Adeso Interim Communications and Advocacy Manager

Adeso Interim Communications and Advocacy Manager
March 9, 2015 Job Description
Vacancy Announcement: Interim Communications and Advocacy Manager
Organization: Adeso – African Development SolutionsReporting to: Executive Director
Working with: Programs teams, Executive Officer, Program Development and Quality Unit, Fundraising Team
Program / Duty Station: Nairobi
Duration: 5 months (Maternity cover)
Organizational Context: Adeso is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization.
At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive.
Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming.
We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.
For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future.
Currently, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan.
Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.
Position Summary: The position holder will work closely with Adeso’s Nairobi Senior Management Team, program staff, and fundraising teams to lead the organization’s communications portfolio and advocacy portfolio.
The position holder will provide managerial and technical leadership to the Communications and Advocacy department, and coordinate and manage communication and advocacy activities for the organization.
The position is aimed at:
Overseeing a communications and advocacy strategy and plan of action for all Adeso activities, in line with the organizational strategy;
Developing strong media relations in national and regional media;
Reinforcing Adeso’s corporate communications by developing communications tools to emphasize Adeso’s activities;
Developing marketing campaigns to drive public donations, in close collaboration with the fundraising team;
Leading Adeso advocacy activities.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities
Strategy, Planning and Leadership
Lead the implementation of all of Adeso’s communications activities, including efforts to increase awareness of Adeso’s activities, accomplishments, concerns, expertise, and values through the media, print and digital publications, scientific publications, conferences, public education and advocacy campaigns, etc.
Monitor and analyze progress towards established goals as articulated in the annual action plan;
Provide technical support to country programs in the development and implementation of communications, visibility and branding and marking plans;
Provide guidance to Adeso staff and Adeso sub-grantees on branding and style guidelines, ensuring both Adeso and donor regulations are implemented;
Deliver trainings to Adeso staff on Communications and Advocacy related issues.
Communication tools and publications
Oversee the drafting, editing and dissemination of timely and accurate communication tools to highlight and profile Adeso’s activities among different audiences in Africa and worldwide;
Select and prepare editorial content and material for print and electronic publications for dissemination on various platforms;
Develop talking points for communications and advocacy purposes;
Monitor and evaluate the dissemination of program communication materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact.
Marketing and Online Fundraising
With fundraising consultant and fundraising team, lead the development marketing messages and materials to support individual fundraising campaigns.
Media Relations and Press
Develop and implement all media activities that target African audiences and national, regional, and international media outlets;
Develop and maintain good working relationships with key journalists and editors;
Generate features and hard news angles to raise the profile of Adeso and highlight Adeso’s activities;
Field, direct and select responses to media-related inquiries and researches and pitches stories to media on Adeso personnel and projects;
Assist and coach staff with preparation for media interviews, public speaking engagements, presentations, and preparation of articles and/or Op Eds for publication;
Write and distribute press releases in conjunction with communications team;
Act as Adeso media spokesperson when required.
Website and social media
Oversee the development of Adeso’s new website;
Oversee the maintenance and update of the Adeso website and web materials;
Oversee Adeso’s social media presence;
Work with external consultants for website development, photography, and video production.
Conferences and Events
Coordinate and organize Adeso positioning at key conferences and public events taking place in Africa and ensures a strong profile at such events, in close coordination with the Adeso Senior Management Team.
Advocacy
Lead the implementation of Adeso’s advocacy strategy and associated work plan;
Develop ideas and opportunities for feature articles, interviews, presentations, and other public relations activities that promote awareness of Adeso, its projects, and its advocacy efforts;
Advocate lessons learned, and represent Adeso at coordination meetings, conferences and other forums.
Skills and Qualifications
Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with five to ten years of relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
Demonstrated experience successfully developing and implementing communications strategies and coordinating complex communication and campaign initiatives from inception through execution and evaluation;
Knowledge of/or experience working in East Africa on communications and advocacy;
Proven managerial experience;
Experience carrying out communications and advocacy work for an NGO;
Experience and skills in the use of software programs such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
Experience using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign preferred;
Superb writing, editing and analytical skills;
Demonstrated effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in a timely manner
Demonstrated ability to coordinate tasks to meet deadlines;
Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity;
A natural networker with substantial experience of building relationships with various stakeholders;
Knowledge of in humanitarian and development programs, as well as a commitment to Adeso’s mission and vision;
Willingness to travel regularly within the region (security permitting).
How to Apply
This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional.
If you would like to join this dynamic team, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter, by 20th March, 2015.
Kindly note that applications screening and interviews will be on a rolling basis.
Each application should be addressed to the HR Director and include the following:
An updated CV; and
An application letter which should include cover letter, remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees.
Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Adeso is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on one’s background, beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.