in meetings of relevant sector working groups and coordination structures
(e.g. EU Press Officers) and provide timely and trusted reporting ensuring that Ireland’s policy
priorities are effectively promoted; and
Build effective working relationships with relevant colleagues across the Department of Foreign
Affairs of Ireland (HQ and missions) to ensure consistency with Irish Aid policies and strategies and
to exploit cross-learning opportunities.
Carry out additional responsibilities that may be assigned by line management from time to time
Essential Requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate:
Relevant BA/BSc and post-graduate qualification;
Fluency in spoken and written English language essential, proficiency in spoken and written
Kiswahili highly desirable;
Minimum of five years relevant professional experience;
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills and experience with using
social media for professional communication;
Good knowledge and understanding of the Kenyan media landscape;
Strong analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to think and plan strategically;
Strong skills and experience in project management and to plan, manage and deliver results
Ability to network effectively, work in teams and influence decisions;
Resourceful and results-orientated, candidates should be able to demonstrate an ability to
problem-solve working both independently and as a team member;
High degree of integrity and trust;
Proficient with MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint and social
media platforms; additional IT applications would be beneficial (e.g. working with datasets);
Candidates must be able to travel regularly in Kenya and, potentially internationally, up to 30
days/year;
The successful candidate must have a legal entitlement to live and work in Kenya prior to
recruitment.
Terms and conditions of employment:
This position is a full time (40 hours per week) role and will be offered on an initial two-year
fixed term contract. A six-month probationary period will apply.
Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, with standard office hours from 8am to 4pm. Occasional
out of hours work may be required.
Annual Leave entitlement 21 days per annum.
The starting salary for the position is KSH 5,191,680 per annum, paid locally on a monthly
basis. Salaries are paid direct to a bank account.
The Embassy operates an employee health benefits and pension schemes.
How to apply
