Role Profile
Communications Officer, Nairobi or Kampala
Development Initiatives (DI)’s vision is a world without poverty that invests in human security
and where everyone shares the benefits of opportunity and growth. Our mission is to ensure
that decisions about the allocation of finance and resources result in the end of poverty,
increase resilience and security of the world’s most vulnerable people, and ensure no one is left
behind. We work to make sure these decisions are underpinned by objective and transparent
data and evidence, and lead to increased accountability and sustainable long-term outcomes.
DI works to support decision makers and others to make sense of both existing data on poverty,
vulnerability and crisis, and the resources available to address them. We create innovative
technical solutions to improve data quality, make it more accessible and useable, and build the
capacity of others on data collection, publication and use. We also hold a number of strategic
partnerships based on shared commitments that transparent, reliable, disaggregated and timely
data has a vital role to play in contributing to the end of poverty. We have a global presence
spanning the UK, the US, East Africa, South Asia and Brazil.
Role content and purpose…
NOTE: Roughly pasted details below, but find the whole BEAUTIFUL job description at this link, in PDF…
be responsible for identifying and pulling out key messages across projects and outputs and
ensuring colleagues are creating inspiring content across all formats. They will also write
engaging copy such as regular e-newsletters and targeted mass mailings. The role will also
involve building and maintaining good media contacts and ensuring the day-to-day running of
regional digital communication channels.
Reporting to the Head of Communications, the Communications Officer will form a key part of
the communication, engagement and impact expertise units working across the organisation in
UK, US, East Africa and Brazil, although the main focus will be on activities in Kenya and
Uganda. The role will be based within the DI Africa regional office while forming part of the
wider communications team mainly based in the UK.
Person specification
Education/qualifications
Essential
• Undergraduate degree (ideally in a related field e.g. communications, journalism,
international relations, economics, politics or development studies)
Desirable
• Masters degree in related field
support decision makers and others to make sense of both existing data on poverty,
vulnerability and crisis, and the resources available to address them. We create innovative
technical solutions to improve data quality, make it more accessible and useable, and build the
capacity of others on data collection, publication and use. We also hold a number of strategic
partnerships based on shared commitments that transparent, reliable, disaggregated and timely
data has a vital role to play in contributing to the end of poverty. We have a global presence
spanning the UK, the US, East Africa, South Asia and Brazil.
The Communications Officer will be a creative, dynamic and smart working individual with
exceptional copywriting skills and excellent attention to detail. They will have demonstrable
experience in writing impactful communications materials and using digital communications to
drive interaction with content, as well as engaging with the media. The Communications Officer
will
Personal skills/qualities
Essential
- Initiative, sound judgement and the ability to work harmoniously with individuals of different
national and cultural backgrounds
Knowledge of, or keen interest in, development and poverty eradication
Good communication skills, including experience of working effectively with diverse
audiences, both verbally and in writing
Ability to work under pressure yet deliver on time with attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work independently with minimal support as well as in a team environment
Knowledge/technical competencies
Essential
- At least 3–5 years of hands-on experience in communications and PR, preferably in a not-
for-profit organisation or a development organisation
Excellent written and spoken English, as well as a critical eye for editing and proofreading
Experience working with journalists to secure media coverage
Experience using social media tools in a professional context to drive user interaction online
Experience in delivering digital mass mailings (preferably using a platform such as
MailChimp or dotmailer) and managing contact lists
Proven experience in developing and delivering communications plans
Experience of event organising
Desirable
Professional experience in copyediting and proofreading
Experience of using website content management systems such as WordPress
Additional language skills
Duties and responsibilities
Technical duties
Develop and implement communications plans
Draft press releases and proactively engage with media contacts to obtain coverage for DI’s
work
Use digital communications to gain traction for DI’s content and buy-in for the organisation’s
work and objectives
Plan and manage production of corporate branded materials, ensure brand integrity, quality
and consistency by adhering to the set brand guidelines and templates
Plan and execute key communication activities, including launch events and national and
regional roundtable forums
Create and maintain a contact database for DI in the region, including a media contacts list
Draft and lay out mailings (including newsletters and updates) and coordinate their review
and approval
Support the delivery and maintenance of good internal communications and information-
sharing internally
•C
Ability to write a range of communications materials, including press releases, web stories
and newsletters to a very high standard and in an engaging way
Skilled in developing and delivering messages for a range of audiences, including
translating technical and complex content into non-specialist language
oordinate website content development in a timely manner and ensure focused, highly
engaging written materials
Package and communicate key messages in a creative and engaging way for diverse
audiences that include a range of stakeholders at the sub-national, national, regional and
global levels
Identify key moments and maintain a calendar of DI activities and external events
Work closely with the Head of Communications to ensure integrated and coordinated
working across regions, and to support the delivery of corporate communications objectives
Evaluate the impact of key communications tools through good monitoring, evaluation and
impact processes
You may be required to carry other reasonable duties and responsibilities from time to time
Organisational responsibilities
Implement and manage projects and activities in line with DI’s vision, mission, values and
goals
Assist in the development of new projects and identify new and emerging opportunities
where the communications function is relevant
Develop and maintain effective systems and processes for communications activities
ensuring these are consistent with DI’s operational requirements and policies
Support the development and implementation of the organisational strategy
Contractual details
Start date:
Length:
Location:
Salary scale:
Hours:
Probation:
Leave:
Benefits:
To be confirmed on appointment
Permanent
DI’s office in Nairobi, Kenya, or Kampala, Uganda
to be agreed
35 hours a week
3 months
25 days plus all bank/public holidays
See http://devinit.org/#!/about/working-for-us
Application details
Your CV (no more than 3 pages) and covering letter which should detail your skills and
evidence of experience and how it relates to the job description, should be emailed to: should
be emailed to HR.Africa@devinit.org, quoting ref: Comms officer, East Africa, in the email
subject line. Your letter should also include your salary expectations, notice period/available
start date and where you saw the job advert.
Closing date: Wednesday 4th May
Interviews: Week commencing 9th May
Appointment: By Tuesday 17th May
Other
Development Initiatives is an equal opportunities employer and in line with our policies, we aim
to ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race,
colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origin, age, gender, marital status, sexual
orientation or disability.
We have a duty to prevent illegal working by checking potential employees’ documents, before
employing them, to ensure they have the right to work in the Country in which this post is based.
We are unable to offer sponsorship for a work permit/Visa application. Evidence of right to work
in East Africa will be considered and evidence of this will be requested at the interview stage.
Applicants from East Africa countries beyond Kenya and Uganda are encouraged to apply.
Due to the volume of applicants that we receive, we regret to say that we will be unable to
acknowledge receipt of your application and if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the
closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful
