The Position

Corporate Affairs Officer Job Reference: CAO/COMMS/04/2024

The Corporate Affairs specialist will be responsible for the delivery of corporate communication plans for the Presidency, Board, and other key stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will serve as the primary assistant on communications and strategic engagements for the President, Board, and key staff. The role holder will be responsible for developing and implementing key communications and external engagement plans across multi-media platforms to achieve favorable reach and engagement. He/she will be required to deeply collaborate with teams to develop impactful content, talking points, speeches, and internal and external communications, in service of the organization’s strategy.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute comprehensive corporate communication plans that align with the organization’s strategic objectives and effectively communicate key messages to stakeholders.
• Create compelling and impactful content, including speeches, sound bites, quotes, and articles, that align with AGRA’s objectives and resonate with target audiences. Ensure consistent messaging across different communication channels and platforms.
• Create and curate engaging content for social media platforms and coordinate strategic media engagements with relevant stakeholders, including the media, partners, and the public.
• Support crisis communications by tracking and coordinating the reputation management committee and support the running of this committee with timely meetings and updates during challenging situations.
• Research and analyze industry trends, public opinion, and stakeholder feedback to inform communication strategies and identify opportunities for engagement.
• In collaboration with the Communication, Innovations, Engagement, and Advocacy strategy relevant units, develop and implement the presidency’s communications plan, including an annual content plan of internal and external engagements.
• Conduct media training and guide senior leaders and spokespersons to enhance their speech-writing skills.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance processes, tools, and systems to streamline operations and improve efficiency in delivering key deliverables for the Presidency and board.
• Maintain an updated stakeholder database and events calendar that amplifies AGRA’s engagements and partner relationships and alliances.
• Oversee and build positive relationships with external stakeholders, including media outlets, industry influencers, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Perform archiving, database updates, and management to ensure updates.
• Oversee the digital presence, including website content, social media platforms, and email marketing campaigns, ensuring consistent messaging and engaging content for the Presidency and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and prepare speeches for the presidency, board, and key personnel.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of senior media contacts and proactively build relations and pitch stories and press releases to secure positive media coverage of the Presidency and board.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment related to the organization and provide timely insights, updates, and recommendations to senior leadership.

Key Qualifications and Experience Required:

• A master’s degree in communications, Media and Public Relations, or Journalism is ideal, or a bachelor’s degree in markets.
• Professional qualifications in Communications and Journalism will be an added advantage.
• Experience at a Senior Officer level in an international development or corporate organization is desired.
• Fluency in English; Knowledge of French or Portuguese will be an advantage.
• Must have experience in speech writing.
• Knowledge of food systems, and landscape is desirable.
• Must demonstrate excellent Communication Skills, strong speech writing abilities and experience, and strong project management skills.
• Must be culturally sensitive with a good understanding of global media platforms.
• Strong administrative skills, and digital marketing skills with excellent media relations globally.