VACANCY: Communications Officers 3 at Haki Yetu

VACANCY: Communications Officer at Haki Yetu

About Haki Yetu

Haki Yetu, a renowned human rights organization, established in 2008 within Mombasa’s Bangladesh Slums, operates as a Charitable Trust with branches across Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties. Our core mission revolves around amplifying the voices of vulnerable individuals through legal representation, research, awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships. Rooted in our vision of fostering a society that upholds human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, we are dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence and democratic governance.

Position Overview

In line with our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, Haki Yetu seeks a dynamic and self-driven individual passionate about communicating human rights issues, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and enhancing institutional visibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communications

• Identify and develop compelling multimedia stories from HAKI YETU’s thematic areas.
• Collaborate with program teams to gather relevant data, images, and video footage.
• Utilize data insights for digital storytelling through influencers and emerging platforms.

Content Generation

• Create impactful content highlighting the organization’s work.
• Develop innovative ideas to engage stakeholders and inspire support.
• Lead ground-up advocacy campaigns to raise brand awareness.

Editorial

• Manage HAKI YETU’s digital repository.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets.
• Prepare press statements and manage brand integrity.

Who We Are Looking For The ideal candidate should possess the following:

• Education: A degree in communications, journalism, or related field.
• Experience: 2-3 years in communications or advocacy, preferably within an NGO.
• Skills: Strong writing, editing, and proofreading abilities. Proficiency in graphic design and video editing software is advantageous.
• Knowledge: Understanding of human rights law and a commitment to ethical standards.

Application Procedure

If you are passionate about human rights advocacy and institutional visibility, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your application letter and CV to hr@hakiyetu.ke by 5.00pm Thursday, 7th March 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunities Employer Haki Yetu is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not solicit payments from applicants. Report any such attempts to us promptly.

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Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Communications Officer

1. Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to highlight relevant experience in communications and advocacy. For example, showcase projects where you effectively communicated complex issues to diverse audiences.
2. Demonstrate Impact: Provide concrete examples of how your communication skills have made a difference. Whether it’s through successful campaigns or increased engagement, quantify your achievements where possible.
3. Stay Updated: Stay abreast of current affairs and human rights issues. Demonstrating knowledge about ongoing events showcases your commitment and relevance to the role.
4. Showcase Creativity: In your application materials, demonstrate your creativity and ability to think outside the box. Offer unique ideas for content creation and advocacy strategies that align with Haki Yetu’s mission.
5. Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize your ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked with colleagues from various backgrounds to achieve common goals.
6. Attention to Detail: Pay close attention to your application’s grammar, formatting, and overall presentation. Attention to detail reflects your professionalism and commitment to quality work.
7. Research the Organization: Familiarize yourself with Haki Yetu’s work and values. Tailor your application to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the organization’s mission and objectives.
8. Be Genuine: Let your passion for human rights advocacy shine through in your application. Authenticity and genuine interest in the cause will resonate with the hiring team.
9. Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions about your communication style, past experiences, and approach to advocacy. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to provide examples to support your answers.
10. Follow Up: After submitting your application, consider sending a brief follow-up email expressing your continued interest in the position. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and proactive approach to communication.

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER for a Communications Officer

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

Hiring Manager Haki Yetu

[Organization’s Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Communications Officer position at Haki Yetu, as advertised. With a degree in Communications and over three years of experience in advocacy and public relations within the NGO sector, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to Haki Yetu’s mission of promoting human rights and democratic governance.

Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in multimedia storytelling, content creation, and editorial management. For instance, in my previous role at [Previous Organization], I spearheaded several successful advocacy campaigns, resulting in increased awareness and support for marginalized communities. Additionally, my proficiency in graphic design and video editing software has enabled me to produce visually compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.

What excites me most about the Communications Officer role at Haki Yetu is the opportunity to leverage my skills to amplify the voices of vulnerable individuals and advocate for positive change. I am particularly drawn to Haki Yetu’s commitment to promoting a society that upholds human rights and the rule of law, and I am eager to contribute to these efforts.

