Prior to establishment of Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), remuneration and benefits payable to public officers were set through ad hoc Committees. Owing to the limited mandate of the foregoing Commissions and Committees, they only addressed remuneration and benefits in selected sectors and subsectors of the Public Service. The absence of a holistic approach led to substantial differences in salaries, allowances, other benefits and grading resulting in discontentment, low morale and inefficiencies in the Public Service. This situation was not helpful to an economy eyeing fast growth, supported by a vibrant Public Service. Moreover, the country was saddled by a ballooning public wage bill that required concerted effort to: first, harmonise the salaries of all public servants; and second, lay strong foundation to manage a bloated wage bill, thus free funds for development projects. The public sector wage bill has shown a positive trend from 57.33% of ordinary revenue in 2013/2014 to 48.1% in 2018/2019 as a result of previous initiatives by stakeholders. However, concerted effort by all arms of government is required to achieve a wage bill of 35% of ordinary revenue as per the PFM regulations (2015) and a wage bill to GDP of 7.5% from the current 8.1% in line with average for developing Countries. A fiscally sustainable wage bill releases additional resources to address the Big 4 agenda and other development goals.

Job Purpose

Responsible for implementing the corporate image and stakeholder management policies and strategies to enhance the Commission’s brand.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks

Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide input into the departmental work plan and compile budget estimates to inform the departmental planning process;
• Support in the management of media relations to build a positive SRC image;
• Organise and coordinate the Commission events, including press conferences and media briefings;
• Facilitate access to information and data when required by the public;
• Manage review of media and social media for news and information relating to SRC’s mandate;
• Assist in monitoring the impact of the communications strategy, communications policy, stakeholder management and mapping strategy, stakeholder management policy, and propose reviews where appropriate;
• Design Mishahara quarterly newsletter, e-Connect weekly bulletin, publications and reports, information, education and communication materials, promotional materials, and graphics for social media and website, among others;
• Ensure approved graphic designs fit within printer-ready resolutions and specifications, and liaise with external printers, as necessary.
• Lead the development and performance management of staff that report to the position for the achievement of both individual and departmental goals;
• Carry out training needs assessment and propose training programmes for departmental staff that report to the position;
• Identify and evaluate communication risks and implications of all of the departmental activities;
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff that report to the position; and
• Mentor and coach staff that report to the position, in liaison with the Head of Corporate Communications.

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks

• Implement policies, procedures and manuals to ensure improved efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery;
• Draft content for print and electronic media to ensure clear communication to stakeholders;
• Review and update the Commission’s website, intranet and social media platforms ensuring that the content is factual and timely;
• Provide requisite information to ensure accurate and timely responses to media and other key stakeholders.
• Respond to media queries for the Commission to ensure responses are timely and factual, in liaison with the Head of Corporate Communications;
• Prepare content for information, education and communication materials and other promotional materials;
• Implement the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy and programmes;
• Draft opinion editorials for publication in line with Commission’s mandate.
• Draft press releases and briefs on SRC’s programmes and activities;
• Draft speeches and statements for the Chairperson and CEO;
• Review audio-visual productions, documentaries, radio productions, as well as other printed materials;
• Identify public relations issues as they emerge and propose remedial action;
• Provide secretarial services to the Commission’s Corporate Image and Stakeholder Management Committee, as may be assigned by the Head of Corporate Communications;
• Develop individual work plan, monitor own performance and seek support to ensure delivery of agreed targets; and
• Prepare and submit departmental monthly, quarterly and annual reports to Head of Corporate Communications.

Job Dimensions:

Financial Responsibility

• Provide input to the department budget and procurement plan.

Responsibility for Physical Assets

• Computer
• Office equipment and furniture
• Camera
• Banners

Decision Making / Job Influence

• Managerial
• Analytical
• Operational

Working Conditions

• Office setting with occasional travel out of office.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills)

Academic qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Journalism or any Bachelor’s degree with a Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication or Journalism from a recognised university.
• Master’s degree from a recognised university shall be an added advantage.

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

• Member of Public Relations Society of Kenya in good standing.

Previous relevant work experience required

• Eight (8) years of relevant work experience, with at least 4 years in a comparable position in a reputable organisation.

Functional Skills, Behavioral Competencies/Attributes:

• Meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution;