Communications Officer

Country: Kenya

Organization: HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya

Closing date: 8 May 2023

TITLE: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

DEPARTMENT: PROGRAMS

DIVISION: PROGRAMS

HIRING MANAGER: PROGRAM DIRECTOR

SUPERVISOR: PROGRAM DIRECTOR

LOCATION: NAIROBI

(Renewable contract subject to availability of funds and performance)

GRADE: 6

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Kenya seeks to recruit a Communication Officer who will handle communication at the Country level, respond to communications from partners, develop content and update the HIAS Kenya social media accounts. The Communication Officer will also track campaign analytics and maintain digital media archives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop, write, and edit HIAS Kenya public and communications materials, including press releases, statements, fact-checking, Q&As guidance notes, briefing notes, fact sheets, newsletters, blog posts and social media content.


• Promote communication and publicity materials of HIAS Kenya through appropriate media channels.


• Track analytics and create reports detailing successes and failures of communication campaigns.


• Ensure that all communication and marketing materials align with HIAS brand identity and donor standards.


• Work with Communication and Program team members to conceptualize and implement communication strategies, campaigns and other initiatives.


• Provide technical guidance to HIAS Kenya program staff in developing Information Education and Communication (IEC) material.


• Respond to media inquiries, handle interview requests and perform media outreach.


• Develop escalation protocols for managing communication crisis, should they arise.


• Perform market research and analyze the HIAS Kenya’s audience and its needs.


• Create and maintain a robust relationship with the media to promote the organization image.


• Develop and maintain a database of journalists, reporters, media and other related organizations.


• Coordinate promotional events and news conferences, press releases and exhibitions.


• Monitor and respond to feedback from the media and the public about HIAS on traditional and digital channels.


• Ensure that digital marketing content aligns with HIAS brand identity and purpose and adheres to official brand guidelines.


• Participates in ongoing development of HIAS Kenya’s communications strategy and training of staff in communications best practices.


• Contributes to HIAS Kenya’s internal communications, including drafting talking points, reports and others.


• Maintain up to date of matters and issues pertaining to the country under the area of expertise to provide advice and updates to the country office.


• Collaborating with the Country director, fundraising specialist and program managers to send funders newsletters, and to promote on-site tours.


• Coordinate with the HIAS HQ Communications department to share relevant content, ensure message alignment, participate in HIAS global campaigns, and maximize social media impact.


• Maintain up to date of HIAS communications policies and guidelines.


• Performs other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in communication or journalism or other relevant field.


• 2-3 years of prior experience creating digital content and managing communications campaigns, working in media or marketing, experience in the humanitarian sector is preferable.


• Strong communication skills both oral and written as well as analytical skills.


• Ability to work well independently and with a team.


• Understand the best practices of main social media channels including Facebook, Twitter Instagram, LinkedIn and other digital platforms.


• Ability to compose engaging and accurate media content.


• Superior time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.


• Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential).


• Knowledge of photo and video editing and design software is an asset.


• Understanding of communications, external relations, and advocacy best practices


• Avid reader with a keen eye on laws, Policies and issues affecting Persons of Concern at the National and Global level.


• Knowledge of Accountability to Affected Populations

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • הכנסתאורחים (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • צדק (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • חסד (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • חברותא (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • אומץ (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • רוח (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience.

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume through the link Communication Officer - Careers At HIAS Inc. (hrmdirect.com) quoting the position title: Communications Officer on the subject.Indicate your salary expectation as well.

Deadline for applications: 8th May 2023

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Important: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

HRTK is an equal opportunity employer, does not charge candidates for recruitment and dissociates itself from any entity defrauding candidates.**