Vacancy Title: Public Relations Officer – HFH Kenya

INTRODUCTION

Habitat for Humanity Kenya (HFH Kenya) is a national non-profit organization that begun its operations in 1982 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The affiliation is guided by a National Affiliation Agreement (NAA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). HFH Kenya’s vision is: “A nation where every family has a decent place to live.” Mission: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity Kenya brings people together to build homes, communities and hope” Our overarching goal is: “Enabling low-income families access decent and affordable shelter”.

PURPOSE

Reporting to the National Director, the Public Relations Officer will design, manage and implement the HFHK’s communications strategies with the objective of increasing the visibility and promoting the work of HFHK in the country, as well as increasing awareness for HFHK’s mandate and programs among its partners, the media and the general public. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting efforts to enhance the information flow and visibility of HFHK’s programs in the country. In addition, the incumbent will carry out policy analysis and the writing of position statements of HFHK. Together with SMT & technical staff, s/he will play an active role in networking and representing the organization.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS

• Internal and external stakeholders.

DUTIES

Key Responsibilities:

• Annual and quarterly budgetary planning of the HFHK communication and events (branding, advertising and event. management) in liaison with the Finance team.
• Regular review of HFHK communication strategies.
• Provide communication consultancy to the National Director and Management team.
• Digital PR; drive HFHK’s brand stories to drive engagement, shareability & talkability.
• Cross Functional Collaboration; drive accountability in continuous and consistent HFHK’s story telling between marketing and commercial functions.
• External Focus; drive engagement and talkability of HFHK’s brands with the industry and stakeholders and influencers.
• Internal Focus; consistent story telling of HFHK’s brands on owned platforms and forums.

Project Management Roles:

• Team Leader for HFHK’s communication and event projects.
• Prepare and continuously update project’s/ campaign critical path.
• Ensure implementation of project as per approved critical path.
• Prepare regular process reports.
• Liaise and supervise third party suppliers / contractors.

PR Responsibilities:

• Prepare HFHK project’s communication & PR Plan.
• Ensure implementation of PR plan including securing the desired media coverage.
• Respond to requests for information from the media on behalf of HFHK.
• Plan and direct communication of informational programs to maintain favorable public and stakeholder perceptions.
• Confer with the ND to identify trends, key interest’s areas and concerns and to provide advice on decisions (stakeholder management).
• Prepare publications (press releases, speeches, website copy, brochures, editorials) for their internal and external audiences in relationship to assigned projects.
• oversee production of visual (film or video), audio and electronic material, including managing websites
• Collating and analyzing media coverage.
• Preparing media reports.
• Devising and coordinating photo opportunities.
• Organizing events including press conferences, exhibitions, open days and press tours.
• Fostering community relations through events such as open days and through involvement in community initiatives.
• Managing the PR aspect of a potential crisis situation.
• Develop and sustain the mutual understanding between an organization and its public.
• Use all forms of media and communications to project and protect the appropriate image.
• Attend and assist in set up of events and conferences.

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES / INDICATORS

• Efficient coordination with the internal & external stakeholders.
• Leader support.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University Degree in Communication, Journalism, Law, Public Administration or related field (master’s degree will be an added advantage)
• Training in advocacy and/or behavior change communications will be a strong asset.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Good knowledge of visual design and layout development for information materials.
• Good planning skills, proactivity, creativity, and ability to meet the established deadlines.
• Skills in photography and image processing.
• Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns.
• Communication, presentation and networking.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Good research and analytical skills; Strong verbal and written communication skills, fluent in English both in writing and in speech.
• Emotional Intelligence and remains calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to travel to program areas on duty frequently.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of practical experience in media, communications and public relations.
• Experience of working at or with HFHK entity or other international humanitarian organization is an asset.
• Practical experience in working with media including personal contacts among key media and in organizing media events and press conferences, as well as organizing interviews.
• Experience with design & implementation of communications strategies and understanding of trends in the development sector.

OTHER INFOMATION

• Willing to uphold Christian principles of HFH Kenya
• Confidentiality
• Honesty
• High levels of integrity