Job Description
(a) Job Description
The job holder is responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and overseeing
implementation of Corporate Communication, Media and Public Relations
activities, marketing strategies, policies, systems, and initiatives that translate into
brand value enhancement, Institution’s visibility, and Reputational Risk
Management.
The job holder is also responsible for spearheading the implementation,
monitoring and evaluation of the Secretariat’s performance contracting and
reporting, including the development, review and monitoring of the VDS
Strategic Plan.
The Director, Communications and Strategy will be responsible to the Director
General in carrying out the following roles: -
(i) Leading the conceptualization, formulation, designing, developing,
implementing, managing, analyzing, and reviewing public relations and
corporate communication strategies, policies, procedures and practices
that promote Kenya Vision 2030 Flagship Programmes and Projects,
locally and internationally.
(ii) Designing, development, implementation and management of corporate
strategy and operational plans geared towards attaining and sustaining a
positive public image of the institution.
(iii)Overseeing the management of media and other stakeholder engagement
including interviews, and preparation of informative press briefs, press
releases, newsletters, publications and branding/marketing materials to be
disseminated to external and internal stakeholders to enhance accurate
information dissemination to the public on all matters of concern to VDS.
(iv)Creating awareness on the roles, goals, objectives, and activities of the
Kenya Vision 2030 Projects and Programmes while spearheading all the
institution’s media campaign activities in liaison with other Directorates
to improve on VDS visibility.
(v) Devising and implementing measures to project, promote and
protect the Secretariat’s corporate image and profile locally and
internationally.
(vi) Liaising with other Directorates and Divisions to develop or
review various strategies to support programmes/projects under
VDS and MTP.
(vii) Designing, initiating, undertaking and supervising public relations
and communication research to develop and execute sound
corporate public relations and communication strategies and
appropriate interventions for the VDS.
(viii) Developing and implementing appropriate and strategic networks,
collaboration, linkages and partnerships with the stakeholders
nationally and internationally to support the VDS.
(ix) Responsible for designing, producing, and disseminating
information, education and communication (IEC) materials
including other VDS’ publicity materials e.g documentaries,
newsletters and brochures.
(x) Developing a strategic and people-centered
communication strategy and spearhead the management of the
relationship between the institution and external Brand and PR
communication agencies assigned to the institution.
(xi) Overseeing the management of the implementation of all artworks,
production of branding or marketing materials and media
campaigns to enhance brand affinity.
(xii) Overseeing the development, production, and execution of all the
VDS advertising strategies to enhance brand visibility and
corporate identity.
(xiii) Overseeing the management of VDS annual events and exhibitions
to promote and enhance stakeholder engagement forums and
initiatives to publicize VDS activities.
(xiv) Overseeing compliance and adherence to the VDS’ Citizen Service
Delivery Charter for efficient service delivery.
(xv) Design and manage the VDS’ website’s content in liaison with ICT
and develop and manage information resource centre for VDS
content while ensuring that information on databases remain
secure by instituting copyright measures as applicable.
(xvi) Develop, coordinate and implement VDS corporate social
responsibility strategies.
(xvii) Working with the management and staff to recognize internal and
external communication opportunities and solutions that define
and execute appropriate strategies to support the VDS.
(xviii) Coordinate the preparation, vetting, signing and evaluation of the
VDS Performance Contract.
(xix) Spearhead the development, implementation and monitoring of the
Secretariat’s Strategic Plan and identify challenges and emerging
issues faced by the organization for further action.
(xx) Overseeing the preparation and submission of all periodic and
adhoc reports for the Directorate geared towards sustaining high
positive media tonality of the Secretariat and departmental reports
for submission in the Senior Management and Board meetings for
informed decision making.
(xxi) Inspiring and mentoring the department’s staff on career
progression and personal growth to ascertain succession planning.
(b) Job Specifications
For appointment to this grade a candidate should possess:-
• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: - Mass
Communication, Corporate Communication, Development
Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, or its
equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: - Mass
Communication, Corporate Communication, Development
Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, or its
equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Must have served in the position of Deputy, Assistant or Senior
Principal Public Relations and Communications Officer or in a
comparable and relevant position in the Public or Private sector for
a minimum period of (3) years OR at least fifteen [15] years
relevant work experience required, seven [7] of which should be at
senior managerial level.
• Be a member of good standing in a recognized professional body
such as Chartered Institute of Public Relations Society of Kenya or
any other relevant professional body.
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic
thinking into action plans and output.
• Proven experience in designing and/or implementing a local,
national, or regional strategic communications strategy.
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of National goals, policies
and objectives and ability to relate them to realization of Vision
2030.
• Should have done Senior Leadership Development Programme
Course (SLDP) or Management course lasting not less than four (4)
weeks from a recognized institution.
Required Skills & Competencies
a) Ability to management and lead teams.
b) Ability to work under pressure.
b) Knowledge of best practices in Customer Experience
c) Knowledge of Brand & Product Marketing
d) Digital Media Management
e) Project management skills
f) Communication skills
g) Reporting skills
h) Competitive analysis
i) Analytical skills
j) Negotiation skills
l) Interpersonal skills
m) Reliability & Dependability
n) Creativity and Innovative
o) Emotional Intelligence