Kenya: Communications Specialist, Promoting Inclusive Markets in Somalia (PIMS)

Objective of the Programme:

DAI is implementing the DFID-funded Promoting Inclusive Markets in Somalia Programme (PIMS). The programme addresses constraints to private sector development across the Regions of Somalia. Target value chains include livestock production, dairy, cash crops and fisheries. A second component of the programme complementing this is cash for work (CFW). The CFW component will contribute to providing/upgrading market infrastructure for the PIMS target market development sectors while maximizing job creation and cash injections into weak local economies. The programme is employing the Making Markets Work Better for the Poor (M4P) approach to market development.

Reporting to the team Leader, this position will be responsible for media relations, proactively pitching stories on Private Sector involvement in Somalia and by providing media kits and briefs on key investment issues relevant to DAI PIMS project and the wider DAI, helping profile the project’s work while positioning as a trusted source of information and opinion on what is happening on the ground. The person will oversee the development and implementation of knowledge management and the information and communication strategy for the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage engagements, meetings and various stakeholder forums and effectively prepare and disseminate materials for these engagements.
• Build and sustain relationships with members of the national and international press and other professional communications networks in the Somalia and maintain a database of national and international journalists and media contacts; ensure they receive approved releases.
• Develop and coordinate the project’s publications including situation reports, quarterly newsletter for both Internal and external audience, annual reports, policy briefs, key messages, case studies and any other communication materials as required.
• Monitor media trends in Somalia with a view of guiding the PIMS management on the appropriate media to use in given times and circumstances. To get important info for the PIMS programme;
• Pitch stories and identify media needs and offer adequate options for media tours for the project and the donor where necessary.
• Provide support to DAI PIMS Project team in the production of media plans and budgets.
• Use innovative methods and new communication technologies to deliver a multimedia strategy that communicates on the project’s work and impacts while giving the beneficiaries and target market a voice
• Design and create high quality communications materials that result in visibility of the program in line with the donor and DAI’s policies and procedures.
• Advice on communication channels that reach out to a wide audience, especially the target business communities, through the use of the latest communication technologies such as web communications, social media and virtual communities.
• Develop and coordinate the project’s publications including situation reports, quarterly newsletter for both Internal and external audience, annual reports, policy briefs, key messages, impact stories, case studies and any other communication materials as required.
• Maintain a database on key stakeholders, communications and advocacy working groups, donors and decisions makers in Somalia and ensure key messages are communicated in the right forums as per DAI and donor requirements
• Support the project management team in matters of official communication, speeches, and communication material for meeting with key stakeholders and donors
• Develop a communication calendar with key regional and national dates and events
• Write articles for internal and external Project publications, including, online DAI channels, or other corporate/internal platforms.
• Ensure that all key and publicity Project documents and material are translated professionally in Somali language for use by stakeholders.
• During field trips write case studies and take photographs to document the Project’s Programmes and share these with the relevant stakeholders in line with DAI policies.
• Work closely with programme teams, secure and use their resources efficiently to ensure that quality promotional/marketing materials are produced to highlight our actions and impacts to partners and the general public.
• Maintain a database of publishers, designers, videographers, photographers and other specialist technical communications contacts. When appropriate propose the services of these freelancers to the Project and DAI as a whole.
• Inform the project staff of their responsibilities in relation to the media, corporate communication and disseminate guidance on this
• Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager

Required Qualifications

• University degree, preferably in media studies, public relations and/or communication related.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience of working in communication in a similar position
• Professional experience in knowledge management and evidence based dissemination
• Sound knowledge and proven experience in office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), web based management systems
• Proven experience with web communications, social media and virtual communities
• Experience of working in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment
• Demonstrable experience in designing and implementing communications strategies
• Ability to manage and deliver communication strategies in a challenging environment.
• Excellent communication skills, writing skills and ability to provide authoritative advice
• Sensitivity to challenging political contexts
• Knowledge of video gathering and editing, an asset

Language

• Fluency in both spoken and written English
• Knowledge of Somali an is desirable

Location:

Based in Nairobi, Kenya with extensive travel to Somaliland, Puntland and South-Central Regions as required.

Interested applicants should attach a cover letter showing how their qualification and experience match the positions and a detailed resume with 3 professional referees to their application by 10^th June 2016.

https://chm.tbe.taleo.net/chm04/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=DAINC&cws=1&rid=2646