Communications Officer

Our client is a Pan-African initiative established in 2007 and a member of the global Tax Justice Network that seeks to promote socially just, democratic and progressive taxation systems in Africa.

Our client advocates for pro-poor tax regimes and the strengthening of tax regimes to promote domestic resource mobilization.

The organisation aims to challenge harmful tax policies and practices that favour the wealthy and aggravate and perpetuate inequality.

The main goal is to mainstream tax justice in the discourse of African civil society.

The organisation provides a platform dedicated to enabling African researchers, campaigners, civil society organizations, policy makers, and investigative media to cooperate in the struggle against illicit financial flows, tax evasion, tax competition and other harmful trends in tax policy and practice.

Position Title: Communications Officer

Reports to: Policy and Advocacy Manager

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya.

Overall Purpose:

The Communications Officer will be responsible for planning, developing and implementing internal and external communication briefs, media and outreach strategy to increase awareness on the importance of taxation to economic development in Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop close working relationships with key stakeholders including media, donors and partners and collaborate with relevant stakeholders on communication related activities.
• Develop strategic communications and partnerships to extend the reach and impact of programmes
• Under the guidance of the Policy and Advocacy Manager, develop and implement a communication and outreach strategy
• Manage and oversee the implementation of communications and brand strategy under the direction of the Policy and Advocacy Manager in collaboration with the director.
• Develop messaging around complex issues and ensure all communications are accurate, concise and that they promote opportunities to enhance the work of national partners and members
• Provide expert communications advice for partners and allies when required and enhance the capacity of partners in communication especially on tax related issues.
• Encourage and support staff in-member organizations to engage with and contribute to internal communications and knowledge sharing forums.
• Lead in developing specific communications strategies for upcoming campaigns and events, including identifying target audiences, devising public messaging and testing with audiences.
• Ensure these strategies and messages contribute to the political and tax policy change objectives of the campaign, are innovative and effective
• Participate in communications related meetings with key stakeholders at national and regional levels to help advance the Network’s Agenda.
• Organise and co-ordinate internal communication related meetings, and ensure follow-up of action agreed
• Document and share information through print and electronic media while ensuring that multimedia approaches including website, social media, such us blogs, twitter, and face book are considered as part of the strategies

Qualifications and Key Skills

• Minimum of a degree in social sciences or business related and post graduate diploma in communication or journalism from recognised institutions of higher learning
• 3 Years in similar position within civil society or public organization
• Experience in brand management and corporate affairs
• Experience in both print and electronic media awareness and disseminations
• Knowledge of and exposure to policy analysis, lobbying and media work; networking and partnership will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrate initiative and creativity; and be a strategic thinker with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Good analytical and good problem solving skills
• Multi tasking and ability to work under minimum supervision
• Excellent Computer skills
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and customer service skills in a multi-cultural environment with specific knowledge and understanding of current tax trends in Africa
• Fluency in spoken and written French and English is a prerequisite for this position

Please submit your application and current CV detailing your experience for the post, current email and phone contacts to: recruitment@liaisonconsultants.co.ke with subject “VA – TJN-A Communications Officer” not later than June 11th 2011.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.