Communications Manager Job in Kenya


mothers2mothers (m2m) is an international non-governmental organisation headquartered in Cape Town, SA, dedicated to providing education and support to pregnant women and mothers living with HIV, and preventing mother-to-child transmission. 

m2m empowers HIV-positive pregnant women and new mothers to become role models in their communities by promoting AIDS awareness, testing and services. 

m2m currently operates in 7 countries in Africa and receives funding from a diverse set of funders. 

Communications Manager
 
Purpose: 

To support the internal and external communications activities of mothers2mothers Kenya to
foster increased awareness of the Kenya Mentor Mother Program and promote internal communication.
 
The position reports to the Country Representative and works closely with the Kenya management team,
site staff, MOH staff, and HQ colleagues. 

The contract is fixed term for one year.

Key Areas of Responsibility:
  • Liaise with HQ/L.A. communications colleagues and Kenya Country Representative to translate the organization’s communication strategy into a country level work plan
  • Coordinate visits to m2m model sites and m2m participation in high profile events, including preparation of site staff, obtaining written consent from participants, preparing materials for distribution, and conducting advance visits for high profile visitors
  • Establish and maintain relationships with media, solicit and coordinate interviews with staff, support the preparation of targeted staff and obtain consent, manage a Kenya archive of press coverage
  • Create and distribute an internal newsletter to the Kenya team, and provide requested material and updates to HQ communications colleagues
  • Work with program staff to develop print and electronic materials for use with external stakeholders (e.g. KMMP forum or newsletter, program summaries, conference posters, etc.), and support the development of templates for routine / standardized products (e.g. donor reports)
  • Facilitate the roll-out of the spokesperson training program within Kenya, and support skill development of management staff (e.g. presentations, advocacy, writing success stories, basic photography, etc.)
  • Identify and collect stories of Mentor Mothers and other stakeholders through print and video interviews and photographs; write up stories for distribution on website and m2m’s social media channels in consultation with m2m communications team
  • Support in-country component of ad hoc communications projects, facilitate visa application process for travelling Mentor Mothers, support other communications requests of the Country Representative
Qualifications and Experience Required:
  • Bachelor degree in communications, journalism or a related field
  • 4-6 years work experience in communications, preferably experience related to NGOS and the health sector
Competencies Required:
  • Excellent English and Kiswahili verbal and writing skills
  • Extremely well-organized, attentive to detail, and able to handle pressure in order to meet tight deadlines
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to liaise on all levels
  • Familiarity with Government of Kenya communication protocols, processes and stakeholder preferences
  • Successful track record in organizing and managing events
  • Able to train and develop frontline Mentor Mothers and management staff in communication capacities
  • Committed team player with ability to foster strong working relations in a multi-cultural environment
  • Proficiency in MS Office suite and strong working knowledge of online and desktop publishing software
  • Familiarity with HIV/AIDS, PMTCT, and/or MCH issues a plus
  • Enthusiasm to work on behalf of m2m’s mother and infant clients
To Apply:
  • Interested applicants should submit their Curriculum Vitae and covering letter to the mothers2mothers Human Resource Department via email to kmmprecruitment@m2m.org by January 10, 2013.
  • Only short listed candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us by February 15, 2013, please consider your application unsuccessful.