Communications Officer at International Fund for Animal Welfare

Job Description

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); IFAW is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together with presence in 40 countries around the world (see IFAW works to address the needs of animals and people across a multitude of critical habitats through protecting wildlife from poachers, landscape conservation and rehabilitation of rescued animals. It partners with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and businesses to achieve its mission. The IFAW Eastern Africa Regional office based in Nairobi covers 10 countries i.e., Djibouti, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea and the Democratic Republic of Congo. At present IFAW has ongoing projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia with some of these projects having a transboundary reach. IFAW believes that the livelihoods of people and the conservation and welfare of animals are inextricably linked through habitats, shared resources, and interactions therein. Through its Room to Roam initiative, IFAW has since adopted and committed to a landscape approach to conservation in select anchor landscapes in Africa and is committed to respectful and inclusive engagement that empowers communities to identify opportunities to address important wildlife conservation issues while incorporating livelihood options. This has been demonstrated in its work in Amboseli, Tsavo and Kilimanjaro landscape with commendable success.

Role and Responsibilities

Working with Project managers and East Africa communications colleagues, source and produce compelling content for use across all IFAW channels (web, social, press releases). Maintain a fresh and updated knowledge and analysis of the news media communications arena and actively pitch for regular positive coverage of IFAW activities in regional media. Develop and maintain close links with critical journalists at a national and regional level and act as the primary contact person between media and IFAW spokespeople. Writing press releases and statements as required. Contribute to briefing documents for site visits for photographers/videographers visiting IFAW projects to meet content marketing needs. Identify and assist in recruiting regional influencers who actively promote IFAW projects and campaigns and work directly with them to create and manage activity schedules. Take an active approach to managing daily scans of all media, including social media, to ascertain emerging issues and trends that IFAW can rapidly respond to Work collaboratively with partner organisations while promoting IFAW’s contribution to joint efforts. Learn the content management system and, following publication guidelines, upload new approved content to the international website. Provide in-country office communications support (collateral, branding of office and project sites etc.) Creation of regional programmatic communications plans and actively contributing to the creation of African Communications plans Frequent regional travel is required.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Degree in communications, journalism, or equivalent preferred, with five years of experience in media and communications. Excellent knowledge and understanding of East African media, including print, broadcast and social media. An understanding of and commitment to conservation and animal welfare issues. Experience in scheduling and budgeting. Experience in managing media campaigns that have changed attitudes, behaviour or legislation would be an advantage. Experience working in an international media environment would be an advantage. Ability to lead and work as part of a team. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Kiswahili and the ability to be creative and innovative Ability to plan strategically and prioritise projects Computer savvy, with solid skills in standard office applications and internet communications and excellent attention to detail. Availability outside office hours to manage breaking news stories on social media.