Horn Relief Communications Officer

Organizational Background Horn Relief is an African development organization. It works at the roots of communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. It aims to improve community well-being by reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid and influencing policy.

Horn Relief is headquartered in Nairobi with operations in Somalia, Kenya and Sudan. It has a fundraising office in Washington, DC as well as a Board of Directors in both the US and the UK.

Horn Relief works in the following sectors: food security and livelihoods (with an emphasis on cash based responses), natural resource management, education (formal and non-formal), WASH, and humanitarian response. The present donor portfolio includes the European Commission, USAID, SIDA, UNICEF, and others.

Position Title: Communications Officer

Duty station: Horn Relief, Nairobi

Reporting to: Executive Director Working with Program Team both in Nairobi and the field , Senior Management, Business Development Manager (in W/DC)

Duration: One (1) year

Start date: Immediate

Position Summary:

The position holder will work closely with Horn Relief’s Nairobi Senior Management Team and other program staff to build and support the organization’s publications and communications portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Support program communications needs: developing research papers, advocacy materials, concept notes and proposals etc.
  
• Develop organizational communications strategy and oversee its delivery
  
• Production of external documents: annual reports, brochures, case studies, videos etc.
  
• Monitor and evaluate the dissemination of program communication materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact
• Provide oversight on program documentation, and oversee an effective organization-wide information management system
  
• With fundraising consultant and program team, oversee the finalization of a brand review and the corresponding brand strategy with an international PR firm
  
• Identify and work with freelance media professionals to take pictures and videos of project activities for inclusion in website, published materials and production of DVDs
  
• Maintain and update organization’s website
  
• Any other duties as assigned by senior management

Qualifications

• 7-10 years communications experience in a similar NGO setting
• Masters Degree in Communications/Journalism, or Masters degree with accompanying communications experience
  
• Experience and skills in the use of software programs such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel as well as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign
• Excellent written and spoken English is essential, as well as a critical eye for editing and grammar
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage processes and maintain accurate records
  
• Demonstrated effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in a timely manner
  
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate tasks to meet deadlines
  
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity
  
• Fair knowledge of maintaining updated website information
• A natural networker with substantial experience of building relationships with (potential) donors; bringing a network of donor agencies is an asset
  
• Knowledge of or interest in humanitarian programs, as well as a commitment to Horn Relief’s mission and vision
  
• Willingness to travel regularly, in particular within the region (security permitting)

Salary and Benefits: International Contract: US$ $36,468 - $44,340 per annum, salary will commensurate with experience. A generous housing allowance is also included, based on family size, insurance, education allowance and other benefits.

Application Process

Applications should be submitted by 31st August, 2011.

All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. Horn Relief is an equal opportunity employer. Each application package should include the following:

• Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information and salary history
  
• Resume (including detailed work experience, education/degrees)
  
• Professional References (minimum of three, with complete contact information)
  

All applications should be sent to Horn Relief at vacancies@hornrelief.org with the subject line: Communications Officer.

Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.