The Communication and Knowledge management Specialist 3 will be responsible for establishing a vigorous communications strategy and annual plans, using media relations including web-based, social media, and printed publications, to raise public awareness, build demand for local innovations, and increase motivation within the private sector and local governments. The Communication and Knowledge management Specialist 3 will conduct an aggressive, dynamic, and robust media outreach campaign to raise awareness of the project and strategic activities. This position will be based in Kisumu, Kenya, and will report to the Research and Development Lead.

Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to: 

• Establish and advise on communications strategies as part of technical activities. This may include organizing television/radio talk shows on public and private radio broadcasting services.
• Support awareness raising of the program and the support provided by USAID via activities such as a media outreach campaign or news releases to radio, television, and electronic media.
• Lead activities to showcase project work with an emphasis on results, including human interest and measurable impact examples.
• Provide updates on the progress of communications deliverables against project activities.
• Strengthen RTI’s network for communications and advocacy with relevant partners to optimize and prioritize the decentralization of DRM.
• Develop, write, and edit case studies, briefs, announcements, and other project-related documentation.
• Support coordination of project-hosted events, including logistics, writing speeches, developing collateral, and posting on social media.
• Develop and regularly update an annual plan of communication products that covers project deliverables, reports, success stories, blogs, social media, and other products.
• Update the project’s website and/or social media profiles.
• Work with technical managers to write success stories, lessons learned, and activity reports. Drafts and disseminates media releases and project success stories to strategic stakeholders.
• Support project activities that include communications and knowledge management products such as radio, television, events, reports, and publications.
• Engage and manage communications vendors such as photographers, videographers, graphic designers, editors, and writers.
• Ensure client and project branding guidelines are adhered to.
• Train staff and partners on branding and marking requirements and ensure they that guidelines are adhered to.
• Request and obtain signed consent forms for all interview, photograph, and video recording subjects, as well as relevant geotagging.
• Create and expand a project visual library of relevant and visually impactful edited images and/or videos.
• Develop other communication tools (newsletters, pamphlets, project briefs) as needed.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of experience, Master’s degree and 3 years of experience or PhD and 0 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A degree in journalism, public administration, international affairs, or a closely related field.
• 5 years of experience designing and successfully implementing communication strategies and media outreach events.
• Demonstrated experience working with USAID or other major donors preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Writing samples will be required as a part of the interview process.
• Ability to accurately and concisely convey complex and technical information.
• Excellent management, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Verbal and written fluency in English and Swahili is required.
• Ability to travel and work throughout Kenya in difficult terrain/conditions at times.