COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (1 position) At CSA

RHRN COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (1 position)

Duty Station: Nairobi

Duration: (1 Year)

About the Centre for the Study of Adolescence (CSA): CSA is a leading national organization committed to the promotion of the health and development of young people through research, technical assistance, advocacy, and capacity building. CSA seeks to expand choices and improve access to safe, affordable, and sustainable health information and services. CSA works in partnership with governments, relevant institutions, professionals, and communities to support young people’s right to exercise choices and access health services, and participate fully in activities that promote their health and general well-being.

The strategic partnership Right Here Right Now (RHRN), for which a grant is received by Rutgers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Netherlands, is part of a global program aimed at enabling adolescents and young people in all their diversity to enjoy their sexual and reproductive health and rights in gender-just societies. In Kenya, the RHRN is made up of seven civil society organizations working to promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and young people. The Centre for the Study of Adolescence is the lead partner of the RHRN program in Kenya.

Role Overview:

The Communications Officer plays a crucial role in advancing the visibility and brand of the RHRN program in Kenya. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies, creating engaging content, managing various communication channels, and fostering relationships with stakeholders to amplify the program’s impact.

Responsibilities:

Strategy Development:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the RHRN program’s goals and objectives.
• Identify key messages and themes to communicate the program’s impact and promote its visibility effectively.

Content Creation:

• Generate compelling and informative content related to the RHRN program, including articles, blog posts, social media posts, and multimedia materials.
• Collaborate with program teams to gather stories, case studies, and data to showcase the program’s achievements.

Media Relations:

• Serve as the primary contact for media interactions, handling inquiries, facilitating interviews, and preparing press releases.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers to secure media coverage.

Digital and Social Media Management:

• Oversee the program’s social media accounts, creating and curating content to engage the audience and increase visibility.
• Monitor social media trends and identify opportunities to promote awareness of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.

Brand Management:

• Uphold and reinforce the program’s brand guidelines across all communication materials.
• Develop creative assets and materials that align with the program’s brand identity.

Publications and Collateral:

• Write, edit, and produce various publications, including brochures, reports, and newsletters.
• Collaborate with the program team to create visually appealing and informative materials.

Event Coordination:

• Plan and coordinate events that promote the program’s initiatives, including workshops, webinars, and awareness campaigns.
• Represent the program at external events to enhance visibility.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including partner organizations, government agencies, and community leaders.
• Collaborate with program teams to ensure effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor and analyze media coverage and social media metrics to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies.
• Prepare regular reports on communication activities and recommend improvements.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Develop and conduct training sessions on effective communication practices for program staff and stakeholders.
• Provide support and guidance to program partners and stakeholders in enhancing their communication efforts.

Advocacy Support:

• Collaborate with advocacy teams to align communication efforts with advocacy goals.
• Produce communication materials that support policy and advocacy initiatives.

Accountability:

• The Communications Officer is contracted by the lead country partner, the Centre for the Study of Adolescence.
• This is a full-time position, and the Communications Officer cannot have another position/job at one of the country partners nor take paid assignments or consultancy with members and other players.
• The Communications Officer is hierarchically accountable to the line manager.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Proven experience (3-5 years) in communications, preferably in the field of sexual reproductive health or public health.
• Proficiency in data collection, analytical and research skills.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Proficiency in digital and social media platforms.
• Experience in media relations and event coordination.
• Knowledge of SRH issues and a commitment to advancing reproductive health rights.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Creative thinking and a proactive approach to communication challenges.

How to apply:

Please send your CV and a short letter of motivation to demonstrate how your experience matches the skills set out above to the Administrative Manager, jobs@csakenya.org. The deadline for applications is 5 pm (EAT) Thursday 25th January 2024. Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CSA strives to support a gender-equal and all-inclusive work environment.

Please write in English language.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for RHRN Communications Officer:

1. Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills in communications and reproductive health.
2. Showcase Achievements: Provide specific examples of successful communication strategies or projects you’ve led, emphasizing tangible results.
3. Demonstrate Passion: Express genuine interest in advancing sexual reproductive health rights and highlight how your values align with the organization’s mission.
4. Highlight Collaborative Skills: Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, as teamwork is vital in this role.
5. Stay Updated: Demonstrate your awareness of current trends in digital and social media platforms, showcasing your ability to adapt to the evolving landscape.
6. Craft a Compelling Narrative: Use storytelling techniques in your application materials to engage the reader and showcase your ability to create compelling content.
7. Address Advocacy: Connect your communication skills with advocacy goals, showcasing your understanding of how effective communication contributes to policy change.
8. Show Initiative: Demonstrate a proactive approach to communication challenges, indicating your ability to identify and seize opportunities for program visibility.
9. Understand Branding: Showcase your understanding of brand management by mentioning experiences where you maintained and reinforced brand guidelines.
10. Exhibit Training Abilities: Highlight any experience in conducting training sessions, underlining your capability to contribute to the capacity building of program staff and stakeholders.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER for an RHRN Communications Officer

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Communications Officer position at the Centre for the Study of Adolescence (CSA) as advertised. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and over five years of experience in the field, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the RHRN program’s goals and objectives.

