Regional Communications Officer

Job Title:           Regional Communications Officer

Salary Grade:   6/7

Location:           Nairobi, Kenya

Reports to:       Regional Manager

Start Date:        asap

Overall Responsibility:

You will be responsible for the coordination of Twaweza education communication activities across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. You will develop strategies and plans in line with Uwezo and Twaweza theories of change and you will ensure implementation of those plans in the region to high quality which delivers impact. You will oversee the production of high quality communications materials and ensure that the standards are maintained across the region. You will respond in a manner that is clear, timely, and effective and projects a positive image of the organization

Specific Responsibilities

1.          In consultation with the country teams, Develop the communications strategy that distinguish between audiences for all of Twaweza’s education work, particularly Uwezo across East Africa; oversee implementation of the strategy and continually review and update for increased impact;

2.          In close collaboration with the Learning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit in Twaweza, gather, analyse and use feedback to improve communications;

3.          Foster and ensure high quality standards and guidelines for communications across different media and formats, and develop deeper internal understanding of what constitutes effective communication

4.          Ensure implementation of all education communications activities in the three countries in a coordinated and timely manner

5.          Ensure and support effective coordination between Uwezo and the Twaweza Communications Unit, particularly the Communication Manager but also Uwezo country coordinators and research colleagues

6.          Ensure synergies between education communications in the three countries, where necessary coordinating plans, feedback and implementation

7.          Ensure that we write, edit and produce high quality communication materials across a range of platforms and formats, and effectively communicate these across key audiences

8.          Ensure that all Uwezo materials are quality assured to meet Uwezo standards and effectively promote the image and objectives of the initiative

9.          Ensure that the Uwezo website is up to date, accurate compelling and functional, liaise with website developers and tech support as needed as well as ensuring close coordination with the Twaweza website; manage the Uwezo website, including coordinating the Country Communications  Officers and posting news on a timely basis;

10.      Learn, develop, coordinate and maintain an effective social media presence for Twaweza’s work in education in Kiswahili and English, including through blogs, facebook, twitter and other means as appropriate;

11.      Communicate clearly and in a timely fashion with external audiences;

12.      Develop and maintain good links with the media, organise media events including the Launch of the Uwezo East Africa report, Support press conferences, and other engagements.

 General Responsibilities

·         Participate in related Uwezo processes (such as trainings, assessment);  

·         Successfully implement above responsibilities and assigned activities (and associated budgets) in workplans, consistent with Twaweza interests and policies.

·         Contribute effectively to planning, monitoring, reporting and dissemination of Twaweza’s work.

·         Comply with and foster adherence to the established Twaweza approach, policies, regulations, guidelines and procedures.

·         Participate actively in organization‐wide learning and other joint activities.

·         Undertake any other lawful tasks as may be assigned by the Regional Manager or the Head of Twaweza.

 Core Qualifications

1.   A Masters degree in a relevant field, minimum 3 years working experience, in Kenya/EastAfrica;

2.   Keen understanding of country political and social dynamics; analytical and conceptual skills, and ability to translate these into program development;

3.   Creative thinker, imaginative, able to think outside the box and make unorthodox connections.

Strong affinity with the thinking behind the Twaweza concept;

4.   Excellent knowledge of and experience in working with mass media;

5.   Excellent networking, relationship building and negotiation skills;

6.   Proven ability to work independently, self-driven.

7.   Demonstrated team working qualities, and ability to deliver quality results;

8.   Excellent verbal, writing and communication skills in English and Kiswahili.

9.   Curiosity and passion to learn, push the envelope, innovate, be creative, take thoughtful risks and get things done.

Changes and Amendments:

This job description may be amended by Twaweza after consultation with the employee and the supervisor.

Application process:

To apply for this position, please submit your CV (max 4 pages) to jobs@twaweza.org, including a cover letter explaining your interests/motivations to work for Twaweza, and 2 samples of your written work and names of 3 referees, in MS Word or PDF file. In the subject of your email write your name and the position you are applying for.