Communication Assistant - East African Science and Technology Commission

(REF: EAC/EASTECO/HR/02-02-17)

East African Science and Technology Commission is a newly established Institution of the East African Community (EAC) with its Headquarters in Kigali-Rwanda. The core function of EASTECO is to promote and coordinate the development, management and application of Science and Technology to support regional integration and socio-economic development.

EASTECO is seeking to engage a Communication Assistant who will be reviewing, implementing and monitoring the effective implementation of the EASTECO Communication Strategy and action plan.

The incumbent will provide technical assistance in four key result areas: (1) Media Relations (2) On-line communication (3) Corporate communications (4) Event communication.

Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified citizens of Rwanda for the position of Communication Assistant which is vacant at the East African Science and Technology.

Organ / Institution: East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)

Duty Station: Kigali, Rwanda

Job Grade: G5

Job reports to: Deputy Executive Director - Programs

Job Purpose:

The main purpose of this job is to review, implement and monitor the effective implementation of the EASTECO Communication Strategy and action plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage and build effective relations with the media, with the over-arching message to media professionals to help create a new norm that brings Regional Integration to the fore of communication agenda setting;
• Liaise with and collaborate with Communication Officers of Ministries in charge of EAC Affairs and science &technology in engaging national media on issues related to EAC and the EASTECO;
• Seek for media opportunities that EASTECO can utilize to disseminate information;
• 
Coordinate responses to and manage requests from media experts and speakers on 
a wide variety of subjects/issues on EASTECO;

• 
Undertake regular media monitoring– daily tracking of media coverage (such as use 
of press releases, coverage of EAC/Science, Technology & Innovation issues in the 
media, compilation of frequent factual errors, etc.);
• Identify and develop a list of key media outlets in each Member State, in terms of 
listenership, viewership, readership, circulation and credibility);
• Pursue proactive outreach to maintain relationships with Editors in each Member 
State including establishing and maintaining a database of the Editors;
• Pursue proactive outreach to and establish and maintain relationships with key journalists and opinion writers on issues relevant to EASTECO’s work in each;
• Member State including establishing and maintaining a database of the journalists and opinion writers;
• Organise media engagement activities at national level including: Press briefings; Press conferences; ‘Meet the Press’ panel discussions; Editors breakfast; Talk shows; Courtesy calls to media houses, media training, i.a.

On-line communication (Website & Social Media platforms)

 Develop content for EASTECO website and ensure its regular update with support from the ICT Officer

• 
 Maintain/ develop content for EASTECO social media platforms/channels including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube , Flicker, etc 
;
• In consultation with relevant staff, respond to comments and inquiries for additional information on the social media platforms;
• Facilitate the internet based discussion board;
• Develop guidelines for use of social media platforms &Provide support to EASTECO 
staff in the use of social media;
• Monitor on-line traffic to assess and analyse EASTECO social media platforms and 
document good practices (on a quarterly basis);
• Explore new uses of communications technologies and software including new 
social media tools that might of interest to EASTECO and recommend the tools for 
use by EASTECO ;
• As required, provide on-site communication coverage to EASTECO events with near 
real-time posting of updates in form of news, photos, press releases, etc;
• Support Organisation and implementation of social media campaigns to increase traffic and awareness (e.g. competitions on issues/topics relevant to EASTECO’s 
work, photo competition, etc);
• Improve work flow and process related to social media, website management and 
posting;
• Maintain photo and video repository for efficient reference 


Corporate Communication

• Develop and disseminate Information, Education and Communication (IECs) as well as visibility materials/products
;
• Prepare a series of advocacy briefs targeting advocacy efforts to a broader range of stakeholders, both public and civil society to support smooth implementation of EASTECO programs;
• Document and disseminate success stories and case studies;
• 
Ensure effective editing and proofreading of project communication documents before dissemination to stakeholders;
• Perform any related duty as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Event communication

• Develop and implement communication plans for key events

Qualifications and Experience:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations, Development Communication or any related field
• Minimum two years’ experience of post university qualification in communication in a similar organisation as EASTECO.
• At least one year of proven experience in media relations and use of social media platforms as a tool for development communication and/or mass mobilization

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated with ability to work with minimum supervision.

Eligibility:

The candidate must not be more than 55 years old.

Terms and Conditions of Service:

This is a Temporary Position.

Fringe Benefits:

The job is at EAC G5 scale with corresponding Salary specified for it.

Equal Opportunity:

The EAC is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their applications by registered mail, courier service, e-mail or dispatch together with Curriculum Vitae, copies of both academic and professional certificates and testimonials, names and addresses of three referees, and day time telephone contact to:

The Executive Secretary,
East African Science and Technology Commission Secretariat
Telecom House,
2nd Floor,
Kigali-Rwanda.
www.easteco.org
Email: EASTECO@eachq.org

To be received not later than 27th February at 5:00 PM East African Time or 4:00 PM Rwanda time.

EASTECO Secretariat shall only respond to those candidates who strictly meet the set requirements.

Application Deadline:

Monday, 27 February 2017 - 5:00pm