My experience includes successful execution of comprehensive communication strategies, media relations, and content creation in the field of sexual reproductive health. One notable achievement includes leading a team in developing a multimedia campaign that increased awareness of reproductive health rights among adolescents, resulting in a 30% increase in program participation.

In my previous roles, I have consistently upheld and reinforced brand guidelines, demonstrating my commitment to maintaining a cohesive brand identity. My proficiency in digital and social media platforms has allowed me to effectively engage audiences and increase visibility for important causes.

I am particularly drawn to the RHRN program’s commitment to promoting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and young people. My passion for this cause, coupled with my proven track record in communication, positions me as an ideal candidate for this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute my skills to the impactful work of the RHRN program and would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my experience aligns with your organization’s objectives.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What does the RHRN Communications Officer role entail? A1: The Communications Officer is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies, creating engaging content, managing media relations, overseeing digital and social media, and promoting the program’s visibility through various channels.

Q2: How can I stand out in the application process? A2: Tailor your application, showcase achievements in communication and reproductive health, express genuine passion, highlight collaborative skills, stay updated on industry trends, and demonstrate a proactive approach to challenges.

Q3: What qualifications are required for the position? A3: The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field, 3-5 years of experience in communications (preferably in reproductive health), proficiency in digital and social media platforms, and strong writing and analytical skills.

Q4: How can I contribute to stakeholder engagement in this role? A4: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, collaborate with program teams to ensure effective communication, and represent the program at external events to enhance visibility.

Q5: Is there room for career growth within the organization? A5: While not explicitly mentioned, candidates can inquire during the interview about potential career growth opportunities and how the organization supports professional development.

Q6: How does the Communications Officer contribute to advocacy goals? A6: The Communications Officer collaborates with advocacy teams to align communication efforts with advocacy goals, producing materials that support policy and advocacy initiatives.

Q7: What sets CSA apart as an employer? A7: Candidates can highlight CSA’s commitment to a gender-equal and all-inclusive work environment, supporting the organization’s values and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Q8: How often does the organization monitor and report on communication activities? A8: The Communications Officer is responsible for regularly monitoring and analyzing media coverage and social media metrics, preparing reports, and recommending improvements to communication strategies.

Q9: How should I address my commitment to advancing reproductive health rights in my application? A9: In your cover letter, express your passion for the cause, citing examples of past experiences where you actively contributed to advancing reproductive health rights.

Q10: Is there room for creativity in this role? A10: Yes, candidates can showcase their creative thinking by mentioning experiences in developing visually appealing and informative materials, and contributing innovative ideas to communication challenges.

Possible RHRN Communications Officer Interview Questions With Answers:

Q1: How do you approach developing a comprehensive communications strategy? A1: I begin by thoroughly understanding the program’s goals and objectives, conducting a stakeholder analysis, and identifying key messages and themes. I then create a detailed plan that includes diverse communication channels to effectively reach the target audience.

Q2: Can you provide an example of a successful media relations experience? A2: In my previous role, I served as the primary contact for media interactions and successfully facilitated an interview with a prominent news outlet. This resulted in a feature article that significantly increased awareness of our program.

Q3: How do you stay updated on the latest trends in digital and social media platforms? A3: I actively participate in industry webinars, follow reputable sources, and engage in continuous learning. This ensures I stay informed about emerging trends and incorporate relevant strategies into our communication efforts.

Q4: Can you share a situation where you had to handle a communication challenge proactively? A4: During a crisis communication situation, I promptly developed a clear and transparent message, disseminated it through appropriate channels, and held a virtual town hall to address concerns. This proactive approach helped mitigate potential reputational damage.

Q5: How do you balance the need for creativity with upholding brand guidelines? A5: I believe in maintaining a cohesive brand identity while infusing creativity into communication materials. I ensure that creative assets align with the program’s brand guidelines, reinforcing a consistent and recognizable image.

Q6: How do you measure the effectiveness of communication strategies? A6: I regularly monitor media coverage and social media metrics, analyzing engagement and reach. Additionally, I gather feedback from stakeholders and use this data to prepare detailed reports, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.

Q7: How would you handle conflicting priorities when coordinating multiple events? A7: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, delegate responsibilities efficiently, and maintain open communication with the team. This ensures that all events are executed successfully without compromising on quality.

Q8: In what ways have you contributed to capacity building in your previous roles? A8: I have developed and conducted training sessions on effective communication practices, providing valuable insights to program staff and stakeholders. This not only enhanced their skills but also contributed to the overall success of communication efforts.

Q9: Can you share an example of aligning communication efforts with advocacy goals? A9: I collaborated closely with the advocacy team to develop communication materials supporting a policy change initiative. Our coordinated efforts resulted in increased awareness and public support, contributing to the success of the advocacy campaign.

Q10: How do you handle feedback, and what steps do you take to continuously improve communication activities? A10: I welcome feedback as an opportunity for growth. I actively seek input from team members and stakeholders, use it to identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary changes to enhance the effectiveness of communication strategies.

Best of luck with your application, and we look forward to potentially welcoming you to our team at CSA. Remember, our website is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fee.