Communications Assistant

Application Deadline: Friday, May 24, 2013
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization that carries out high quality, policy relevant research on population, health and education issues facing sub-Saharan Africa. The Center seeks to fill the position of Communications Assistant. APHRC is looking for an individual, who is creative, organized, highly motivated, results-oriented and a great communicator to join a dynamic team and help bring lasting evidence-based change in Africa. The incumbent will report to the Communications Manager and will be based in Nairobi.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Assistant will support the delivery of clear and consistent messaging to all key internal and external stakeholders in a timely manner. In liaison with the Center’s Policy Engagement and Communications
(PEC) team, they will:

• Support the PEC team’s administration and coordination including event logistics, scheduling, managing meetings, preparation of administrative and financial documents, grant reporting, recordkeeping, library administration and contact management
• Assist in implementing communications strategies focusing on bringing research evidence to decision-makers
• Assist in developing strategic relationships with key national and international media, to ensure comprehensive coverage of the APHRC research (local and international radio, television, print and online)
• Assist in developing press and communication materials for media events using key research study findings
• Assist in researching, writing and editing in-house publications including newsletters articles, speeches, report summaries, case studies and human-interest stories
• Assist in producing and disseminating communication materials, including brochures, posters, info-graphics, audio-visuals and policy documents
• Assist in organizing event to journalists to sensitize and create awareness on APHRC’s research
• Assist in writing and editing web-based information materials in order to daily maintain and update APHRC’s online communication (website and social media)
• Any other tasks given by the Communications Manager

QUALIFICATIONS and COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate should be a team player with the following qualities:

• A first degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field
• At least two (2) years of post-qualification work experience in communication, writing and content creation, public relations and media relations
• Experience in graphic design, audio-visual production and online communication (social media)
• Familiarity with communications approaches for planning, executing, and monitoring communications strategies
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently in mobilizing media coverage and producing quality communication material
• Willingness to work as part of a team
• Networking, interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills coupled with resourcefulness, initiative and maturity of judgment

HOW TO APPLY
This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated, flexible and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join the dynamic Policy Engagement and Communications team and help bring lasting evidence-based change for Africa, please send your CV and application letter which should include remuneration requirements and contact details of three work-related referees, as well as a sample of your writing, to the Human Resources Officer, APHRC by e-mail to jobs@aphrc.org. Please indicate Communications Assistant on the envelope or on the email subject-line.

The Human Resources Officer
African Population and Health Research Center
P.O. Box 10787-00100 GPO, Nairobi
www.aphrc.org