Assistant Director, Corporate Communications

About

KMFRI seeks one Assistant Director, Corporate Communications to lead communication policy, branding, media engagement, digital content and public outreach. Applicants require 12 years’ relevant experience including three years at Principal Officer II or comparable level, relevant bachelor’s and master’s degrees, professional membership and leadership training. Job grade: KMFRI Grade 4. Number of posts: 1. Reference: KMF/EX/ADVT/AD-CC/7. Salary: Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 148,634 – KShs. 193,225 P.M.; House Allowance: KShs. 50,000 P.M.; Commuter Allowance: KShs. 17,000 P.M.; Annual Leave Allowance: KShs.20,000 P.A.; Medical Cover and O

How to apply

Submit an application online through KMFRI’s official recruitment portal: https://careers.kmfri.go.ke/. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the development of corporate communication policies, strategies and regulations; execute and manage communications intended to create a favourable point of view among stakeholders to boost KMFRI’s corporate image.
• Providing timely and accurate written and verbal briefings, reports, and advice to top management on sensitive and complex communication matters for reporting to the KMFRI board to promote remedial action.
• Reviewing corporate communication messages and managing internal communications to ensure they represent uniform opinions and are structured to convey the attitudes, beliefs and goals of the Institute.
• Identifying and overseeing the creation of relevant online accounts that can efficiently and effectively promote the Institute’s research activities, encourage live-tweeting from events, initiate online conversations with the Institute’s like-minded organizations, research communities and funders.
• Communicating the organization’s mission cohesively to KMFRI’s diverse stakeholders to create awareness about KMFRI and position it strategically as a research hub.
• Overseeing creation and publishing of relevant website content and ensuring proper management of all content uploaded on the Institute’s website to position KMFRI strategically in Blue Economy matters and give it a competitive edge.
• Overseeing editing and production of the Institute’s newsletter, media features, briefs, speeches and supplements; and coordinating content generation for diverse KMFRI platforms.
• Facilitating development of Institute’s calendars, diaries and internal communication by providing needed leadership.
• Consulting with research scientists and liaising with Centre Directors/Station Coordinators for promotion of the Institute’s profile by sharing research activities and researchers’ profiles with potential funding partners, and collaborators in research projects.
• Enhancing the Institute’s linkages and outreach services through networking with KMFRI publics including government agencies, NGOs, SAGAs, universities and fisher communities to maintain mutually beneficial relationships with all clients and for continued support for KMFRI.
• Make recommendations for the review of the Institute’s brand elements to promote corporate image.
• Coordinating the Institute’s advertising and publicity activities and ensure safe custody of corporate communication records.
• Coordinating with departmental staff to enhance effective implementation of the approved performance contracting targets assigned to the department to enable the organization successfully deliver on its mandate.
• Scheduling interviews with top management and ensure Chief Spokesperson is well prepared for all media engagements.
• Overseeing the development of the organization’s profile and recommend updating of the same from time to time.

Qualifications

• Cumulative service period of twelve (12) years’ relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been at the grade of Principal Officer II or in a comparable position.
• Master’s degree in Communications Studies; Journalism; Language & Literary Studies; Public Relations; Mass Communication; Social Media Journalism; or Science Communication from a recognized institution.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Studies; Journalism; Language & Literary Studies; Public Relations; Mass Communication; Social Media Journalism; or Science Communication from a recognized institution.
• Membership in Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) or a relevant professional body.
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Demonstrated results in work performance.
• Fulfilment of the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.