Kenya Airways, the leading African airline flying to more African destinations than any other carrier, takes pride in being at the forefront of connecting Africa to the world and the World to Africa through its hub Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Summary

The External Communications Manager is responsible for implementing effective communication programmes and activities whilst ensuring their alignment to the Kenya Airways corporate strategy, business plans and applicable aviation/regulatory standards at the national and regional level.   The position works closely with external stakeholders, media, and focal points of internal teams to communicate the organisation’s message to increase awareness and understanding of KQ’s purpose and ensure the overall continuity of the organisation’s corporate brand consistency and image. The role works closely with the organisation’s leadership on wider influencing, including confirming the organisation’s position as a regional leader in its business segment.

Responsibilities      

Strategy implementation &reporting

• Implement strategic communication initiatives and niche communications to increase the visibilityand understanding of KQ’s vision and purpose internally and externally.
• Coordinate theCommunication Team’s internal and external communication activities, includingresults tracking and reporting.
• Workwith the research team to develop indicators and monitor effectiveness ofcommunication materials and tools.
• As a member of theCrisis Management Team, contribute to the development and implementation of theKenya Airways’ Crisis Management Policy and ensuring a corresponding CommunicationsPlan.

Leadership/ DepartmentalSupport & issues Management

• CoordinateDepartmental communications activities including training and coaching of teamson communications in stakeholder management.
• Support in managing the CEO’s corporate communicationsrequirements to improve the organisation’s visibility among key stakeholders.
• Communicationsadvisory and counsel on integrating communications into annual plans andmanaging issues.
• Prepare periodic departmental reports and prepare briefings tothe Departmental leadership.
• Support in the planning and oversight of communications/PRrelated to regional partners/alliance, legal, finance, HR, Government andindustry issues and other corporate topics.
• Anticipate image and reputational risk issues and develop andimplement appropriate communication actions.
• Support crisis communications planning and management.
• CoordinateDepartmental communications activities including training and coaching of teamson communications in stakeholder management.
• Support in managing theCEO’s corporate communications requirements to improve the organisation’svisibility among key stakeholders.
• Communications advisory and counsel onintegrating communications into annual plans and managing issues.
• Prepare periodicdepartmental reports and prepare briefings to the Departmentalleadership.
• Support in the planningand oversight of communications/PR related to regional partners/alliance,legal, finance, HR, Government and industry issues and other corporate topics.
• Anticipate image andreputational risk issues and develop and implement appropriate communicationactions.
• Support crisiscommunications planning and management.

Content Development & Dissemination

• Generate content for stories, press releases, briefs andmessages for Kenya Airway’s audiences using a variety of media, including theorganisation’s owned media (Website, Intranet, Extranet, Social MediaPlatforms).
• Ensure adherence to the Kenya Airways brand by reinforcing theuse of the Brand and style guidelines.
• Assist in the production of annualreports, documentaries, and brochures for promoting the organisation tostakeholders.

 Internal Communications

• Facilitateinformation access and sharing between corporate communications, departmentsand relevant external stakeholders.
• Support the development of internal communications programmesand processes to support employee engagement initiatives.
• Support strong internalcommunications to build corporate identity, maintain strong staff engagementand build confidence among KQ employees.

 Media Relations &Management

• Ensure strong and resilientrelationships with media partners at the hub and across the network.
• Monitorlocal media coverage for sharing with corporate communicationsincluding setting up mechanisms to respond to media enquiries.
• Organise mediaevents and tours and facilitate contacts among members of the media toencourage in depth coverage of KQ.
• Leverage proactive publicity tactics to achieve visibility inthe news media, including favourably positioning Kenya Airways and promotingthe company’s progress and success by showcasing leaders, the Go Forward Planand culture.

Social media &Digital Platforms

• Oversight of socialmedia platforms and engagement including serving as a moderator in KQs externalsocial network sites which include Facebook. Twitter, Linked In etc.
• Develop content, ensure social media tactics are embedded anddeployed in all communication plans.
• Create leadership awareness and knowledge on social mediause.
• Participate & advise on innovation of Kenya Airways digitalplatforms.

Consultants &Procurement Management

• Manage watchingbrief on relationships of communications consultants/PR agencies.
• Ensure appropriate budgeting, cost containmentand tracking of communications related cost centres.
• Manage external surveysthat evaluate the attitudes, opinions and aspirations of stakeholders andpartners.
• Managing vendors toensure efficient delivery of quality services that meet Kenya Airways standards
• Development of proposalsand related procurement requirements
• Ensure quality assuranceof all corporate communications emanating from the company to ensure adherencebrand guidelines.

 Talent Management &other

• Ensure the planning and deliveryof clear and realistic work plans for the communications unit underpurview.
• Ensuring all members ofthe team are competent to carry out their role, offering coaching and mentoringsupport to enhance their delivery and capabilities
• Grow and mentor thecommunications team and supports their learning and development.
• Undertake any otherduties as may be assigned by the Communications Director.

External:

• Communications and Advertising Agencies,
• Editorial writers
• Creative developers,
• Journalists
• Partners

Job Requirements        

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. (publicrelations, journalism, communication, or marketing).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism
• Membership/Certification – Relevant PR bodies
• Aminimum of five (5) years of progressive relevant experience in acommunications, marketing or journalistic role.

Additional Details        

• Communications skills including; Delivery of effective strategy,writing and successfully deploying press releases and other materials
• Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet time pressuredeadlines, achieve agreed-upon results, and have personal organisation do so.
• Excellent diplomatic and interpersonal skills with a willingnessto work in a team environment. Proven experience in working as both a leaderand a member of a team.
• Self-motivated, creative, have excellent organisational skills,proven ability to perform multiple tasks, and work with both internal andexternal constituencies.
• Experience of developing and implementing media, advocacy ormarketing campaigns
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of issues and trends incorporate communications in a high profile, multi-stakeholder company,regulated industry.
• Exceptional research, writing, editing, presentation, verbal andinterpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage reputational risk.
• A successful track record of managing new media and digitalchannels, including website development.
• Be detail and results-oriented, and have strong knowledge ofevaluation of outcomes analysis
• Demonstrated computer skills and the ability to work inappropriate Microsoft Office Suite applications, and use Adobe Photoshop