East African Regional Communication Coordinator

Summary:

A central purpose of the public attitude surveys is to give voice to ordinary Africans in policy-making on the continent.  Communicating Afrobarometer survey findings to the policy community and beyond is a core objective of the Afrobarometer Network. The Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nairobi is the Afrobarometer Core Partner for East Africa, working with National Partners (NPs) in five countries in the region (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) to implement Afrobarometer surveys and communications activities.

The Afrobarometer Communications Coordinator to be based at IDS will train National Partners in media & presentation skills, writing press releases and presentations;  reviewing documents produced by the National Partners for publication; assisting National Partners in event planning; managing policy outreach in the countries within the core partner region; developing working relationships with journalists; and assisting the Afrobarometer Network Communications Manager  in developing a continent-wide communications strategy.

Duties

• Works with National Partners to build their communication skills, to develop dissemination and media strategies, and to plan and prepare for dissemination events
• Under the direction of Network Communication Manager, initiates and maintains relationships with journalists and civil society & governance organizations
• Monitors media outlets within countries under Core Partner jurisdiction for news that relates to Afrobarometer
• Prioritizes and attends regional governance meetings related to Afrobarometer convened by NGOs, government & donors among other institutions
• Conceives and implements communications projects that will work with non-IT literate audiences 
•  Analyzes effectiveness of National Partners' work in communications to assess the need for coaching and follow-up
• Creates and executes outreach and other projects to keep generating coverage for Afrobarometer following the close of official disseminations
• Helps maintain dissemination, press release and report calendars
• Plans and executes project-oriented media and NGO outreach/community events
•  Researches specific issues or inquiries regarding program- or project-related topics and reports back findings to Core Partner Project and Network Communication Manager.
•  Utilizes various computer programs to track data and create presentations, charts, graphs, tables, and memos
•  Works with Network Communication Manager and Capacity Building Manager on training national partners in communications skills, public speaking, use of social media and related skills
•  Works with Communication Manager, Web-Site Coordinator and other Coordinators to keep constant flow of new materials for website
• Works with communication manager and other coordinators to tweet regularly (either directly or through the Social Media Coordinator) about dissemination events, Afrobarometer-relevant conferences and meetings, and related events
• Builds relationships with influential people to engage them as partners and collaborators in Afrobarometer work 

Other Information

• This is a one year, fixed-term appointment;  
• Salary commensurate with skills and experience
• For more information on the Afrobarometer, please visit www.afrobarometer.org
• Application letter with latest CV should be sent by 30th August 2013

Desired Skills & Experience

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in communications or related field
• Five to eight years of related work experience, or a combination of education and experience that would provide for the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategy
• Thorough knowledge of media relations strategies
• Thorough knowledge of electronic and print media systems
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills and demonstrated ability to work in a multi-national environment are essential;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong presentation and analytical skills
• Demonstrated capacity to continuously develop knowledge and skills related to use of rapidly changing technology
• Strong time management skills
• Must be able to handle multiple “priority” projects simultaneously and set and meet deadlines, and use communications skills to ensure that National Partners and senior leaders do the same
• Must have demonstrated ability to manage own work without supervision
• Must have built some relationships  among NGOs, advocacy organizations or political parties
• Skilled in the use of personal computer including Microsoft Office Suite; experience in SPSS is desirable; experience with Final Cut pro or other video editing software an advantage
• Some experience with and much enthusiasm for Twitter, Facebook and other social media
• The ability to communicate fluently in English is required; French proficiency is a strong advantage, but not required
• Willingness to travel in the East Africa region, and occasionally beyond, on a regular basis

The Afrobarometer is currently recruiting for a Communications Coordinator based at the Institute for Development Studies in Nairobi. Closing date is 30 August 2013. Please see the attached job posting for details on responsibilities and requirements, and how to submit an application.