Communication Job At Mercy Corps
Recruit Finds
Nairobi, Kenya
Job summary
Communications Specialist at Mercy Corps
About this role
Join Our Whatsapp Channel - CLICK HERE
Communications Specialist Job Description
1. Job Summary
The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives that enhance the visibility, reputation, and impact of the organization's programs. The role focuses on creating compelling content, managing digital communication platforms, documenting success stories, supporting organizational learning, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and organizing thought leadership events.
The successful candidate will collaborate with program teams, monitoring and evaluation specialists, partners, media, and other stakeholders to communicate program achievements, strengthen public awareness, and promote organizational objectives. The position requires exceptional storytelling, communication, project management, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to translate complex program outcomes into engaging content for diverse audiences.
2. Key Duties and Responsibilities
2.1 Communication Strategy
The successful candidate will:
Develop and implement strategic internal and external communication plans.
Increase the visibility of organizational programs and initiatives.
Align communication activities with organizational goals and branding guidelines.
Identify opportunities to strengthen stakeholder engagement.
Monitor the effectiveness of communication strategies and recommend improvements.
Support the implementation of regional and global communication initiatives.
2.2 Content Development and Storytelling
The Communications Specialist will:
Develop compelling stories that demonstrate program impact.
Write and edit articles, blogs, newsletters, press releases, speeches, and reports.
Prepare key messages, talking points, and communication materials.
Document beneficiary success stories and organizational achievements.
Ensure all communication materials are accurate, engaging, and aligned with organizational standards.
Maintain consistency in messaging across all communication channels.
2.3 Digital Communication and Social Media Management
The employee will:
Manage the organization's website and digital communication platforms.
Develop and publish content for social media channels.
Monitor online engagement and audience interactions.
Maintain an active and professional online presence.
Coordinate digital campaigns that increase program visibility.
Analyze digital communication performance and recommend improvements.
2.4 Photography, Videography, and Multimedia Production
The successful candidate will:
Coordinate photography and video production activities.
Collect visual content during field visits and organizational events.
Develop multimedia materials that showcase program achievements.
Work with designers and multimedia professionals to produce high-quality communication materials.
Maintain an organized library of photographs, videos, and digital assets.
Ensure visual content complies with organizational branding guidelines.
2.5 Learning and Knowledge Management
The Communications Specialist will:
Support documentation of organizational learning and best practices.
Develop frameworks for capturing and sharing program knowledge.
Identify opportunities to communicate research findings and lessons learned.
Promote knowledge sharing across departments and stakeholders.
Contribute to organizational learning initiatives.
2.6 Event Planning and Management
The employee will:
Plan and coordinate workshops, conferences, report launches, and thought leadership events.
Prepare event communication materials and promotional content.
Coordinate invitations and stakeholder engagement activities.
Manage relationships with event vendors and service providers.
Monitor event budgets and expenditures.
Ensure successful execution of organizational events.
2.7 Media Relations
The successful candidate will:
Build and maintain relationships with media organizations.
Coordinate media coverage for organizational activities.
Prepare media kits and press materials.
Respond to media inquiries professionally.
Identify opportunities for positive media engagement.
Monitor media coverage and prepare media reports.
2.8 Program Support
The Communications Specialist will:
Collaborate with Monitoring and Evaluation teams to communicate research findings.
Support communication activities for partner organizations.
Contribute communication content for donor reports.
Assist program teams in promoting project activities.
Support visibility initiatives across organizational programs.
2.9 Stakeholder Engagement
The employee will:
Build productive relationships with donors, partners, beneficiaries, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
Represent the organization during communication and public engagement activities.
Promote effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure communication activities reflect stakeholder needs and organizational priorities.
2.10 Safeguarding and Compliance
The successful candidate will:
Promote safeguarding principles in all communication activities.
Protect the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of program participants.
Ensure communication materials comply with organizational safeguarding policies.
Promote ethical storytelling and responsible communication practices.
Support accountability to program participants and stakeholders.
2.11 Administrative and Operational Support
The Communications Specialist will:
Maintain communication records and documentation.
Prepare communication performance reports.
Monitor communication budgets where applicable.
Participate in departmental planning meetings.
Perform any other duties assigned by management.
3. Minimum Qualifications
Applicants should possess the following qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, Marketing, or a related field from a recognized institution.
A Master's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field will be an added advantage.
Professional certification in Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Strategic Communications, or Media Management will be an added advantage.
4. Work Experience
The ideal candidate should have:
A minimum of three (3) to four (4) years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, media, or corporate communications.
Proven experience developing and implementing communication strategies.
Demonstrated experience in storytelling, content writing, and editorial development.
Experience managing social media platforms and digital communication channels.
Experience organizing corporate or development sector events.
Experience working in entrepreneurship, youth development, international development, or non-governmental organizations will be an added advantage.
Experience in photography, videography, website management, or multimedia production will be an added advantage.
5. Required Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate the following skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong storytelling and content development abilities.
Copywriting and editing expertise.
Digital communication and social media management skills.
Public relations and media engagement knowledge.
Event planning and coordination skills.
Photography and multimedia content development skills.
Strong project management and organizational abilities.
Research and analytical skills.
Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
Microsoft Office proficiency.
Website content management knowledge.
Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.
Strong attention to detail and creativity.
6. Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate should possess the following qualities:
Passion for storytelling and communicating impact.
High level of integrity and professionalism.
Creativity and innovation.
Strong initiative and self-motivation.
Adaptability and flexibility.
Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
Strong problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently.
Commitment to continuous learning.
Respect for diversity and inclusion.
Customer and stakeholder-focused mindset.
7. Working Environment
The Communications Specialist will work in a professional office environment with frequent collaboration across program teams, donors, partners, media organizations, and community stakeholders. The role requires occasional travel to field locations to document project activities, capture beneficiary stories, and support communication events. The successful candidate will also participate in workshops, conferences, stakeholder meetings, and organizational events while managing multiple communication projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
8. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Performance in this role will be measured using the following indicators:
Successful implementation of communication strategies.
Growth in media coverage and program visibility.
Quality and quantity of communication materials produced.
Website and social media engagement performance.
Number of impact stories and success stories documented.
Successful planning and execution of organizational events.
Timely production of donor communication materials.
Stakeholder satisfaction with communication support.
Quality of learning and knowledge management outputs.
Compliance with branding, safeguarding, and communication standards.
Timely submission of communication reports.
9. Expected Outcomes
The successful Communications Specialist will contribute to the organization by:
Strengthening the visibility and reputation of organizational programs.
Producing compelling stories that demonstrate program impact.
Increasing stakeholder awareness and engagement through strategic communication.
Supporting knowledge sharing and organizational learning initiatives.
Enhancing media relationships and public awareness.
Successfully coordinating high-quality communication events and campaigns.
Supporting donor reporting through effective communication products.
Promoting ethical, inclusive, and responsible storytelling.
Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Upholding professionalism, creativity, and excellence in all communication activities.
The Communications Specialist is expected to perform all assigned responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, creativity, accountability, and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality communication products that enhance organizational impact, stakeholder engagement, and program visibility.
Application
Go to Mercy Corps on recruiting2.ultipro.com to apply