Project Communications Officer - WEMA
Background and Context
Background and Context
The African
Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit organisation that
facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to access, develop, adapt
and deliver appropriate agricultural technologies for sustainable use by
smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
More information
about AATF is available at www.aatf-africa.org
Since its inception in 2003, AATF projects portfolio has grown to 10 active projects.
These include Striga
control in maize, Cowpea improvement, Banana improvement, Rice improvement,
Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) and Aflatoxin control. These are at
various phases of implementation.
AATF seeks to recruit
an experienced and talented Project Communications Officer – WEMA to support
realisation of its communication goals.
2. Description and Objective of the Assignment
This is a nationally
recruited position and will be based at the AATF headquarters in Nairobi.
The position is on a
2 year contract, renewable based on performance and availability of
funds.
Only short-listed
candidates will be contacted.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Communications and Partnership Manager and under the overall guidance of the Executive Director, the Project Communications Officer – WEMA will help enhance the visibility of the project through specialised and general writing and editing and utilisation of a mix of communication channels that will strengthen the identity and profile of the Foundation and generate goodwill to optimise on opportunities.
2.1 Key duties and responsibilities
- Develop, implement
and monitor project communications strategies and plans in line with the
project work plan and the Foundation communications strategy
- Manage the
development, production and dissemination of effective project
communication products, including a project website, for technical and
non-technical audiences.
- Manage media
activities, ensuring appropriate plans are drawn, implemented and
monitored to support a healthy engagement between the project and SSA
media
- Monitor coverage
of the project by media and other communication channels, produce reports
and guide project partners appropriately
- Draw plans to
enhance project branding & marketing to support positioning and
understanding by its publics
- Develop, manage
and update the project partner database and ensure timely provision of
information to partners and stakeholders
- Assist in
managing project related events including mounting and managing AATF
displays in exhibitions and meetings as required
- Support other
project PR activities and identify visibility opportunities that will
contribute to realisation of project goals
2.2
Desired Candidate Profile
- At least a
Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Business Administration or related
field from a recognised university with a postgraduate diploma in
communication, public relations, or mass communication
- 5 years
progressive experience in media management; science writing and editing;
utilisation of social media tools; development and management of
communication strategies and plans; event design & management;
information documentation; taking still and video photography; creativity
in development of communication products
- Excellent
communication skills – with specific experience in science writing/editing
- Ability to work
under pressure in inter-cultural settings
- Willingness to
travel especially within SSA
- Fluency in
English; working knowledge of French will be an advantage
3.
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates
are invited to submit their applications together with a detailed Curriculum
Vitae (CV) to the Human Resource Associate aatf-hr@aatf-africa.org on or before
21 June, 2013.
Your CV should
include details of your qualifications, experience, current position, telephone
contact, email address, names and addresses of three referees.
