Job Description/Requirements
Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH EA) is an NGO registered in Kenya and is part of the Hand in Hand global network. The organization started operations in Kenya in October 2010 and is currently operating in 26 Field offices serving 34 out of 47 Counties in Kenya. HiH EA has so far mobilized, trained and is training over 354,858 members (80% women, 40% youth) who have created over 334,179 enterprises (30% eco-enterprises) and over 452,272 jobs on the Kenyan Programme.
The organization works with marginalized communities in the areas of economic and social empowerment using a participatory approach aimed at helping people fight poverty and vulnerability. The Hand in Hand enterprise and job creation approach is based on a philosophy of self help, providing training, skills and support to enable people living in poverty, particularly women, to build and sustain independent, market-based, economic activities. This provides for a higher level of income for them and their families, which in turn contributes to greater food security, better education for children, increased access to healthcare, improved housing and overall improved livelihoods.
Hand in Hand Eastern Africa seeks to fill the below vacancy.
SUMMARY PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS. REF.NO: HEA PRC0-01/2024
The Public Relations and Communication Officer manages public relations and communication strategies for HiH EA, focusing on increasing awareness of its programs, enhancing visibility with stakeholders and the public, disseminating key messages effectively, documenting program activities and lessons learned, and fostering strategic relationships to support organizational objectives.
Duties and responsibilities
• Provide overall technical support and advice on public relations and communications at HiH EA.
• Coordinate initiatives that enhance communication with key stakeholders and facilitate use of appropriate media to support HiH EA’s communication with external audiences.
• Analyse and report on impact of communications activities on a quarterly basis and also compile and submit periodic and management reports as prescribed.
• Build and maintain the profile and brand of HiH EA that promotes of a positive image and create visibility with its audiences.
• Facilitate the production of newsletters, IEC materials, publicity materials such as brochures, pamphlets, documentaries, annual reports and special publications etc as directed by management.
• Coordinate the publication and disseminate of HiH EA’s newsletters, magazines, documentaries, brochures, reports etc.
• Manage content for communication materials reviewing, editing, branding and printing and upload finished products in relevant channel; social media, articles, graphics, imagery, videos, pictures, etc.
• Develop the organization’s response to current issues and events, online and for distribution to appropriate target audiences.
• Coordinate the production and printing of annual reports.
• Organize media networking forums and publicity events such as media briefings and releases, PR events etc.
• Support in drafting of various articles, letters and communiques as and when required
• Coordinate the writing, proof-reading, editing, and compilation of materials for communication, correspondence and publication by HiH EA to promote program work.
• Maintain HiH EA website and official social media platforms sites (viz X, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr), YouTube etc) and keep them relevant, updated and interactive, while ensuring implementation of new emergent platforms.
• Ensure that the content of website is appropriate and up to date and provides interactive responses to partners and public on social media.
• Represent the organization in public relations forums.
• Promote visibility of the work of HiH EA and ensure the organization’s brand is maintained.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key media houses to promote HiH EA’s profile and visibility.
• Provide advice including development of relevant messages and use of the right media channels for effective communication.
• Develop press materials including press statements and releases, and information kits/fact sheets.
• Identify and facilitate opportunities for HiH EA to regularly feature in the media.
• Facilitate documentation and dissemination of experiences, lessons, stories, best practices and case studies for impact communication.
• Support in developing and maintaining a system to capture positive reports on program work that appear in the media and other publications.
• Maintain proper storage of communications data and information in a structured way and carry out regular back-ups.
• Keep proper documentation and manage a proper filling system that is easily retrievable.
Job Specifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations and/or Journalism.
• Professional training in photography, videography, editing and publications will be an added advantage.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in a media/, public relations and communications in a busy organization in a similar position preferably from NGO background.
• Good communication skills and strong command of English and Swahili languages
• A strong team player and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team setting.
• Demonstrated ability in event planning and facilitation.
• Computer literacy in the use of MS Office Suite – Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, with practical experience in the use of electronic communications including email, internet, etc.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues, and have excellent report writing skills
• Willingness to travel to program sites and interact effectively with local communities and to document the activities.
• Ability to work independently but consult as necessary and deliver results with minimum supervision and under pressure.
• Results oriented and able to align production with measurable goals and outcomes.
