Senior Communications Officer

Organization 
Adeso : African Development Solutions
www.adesoafrica.org

Position Title: Senior Communications Officer
Reporting to: Communications & Advocacy Manager
Working with
Communications & Advocacy Department, Programs
team, Executive Director’s office
Program/ Duty station Nairobi
Duration 1 year, renewable
Starting date: Immediate
Starting salary: Kshs. 185,963 - 248,855 monthly (Gross) Plus other
competitive benefits

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT 

Adeso is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian
organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential;
working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that
economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature
and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect
community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing
humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.

For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness,
training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant,
and greener future. At present, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan.

Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound
employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The position holder will work closely with Adeso’s Communications and Advocacy Manager and other
program staff to support the organization’s communications needs across its three country programs.
The purpose of this position is to support the overall functioning of the communications department
and ensure timely execution of the day-to-day work of the department.

POSITION PURPOSE 
 1. Increase Adeso’s online visibility and voice
2. Document and communicate results from Adeso’s projects in Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan
3. Produce communication products
4. Provide communication and visibility support to new and ongoing projects

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Website management 
 Manage the Adeso website, including regularly updating the “In the Spotlight” and “Success
stories” sections, as well as the headlines facts;
 Monitor and report on website usage;
 Liaise with external consultants on a needs-basis for development of new website templates.

Social media 
 Manage Adeso’s social media accounts and increase social media following and help Adeso
become a stronger, more credible voice on online platforms;
 Develop and oversee the implementation of an organizational social media strategy;
 Set targets for increasing Adeso’s visibility and reach via Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and other
social networking sites;
 Monitor and report on social media usage.

Publications and multi-media materials 
 Develop and maintain a suite of print and online materials to effectively communication Adeso’s
mission, vision, main messages and on-going projects to key audiences;
 Develop, edit and disseminate Adeso case studies and success stories to maximize their use;
 Work with project teams to create and regularly update project profiles as well as an
organizational profile;
 Maintain an updated database of available information materials (physical and electronic);
 Oversee the design, procurement and distribution of print materials;
 Support the writing, designing and dissemination of Adeso’s annual report;
 Produce the Adeso quarterly newsletter;
 Work with consultants to produce pictures and videos.

Reporting 
 Produce the Adeso quarterly report

 Media 
 Support the Communications and Advocacy Manager in developing media strategy, drafting press
releases, pitching stories to the media, responding to media enquiries and building dialogue with
journalists;
 Support the organization of media visits to field sites.

Training 
 Deliver communications trainings to Adeso field staff.

Other 
 Any other duty as may be assigned

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

 Master’s Degree in Communications/Journalism or related field, or Bachelor’s degree and
demonstrated experience;
 Four years’ work experience in communications;
 Experience working within a humanitarian or development context and working on international
donor funded projects;
 Experience in dealing with the media and knowledge of local media landscape;
 Experience in providing training and mentoring, particularly in the field of communications;
 Excellent written and spoken English is essential, as well as a critical eye for editing and grammar;
 Experience in managing websites and using social media tools in a professional context;
 Photography, graphic design and short video production skills preferred;
 Demonstrated effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in a timely manner;
 Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity;
 Willingness and ability to travel to remote locations

APPLICATION PROCESS 

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to
join this dynamic team, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position
in the email subject matter, by February 14th, 2013.

Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager and include the following:
 An updated CV (maximum 3 pages);
 An application letter which should include remuneration requirements and contact information for
three work-related referees.
Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.
This position is only open to Kenyan nationals.