Information Officer

The African Conservation Tillage Network (ACT) organization built on and driven by the values and principles required to harness indigenous African energies, inspiration and commitment to lead and contribute to Africa’s own development. The thrust of ACT is to add value through strategic partnership in the identification, adaptation and scaling up of conservation agriculture principles and practices.
Under the overall supervision of the Executive Director and in close and direct technical supervision by the Knowledge and Information Manager (KIM), the Information Officer will be responsible in managing and exploiting internally produced information while making such information easily accessible depending on needs of the organization and ACT members.

The Incumbent’s specific key duties will be:
•Development, data entry and editorial of raw electronic data for publication and dissemination using, i.e. ACT online database system and ACT content management system;
•Editorial production of the ACT quarterly newsletter, information and communication materials for further graphical design and publication by ACT Publications unit.
•Sharing important news, events, announcements and other matters related to Conservation Agriculture with ACT members, partners and stakeholders
•Establishing contacts and links with other networks and organizations that operate in areas of agriculture, natural resources and any other related fields of interest to ACT.
•Editorial production (content write-up) of CA information series, posters, brochures, leaflets, newsletters and flyers for further graphical design and publication and co-ordinating dissemination of published information and sharing of information produced/generated with relevant networks and stakeholders.
•Frequently providing inputs for web design and upload to the ACT Website
•Keeping relevant stakeholders (e.g. governments, NGOs, academic, private sector and research institutions) up-to-date and informed on ACT activities.
•Participate in production of information communications products (e.g. press releases, policy briefs, fact sheets, news releases, institutional reports, feature articles, speeches, audio-visual materials, radio/TV spot programmes) to include proposing topics, determining appropriate medium and target audience, obtaining ethical clearances, and providing content write-up for graphical design for final publication and distribution;
•Developing and managing internal information resources and networks via the ACT intranet
•Participate in publicizing and marketing ACT products and services, internally and externally, through publicity materials, demonstrations and presentations
•Perform any other relevant tasks/duties as assigned by the Secretariat

Academic qualifications:

?University degree or its equivalent from a recognized university preferably in the fields of communication, journalism or other related field of study
?Extensive professional experience in advocacy, information and communication and related field.

Work experience:
?Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in advocacy, communications, public/private information, journalism will be desirable.

Other relevant skills:
•State-of-the art knowledge and strong background in the field of information, communications and advocacy.
•Ability to address a range of issues related to information requirements, including taking a lead on administering of different information systems
•Fully proficient computer skills and knowledge of relevant information software and related information applications (Microsoft Office Suite,)

Language requirement:
Proficiency in English and Kiswahili is a requirement for the post advertised, fluency in oral and excellent drafting skills in both languages is a requirement. Knowledge of French would be an added advantage.

Tenure of Appointment:
The appointment shall be for an initial period of two years, the first six months of which shall be on probation. It shall be renewable by one year subject to performance.

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