Project Communications Officer

Project Communications Officer - WEMA

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.

It is headquartered in Nairobi, and its mandate covers 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.

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

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

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.