I am confident that my background in communications, coupled with my passion for social justice, makes me a strong fit for this position. I am excited about the possibility of joining the Haki Yetu team and contributing to meaningful impact. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifications are required for the Communications Officer position at Haki Yetu?

The ideal candidate should possess a degree in communications, journalism, or a related field, along with 2-3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or advocacy, preferably within an NGO setting.

2. How can I demonstrate my commitment to human rights advocacy in my application?

In your application materials, highlight experiences where you’ve actively supported human rights causes or participated in advocacy efforts. Discuss relevant projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in and the impact they’ve had.

3. What sets Haki Yetu apart from other human rights organizations?

Haki Yetu stands out for its grassroots approach to advocacy, its commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and its focus on building sustainable partnerships for positive change.

4. How can I prepare for the interview process at Haki Yetu?

Research the organization thoroughly, familiarize yourself with its mission and values, and prepare examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences related to the job description. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.

5. What opportunities for professional development are available at Haki Yetu?

Haki Yetu offers opportunities for ongoing training and development, including workshops, seminars, and networking events. Employees are encouraged to pursue professional growth and expand their skills.

6. How does Haki Yetu promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Haki Yetu is committed to diversity and inclusion and actively seeks to create a workplace that reflects the communities it serves. The organization values diverse perspectives and backgrounds and fosters an inclusive environment for all employees.

7. What is the application process for the Communications Officer position?

To apply for the Communications Officer position, interested candidates should submit an application letter and CV to hr@hakiyetu.ke by 5.00pm Thursday, 7th March 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

8. Is there an opportunity for remote work at Haki Yetu?

While some positions may offer remote work options, the Communications Officer role primarily requires on-site presence at Haki Yetu’s offices in Mombasa, Kilifi, or Kwale counties.

9. How does Haki Yetu ensure the safety and security of its employees?

Haki Yetu prioritizes the safety and security of its employees and takes measures to mitigate risks, particularly in areas with heightened security concerns. Security protocols and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated as needed.

10. What is the organizational culture like at Haki Yetu?

Haki Yetu fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment where employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and perspectives. The organization values teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to social justice.

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Possible Communications Officer Interview Questions With Answers

1. Question: Can you provide an example of a successful advocacy campaign you’ve led in the past? Answer: Certainly. In my previous role, I spearheaded an advocacy campaign focused on promoting access to education for marginalized communities. We utilized multimedia storytelling to highlight the impact of educational disparities and mobilized support through targeted outreach and engagement with stakeholders.
2. Question: How do you stay updated on current human rights issues and trends? Answer: I regularly engage with reputable news sources, attend relevant workshops and conferences, and participate in online forums and discussions within the human rights community. Additionally, I follow organizations like Haki Yetu on social media to stay informed about their work and initiatives.
3. Question: How do you handle tight deadlines and competing priorities? Answer: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, utilizing project management tools to stay organized and efficient. I also communicate proactively with team members to ensure clarity and alignment on deliverables, and I am flexible in adapting to changing priorities as needed.
4. Question: Can you discuss a time when you faced challenges in your role and how you overcame them? Answer: In a previous position, I encountered resistance from stakeholders regarding a proposed advocacy strategy. To address this challenge, I engaged in constructive dialogue, listened to concerns, and adapted our approach to better align with stakeholders’ interests. Ultimately, we were able to reach consensus and move forward with the initiative successfully.
5. Question: How do you measure the success of your communication efforts? Answer: I employ a variety of metrics, including audience engagement, reach, and impact, to evaluate the effectiveness of our communication strategies. By tracking key performance indicators and soliciting feedback from stakeholders, I can assess the success of our efforts and make data-driven decisions for future campaigns.

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Best wishes on your application, and thank you for considering a career with Haki Yetu. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent from diverse backgrounds as part of our ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and equality. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

THE KENYAN JOB FINDER