COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

INTRODUCTION

Habitat for Humanity Kenya (HFH Kenya) is a national non-profit organization that begun its operations in 1982 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The affiliation is guided by a National Affiliation Agreement (NAA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). HFH Kenya’s vision is: “A nation where every family has a decent place to live.” Mission: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity Kenya brings people together to build homes, communities and hope”. Our overarching goal is: “Enabling low-income families access decent and affordable shelter”

LOCATION: Nairobi

DIRECT SUPERVISEES: Communications Officer.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS: All departments to ensure seamless flow of HFHK programme and operations processes.

CONTRACT DURATION: 2 years, renewable subject to availability of funds.

NATIONALITY: Kenyan nationals.

A competitive salary and benefits package: Monthly Gross salary range for this position is KES 310,000-350,000.

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the National Director, the primary responsibility of the Communications Manager is to develop, implement, and oversee effective marketing and communication strategies that support and promote Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s work to multiple targeted audiences – this includes brand awareness and engagement, managing internal and external communications, fostering community engagement, overseeing content creation, and identifying strategically important platforms, channels and initiatives for delivering that content and messaging.

The Communications Manager will focus on enhancing the organization’s public image, engaging stakeholders, and supporting fundraising initiatives and public relations efforts to drive awareness and support for the organization’s initiatives. Supporting both strategic and technical communications aspects, the Communication Manager will work closely with HFHK Senior Management Team in delivery of the Communications KPI’s and will collaborate with colleagues in the Africa Area office for the larger communications goal for HFH in Africa and globally.

DUTIES

Specific Job Responsibilities:

1. Develop and Implement Communication Strategies:
   • Develop comprehensive communication strategies that align with Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s mission to facilitate access to decent and affordable shelter for low-income families.
   • Develop realistic annual plans and budgets to enable the execution of the communications strategies.
2. Manage Internal and External Communications:
   • Develop clear and effective guidelines and protocols for internal and external communications.
   • Manage external communications to enhance Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s public image and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, partners, and the community.
   • Help coordinate media interviews and other external communications opportunities related to HFH work in Kenya, including preparation of key spokespeople.
3. Program Communications Support:
   • Develop project-specific communication plans for HFHK’s new and ongoing donor-funded projects and oversee their execution throughout the project’s lifespan.
   • Build the capacity of project leads and technical specialists to identify and document stories of change, including case studies, photos, and multimedia products that communicate the impact of our work to key public audiences and for media use, as well as for quality reporting purposes.
   • Support field program teams in ensuring that the HFHK brand and donor requirements are fulfilled for all visibility and communications materials.

• Content Creation and Management:
• Supervise the creation of compelling content (e.g., articles, press releases, social media posts, newsletters) that communicates Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s impact and initiatives effectively -this includes overseeing website management and social media engagement.
• Ensure all content aligns with organizational goals and resonates with target audiences. Reinforce Habitat for Humanity brand and communications standards among content-gatherers, setting clear guiderails around the development of stories, images, videos and other assets.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication efforts and campaigns, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize effectiveness.

1. Enhance Public Image and Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Implement strategies to enhance Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s public image and increase visibility in relevant sectors.
   • Collaborate with advocacy, donor relations and other relevant teams to engage stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, government agencies, and the media, to garner support and advocacy for the organization’s initiatives.
   • Collaborate with fundraising teams to develop communication materials that support fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
   • Assist in PR efforts by crafting compelling stories, organizing media appearances, and managing media relations to generate positive coverage and support.
2. Staff Capacity Building:
   • Train key senior staff on media engagement and support the National Director and other senior managers in their roles as designated spokespersons.
   • Coordinate periodic training of staff in communication skills, tools, and best practices; the HFHK Communications strategy, policies, and brand guidelines; and empower team members to effectively execute communication strategies and initiatives.
   • Develop and implementation a crisis communication policy within the first 6 months, with annual refresher training for all staff.
   • And any other duties as may be assigned by your supervisor.

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES / INDICATORS

• Annual strategic communication plans, achieving at least 90% of set objectives.

• HFHK communications related to Kenya are useful for fundraisers, advocacy and program staff within the organization.

• Number of quality communications assets produced and effectively used by the Habitat for Humanity network.

• Number of successful external engagements via news media, events and other opportunities.

• Communications consistently reflect Habitat for Humanity brand and ethical standards.

• Number of successful stakeholder engagement events per year.

• Annual brand audits with a minimum 5% increase in brand perception score

• Engagement figures on national website and social media channels

  QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Proficiency in building creative concepts and demonstrated ability to see storytelling projects through to completion, including both written and visual aspects.

• Proven ability to write, edit, evaluate and curate strong content and design, while meeting brand, marketing and messaging needs.

• Strong communications and problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural competencies and organizational and project management skills that demonstrate an ability to successfully collaborate with a variety of departments and stakeholders.

• Attributes: Strategic thinker, detail-oriented, creative, proactive, and adaptable. A passion for non-profit’s mission is essential.

• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant communication tools.

  EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, preferably in a non-profit organization.

• Proven experience in media engagement.

• Track record of developing and managing a communications unit.

• Experience in developing successful communication strategies and campaigns that help advance both larger organizational objectives and those of a particular team or initiative within an organization.

  OTHER INFORMATION

• Active support of HFHK Values:

  • Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
  • Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
  • Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission

• Ability to work long and odd hours and occasionally, the position holder may be expected to work outside of regular working hours.

• Confidentiality

• Honesty

• High levels of integrity

  Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct

How to apply

If your background, experience and competence match the above specifications, please submit your CV & motivation letter as a single file by 20 September 2024 to: hr@hfhkenya.org

Indicate in the subject of the email: COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Due to the expected high volume of applications, note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Habitat for Humanity Kenya is an equal opportunity employer, and as such, HFHK makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, or disability.

The protection of your personal data is important to HFHK. By submitting your application, you consent to HFHK using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. HFHK will not use your personal data in any other way other than for purposes of recruitment.