Communications Officer at Heifer International

FUNCTION

• The Communications Officer will be responsible for strategic media and partners engagement and promoting project visibility through publicity events and workshops, leading the development of quality promotional materials for the TRANSFORM Project that include brochures, factsheets, annual reports and their printing and circulation in the press, print and electronic media to increase the exposure of the project. The position will also lead the documentation and dissemination of project lessons newsletters and ensure project experiences and impact are shared with the relevant target audiences, including policymakers, development practitioners and academics at the county and national levels.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS

• Heifer International Kenya is looking for an individual who is analytical, pragmatic, self-motivated, attentive to details and a team player.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

Communication Planning and Product Development and Partnership (30%) 

• Deliver high-quality writing and communications support. Develop communications materials including talking points and presentations, website and social media content, fact sheets, presentations, reports, and other collateral per USAID, Heifer International and Cargill brand guidelines. 
• Support the project manager in executing a communication networking strategy for the project. 
• Quality communications materials, collaterals and products developed and available for the project team that conform to USAID’s, Heifer International and Cargill’s branding guidelines. 
• Collect and share program information including program background, success stories and best practices with media and other stakeholders. 
• Support the project manager in developing and nurturing good working partnerships and linkages with NGOs, National and County Governments, the private sector community organizations including farmer organizations and other like-minded partners to advance the mission of Heifer International, USAID, Cargill and the project goals. 
• Ensure responsive communication to Heifer International, USAID, Cargill and other partners and stakeholders concerning Heifer International events. 
• Strengthen Heifer International's branding and visibility. 
• Maintain the project stakeholder database. 

Mass Media Campaign on Animal Health, Nutrition and Biosecurity Practices (20%)

• Strategically engage media and other partners to amplify the voice, results, leadership, and key messages of the TRANSFORM Project among target audiences  
• Contributing to developing, implementing, and evaluating the communication strategy, defining, and maintaining USAID, Heifer International and Cargill identity in all communication channels and reporting feedback and improvements when required. 
• Coordinate and implement all the key mass media activities targeting producers, value chain actors and Farmer Producer Organizations. 
• Mass Media dissemination and outreach strategies for all project audiences developed and monitored quarterly with communication focal points of USAID, Heifer International and Cargill. 

Communications Resources Development and Dissemination (10%) 

• Propose, design, organize and implement specific outreach and communication activities, including visibility or launching events and the production and distribution of publications, success stories, web stories, brochures, newsletters and visibility or promotional materials about Heifer International, USAID, Cargill and TRANSFORM activities.
• Develop a communication database and manage partner and stakeholders’ dissemination.
• Develop and manage an annual program of communication activities including launch events, radio and television features, press releases, social media and bulk SMS campaigns, SBCC, and impact stories delivered for TRANSFORM.

Project Support (10%) 

• Document and communicate project activities such as case studies, stakeholder workshops, project management committee meetings, advisory committee meetings, and project (donor) visits.
• Facilitate biannual capacity building for program staff on communication parameters based on identified needs e.g. media relations, writing skills, photography, among others.
• Support TRANSFORM’s reporting to the donor, including monthly updates, quarterly progress reports, annual reports, and the final report.
• Content development: preparation of key messages and highlights from key project reports.

Managing Communication Materials (5%) 

• Manage the database, project documents and files, and communication material such as photographs, videos, and SBCC material amongst others in a safe and easy-to-access system.
• Identify key project resources relevant to knowledge-building and learning within the organization.
• Facilitate knowledge-building and learning and ensure key project resources are incorporated into the country office shared filing system.

Lead Internal and External Learning Processes (5%) 

• Oversee the establishment of local learning platforms in the project areas.
• Oversee organization of field days and exchange visits between project and operational areas.
• Coordinate the development of organization and project technical manuals.
• Publish articles in relevant newspapers and journals.

Social Media and Digital Communication (15%) 

• Lead ideation, design, and production of the project digital content for effective project storytelling on the organization’s social media channel.
• Monitor trending topics to take advantage of opportunities for positioning the project interventions and impact.

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor (5%) 

• Carry out other duties assigned in the interest of Heifer International and the TRANSFORM project. 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s in public relations, mass communications, development studies, or related field, plus three (3) years of related experience. Proven knowledge and experience in the field communications of agricultural development. Proven experience in managing social media campaigns.

Preferred Requirements

• A master’s degree in a similar field is preferred with at least 2 years of practical working experience in communication and networking, knowledge of agricultural development, and work experience in the INGO world is an added advantage.

Most Critical Proficiencies

• A good understanding and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, environment, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate.
• Good analytical skills with the ability to verify information.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate future communications developments and trends and incorporate them into project plans.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, creative, writing and visual communication skills.
• Computer proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail, and Internet software (Microsoft Office preferred).
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written English and Kiswahili.
• Strong experience in using graphics tools (Canva, Adobe Suite) and creating visual (photo and video) assets for use on social media channels.
• Expertise in creating content for major social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Meta, etc.).
• Knowledge of web and social media metrics and analytics tools, including Google Analytics.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

• Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with great attention to detail.
• Proven team and customer care skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations.
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling Heifer International, USAID and Cargill’s values and ethical standards.
• Openness to change and ability to manage multiple complexities with minimal supervision.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues both within and outside of Kenya.
• May require constant working at a computer for extended periods.
• Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Willingness to work with a flexible schedule.
• Willingness to travel both locally and internationally.