Communications & Business Development Junior Officer

Swisscontact has operations across nine culturally and economically diverse countries within the Central, East and Southern Africa (CESAF) region. The Kenya office is the regional hub for project operations. For over a decade, Swisscontact has played a crucial role in supporting youth empowerment in Kenya through improving their entrepreneurial skills, by creating better access to financial products and services as well as market-oriented skills and vocational education.

In the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Swisscontact supports refugees and the host community to move from humanitarian support to lasting development pathways.In 2021, Swisscontact and the Hilti Foundation launched a project to support implementation of an employer-led dual apprenticeship system within the construction sector. The programme, dubbed PropelA, aims to develop a skilled workforce, through a combination of on-job training in companies and theoretical learning in vocational schools. The initiative seeks to fix the practical skills gap in the construction sector in Kenya.

The role:

Swisscontact is looking for a Communications & Business Development Junior Officer to support its Kenyan Operations. The officer will work closely with the Regional Communication & Business Development Officer and the Country Director in Kenya to streamline communication and marketing of the PropelA project and support Business Development efforts. We are looking for someone who is willing to get their hands dirty and find solutions. Someone agile, innovative, visionary and pays attention to detail.

The officer will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the dynamic PropelA communication plan, testing ideas to improve the buy in of the project by the right target audience and support local business development efforts.

Communications & Business Development Junior Officer

Employment start: January 2023 Contract duration: 1 year renewable based on performance.

Probation: 3 months Place of work: Nairobi, Kenya

Tasks:

The Communications & Business Development Junior Officer should have collaborative skills, identify opportunities to improve the brand reputation, and develop and implement communication and marketing strategies.

The duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time, but typically include the following:

Communications Role:

• Developing and implementing communications strategies & work-plans, campaigns, events and other initiatives for the PropelA project.
• Researching, preparing, fact-checking, editing, and producing professional media and communications materials for various audiences and ensuring their timely dissemination via relevant platforms.
• Collating, developing and disseminating relevant content for the project. This includes but is not limited to blog posts, online content, press releases, speeches, presentations etc.
• Conducting surveys to understand the different stakeholders’ views.
• Preparing reports for the management team, including recommendations, to ensure better uptake of the PropelA project.
• Developing working relationships with reporters from different media outlets. Regularly engaging and arranging for coverage.
• Ensuring all marketing and communications material align with the corporate and project brand guidelines.
• Maintaining the digital media archive of photos and videos.
• Preparing and managing the project’s budget regarding communication.
• Working closely with the project team to populate and maintain a current stakeholder database.
• Managing consultants/ suppliers and ensuring quality delivery.

Business Development Role:

• Undertaking donor mapping activities under the leadership of the Country Director.
• Working with executives to implement marketing strategies for improved visibility in upcoming opportunities.
• Encouraging participation by new and existing clients by creating and continuously improving proposals.

Essential Requirements:

The Communications and Business Development Junior Officer should have the below qualifications:

1. A bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field.
2. Minimum of 2 – 4 years relevant experience in a similar role; preferably in the development sector.
3. Knowledge of desktop publishing and video editing softwares.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
5. Advanced professional media skills, with demonstrable tactical expertise for devising and rolling out communications initiatives
6. Great attention to detail, good time management and organisational skills.
7. Good research, analytical and networking and negotiation skills.
8. Able to work under little or no supervision with crisp decision making and leadership skills.

All applicants should have the legal right to work in Kenya.

Swisscontact offers attractive working conditions in an international and multicultural context.

Swisscontact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.