International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Position Title: Communications Officer
International IDEA is leading a gender consortium in implementing the ‘Enhancing Women in Political Participation’ project. The ‘two phase’ project known as the Women in Political Participation (WPP) is funded by SIDA. The consortium includes IDEA, Forum for African Women’s Education (FAWE), The African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), Gender Links, University of Cheikh Anta Diop Gender Laboratory (IFAN – UCAD), PADARE, and Women and Law Southern Africa (WLSA). The project is implemented in Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. This undertaking, , is a multi-year project with an overall goal to increase the political participation and representation of women in Africa in line with the Maputo Protocol of 2003, various associated sub-regional protocols and standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The main objective of this project is to contribute to the enhancement of women’s political participation in Africa with a view to advancing the goal of gender equality in politics and governance. This overarching objective has been defined in full cognisance of the fact that poor levels of women’s political participation has existed for a long time and, in consequence, experience has been built and work carried out over time by an array of institutions, actors, networks, and campaigners aimed at redressing the situation. Recognising that the quest for improving greater participation of women has a rich history and the groups with which the project will aim to collaborate have cognate experiences of their own, an effort will be made by the project to build on the lessons of experience in order to add strategic value and break new ground.
Based in Nairobi, Kenya*, International IDEA seeks to appoint:*
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
The Communications Officer will contribute to all public information activities of the project, including through print, digital and broadcast media; and will act as liaison for the project’s implementing partners in all matters related to public communication and visibility. These tasks require interfacing with multiple partners to gather information, prioritizing content, and staying ahead of news and events. Tasks will include updating the WPP website and uploading key publications and events, producing the quarterly newsletter and liaising with regional and head office communication units. The Communications Officer handles writing, editing and targeting dissemination for the promotion of the project’s events and results. The Communications Officer will ensure results are in line with International IDEA’s and- the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)’s communications strategies. The Communications Officer provides support to the WPP partners in accordance with the project’s needs and requirements.
Key responsibilities for this position include:
- Provides communications and media support to the International IDEA office in Kenya, and to all partners within the project;
- Regularly coordinates and hosts communications meetings with the focal points of all partners to stay informed about planned activities, upcoming events and campaigns, and provide guidance and support;
- Leads the project’s branding and visibility activities.
- Coordinates inputs from project partners, and uploads content generated by the project to the relevant communication forums;
- Updates the WPP website and publicizes project events including regular communication with the website developers.
- Maintains the project’s social media platforms;
- Responds to media/press inquiries and pitches Op-Eds and stories to media for placement;
- Maintains the project database by soliciting inputs from implementing partners and including International IDEA updates;
- Undertakes regular media monitoring (on social and traditional media) for references to project activities;
- Contributes to and regularly updates the project’s press list;
- Serves as a content editor. Writes and edits web articles, tweets, social media posts, press releases and other outreach content as necessary;
- Coordinates the timely content development of a monthly newsletter with project colleagues and manages an editorial calendar for the proposed content and themes;
- Works in close coordination with project colleagues to ensure that the project communicates according to the donor Communications and Visibility Strategy.
- Creates clear infographics and digital assets for use online and in presentations. Handles digital art manipulation;
- Provides content for SIDA’s public communication channels in close coordination with the Sida Gender Advisor and ensures adequate visibility of Sida as donor of the project throughout all project communication activities.
- Monitors and reports on impact and analytics. Generates monthly and quarterly analytics reports, as appropriate, for all social media platforms and for the newsletter.
The Communications Officer must possess and be able to demonstrate:
- University degree in communications, journalism, international relations or other relevant discipline;
- Minimum of three (3) years professional experience in a similar role, or as a writer in communications for development, preferably within the governance context;
- Experience in communication for gender equality with integration of a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.is essential;
- Experience in communications strategy development and implementation;
- Demonstrated experience in creating and maintaining social media campaigns;
- Strong graphic design skills and ability to use all related Adobe tools;
- Knowledge of social media tools, Google Analytics, and content management systems including Drupa;
- Experience of working in an international context, e.g., in an intergovernmental organization, considered an advantage.
- Fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of written and oral Swahili is an asset.
Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Kenya for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications.
Fixed term appointment until 31 December 2024.
International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality
How to apply
View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Tuesday 07th March 2023 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za