Director of Communications

AMREF’s opinions on health issues affecting Africa are already being sought by national and international partners. The Foundation intends to build on this by further strengthening its profile and visibility as the leading African voice for better health in Africa. The Foundation also intends to support its international fund raising through aggressive and pro-active communications campaigns. This position is a key senior leadership and management position reporting to the Director General at AMREF Headquarters in Kenya and working closely with the Director of International Fundraising and with the Fundraising and Communications Committee of the AMREF Board.

The Director will:

• provide leadership to one integrated AMREF-wide communications team;
• ensure the formulation and delivery of a proactive external communications strategy for all of AMREF based on targeted priority audiences and on consistent and positive messages;
• ensure AMREF responds promptly and strategically to health issues raised locally and internationally using media opportunities for print, news media, film and TV;
• will work closely with the Directorate of International Fund Raising to ensure that AMREF is marketed effectively, in support of the Foundation’s fund raising strategy and plan;
• provide advice to the Director General on all communications issues.
  

Management Responsibility

For the direction, activities, staff and budgets of the communications directorate and for the communications strategy and annual work plan for AMREF Offices in Africa, Europe and North America. To lead and nurture an effective communications team for AMREF HQ, and to provide direction and close support for the communications teams in AMREF. To work closely with the Director of International Fund Raising and with the Fund Raising and Communications Committee of the AMREF Board.

Qualifications and Key Experience

The person will have:

• a track record of success at senior level in communications in an international health related environment;
• proven experience of building an organisation’s profile and brand globally;
• proven experience of building and delivering a communications strategy and plan across multiple stakeholders;
• proven experience in developing a communications team in a multi-cultural, global organisation with demonstrated leadership;
• knowledge and/or understanding of Africa’s development needs
• a Master’s degree in communications or a related discipline;
• working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
  

In addition, the person will:

• have significant professional experience and cultural sensitivity to the needs of Africa and health development, and experience of the non-profit sector;
• have an existing network of media contacts appropriate to this position and a proven track record of building effective partnerships with national and international media;
• have significant experience of new media and web-based projects and understand how to manage the risks and maximize benefits of such web-based initiatives;
• have strong skills and good judgment for tracking and monitoring media, key message development, strategic positioning, and issue management
• be an excellent thinker and communicator and be able to work with others to write high quality development pieces reflecting and promoting AMREF’s strategy and best practice;
• have experience of developing and delivering a communications strategy across multiple stakeholders

If you can rise to the challenge of communicating development priorities in developed and developing countries with passion and special focus on Africa’s needs, please quote reference number (CHR/11/03-05) and send a copy of your CV, remuneration requirements and contact details of three work-related referees, addressed to The Director of Human Resources, AMREF Headquarters by email to nancy.muriuki@amref.org.

We regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.