Mzalendo is Kenya’s premier Parliamentary monitoring organisation that promotes open, inclusive and accountable Parliaments across Kenya and Africa. Mzalendo means Patriot in Swahili. We are driven and inspired by the COK, 2010 and the need to defend and advance the principles of public participation, openness, inclusion and accountability that are at its core. The principles are variously provided for in the COK, 2010.

Position Summary:

Communications staff at Mzalendo work to maintain a positive institutional brand, communicate program impact and ensure that our public engagement remains highly participatory, effective and meaningful. Communication Interns enhance our communications by contributing towards the realization of these overall objectives. The position holder shall work under the direct supervision of the Communication Officer.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supporting the Communication Team with social media management including live tweeting of Parliamentary sessions, weekly summaries of the Parliamentary proceedings, dissemination of Mzalendo’s newsletter and dissemination of Parliamentary calls for Public Participation, among others.
• Assist in conducting interviews with partners and stakeholders on legislative proposals and issues that are of public interest.
• Support the generation of communication plans and content in line with the organization’s programpriorities.
• Generate reports from meetings attended.
• Support research efforts on the development of the weekly newsletter.
• Support the uploading of bills on Mzalendo’s annotation platform ‘Dokeza.’
• Supporting the Communication Officer in managing and updating the website information.
• Assist in the generation of monthly and quarterly communication reports.
• Promote Mzalendo Trust’s Core Values of transparency, patriotism, integrity, partnership, innovation and inclusion.
• Perform any other functions as may be directed from time to time.

Desired Qualifications and Competencies: 

• A relevant undergraduate degree preferably in communications, public relations, journalism etc. from a recognised institution of higher learning.
• A minimum bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or any other related field from a recognized institution of higher learning.
• At least six-months of demonstrable post-college work experience.
• Basic knowledge of and/or interest in AI, photography, videography, and graphics design.
• Good knowledge of and/or interest in public, political and current affairs.
• Familiarity with key promises of the constitution of Kenya on public participation, access to information, freedom of expression, human rights etc.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Kiswahili is required.
• Good communications and ICT skills, including presence and proficiency in navigating the various social media platforms
• An embodiment of Mzalendo Trust’s Core Values of transparency, patriotism, integrity, partnership, innovation and inclusion.