AKU invites applications for the position of Communications Officer, to be based at the Aga Khan University Nairobi, Kenya
Job Summary
Using communications best practice, creativity and a dynamic approach, the Communications Officer plans, develops, implements and evaluates communications plans to support the goals and priorities of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa and AKU’s social impact. Using a keen understanding of our targeted internal and external audiences, the incumbent takes a solutions-oriented approach to addressing gaps and challenges in internal and external communication efforts. The Communications Officer maps stakeholders and demonstrates the value and impact of SONAM through speeches, news releases, op-eds, newsletters and articles for use internally on AKU’s digital and print channels and externally in events, traditional media and social media platforms. The incumbent provides broad-based and project-specific communications advice to SONAM staff and faculty, supporting them to develop key messages and make informed decisions. The incumbent collaborates with the broader AKU Office of Strategic Communications to ensure integration in messaging and tactics and to leverage synergies and will report directly to the Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery in East Africa (SONAM).
Responsibilities
- Support the development of an effective, dynamic and comprehensive internal and external communications plan.
- Address gaps in communications with proactive, creative and resourceful solutions.
- Build strong relationships with formal and informal leaders in SONAM.
- Support communications and marketing for SONAM academic programmes.
- Work with faculty to make their research relevant in the mainstream, including op-ed pieces.
- Work closely with AKU’s Office of Strategic Communications to manage web and social media communications.
- Store, sort and maintain database of stories, op-ed and photographs on the shared drive.
- Track effectiveness of SONAM communications tactics and channels, responding to the feedback and experience of stakeholders to continuously improve.
- Understand and optimize trends in communications and communications best practice.
- Coordinate logistics with communications department for on-site/off site events and promotions.
- Research, write and edit compelling stories related to SONAM for internal and external use and promotion.
- Understand the differences between writing for print, digital and social channels and use that to tell compelling stories.
- Align significant communication plan with the global communication strategy.
Requirements
- Degree in Business, communications, journalism, social sciences or equivalent from a recognized university. Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
- Three to five years’ experience in communications, marketing, media relations, public relations or related field.
- Demonstrable experience creating successful communications plans.
- Demonstrable experience with communications best practice is essential.
- Understanding of stakeholder engagement.
- Experience in brand building, required.
- Demonstrable experience with digital and print communications.
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Event management experience.
- Knowledge of web content management is an asset.
- Knowledge of the media industry with contacts within various media organizations.
- Working knowledge and understanding of the value of storytelling in print, digital and social media channels.
- Flexible, takes initiative to leverage opportunities and tackle challenges.
- Confident, with a positive attitude and works as part of a team and independently; and
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders.
To Apply
Send an application letter together with detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic and professional certificates and names of three referees, to the Manager, Talent Acquisition, Aga Khan University, via the email: hr.universityke@aku.edu
Please quote the position title that you have applied for. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Applications should be submitted latest by August 25, 2023
