Aga Khan Development Network Regional Communications Officer Job Vacancy in Tanzania

Job Description:
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of private development
agencies working to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged
circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in
Africa and Asia.

The Regional Communications Officer will be expected to:
• Take overall charge of the development and implementation of the AKDN
Communications Strategy in East Africa.
• In consultation with the Executive Committee, develop national country
communications priorities and strategies. This will require that the incumbent
spends appropriate amounts of time in each of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and
as required in Rwanda and Burundi to manage a systematic rollout of
initiatives, communications products and events to deliver the regional EA
Communications Strategy.
• Under the direction of the EC, develop and manage the AKDN profile in the
region while at the same time, monitor, access and manage reputational risk on
an on-going basis.
• Develop strong relations with the media in each country, monitor media and
manage the image of the AKDN on a proactive basis.
• Organise and manage all AKDN external events – aimed at various high level
audiences, such as Government officials, the diplomatic community, corporate
leaders, the general public etc., as well as major staff events organised by
the AKDN offices.
• Develop country and regional-specific materials such as AKDN briefs etc. on
an on-going basis, in consultation with the AKDN Communications offices in
Europe. Manage a databank of related network-wide tools such as relevant pages
of the AKDN website, as well as the distribution of other AKDN ‘wide material
such as calendars, brochures, etc. as well as develop and manage the production
of new material and products as required.
• Work in liaison with the heads and communications managers of the various
AKDN agencies active in the region and align all communications and public
relations initiatives under one umbrella.
• Work in conjunction with third-party service providers, such as PR agencies,
vendors etc. as needed, to deliver the Communications Strategy.
• Serve in an Information Officer capacity for the AKDN in East Africa and
field all enquiries and requests for information from the media, or others.
Develop and manage a database of regional and international journalists
resident in each capital as well as a relationship-management system.
• Develop a crisis related communications plan in collaboration with the
Executive Committee and under the direct supervision of the Department of
Communications, based in Europe.
• Provide thought leadership and direction, under the guidance of the AKDN
Communications Committee, for all future communications strategies and plans.
• Reporting Structure and Relationships
• The incumbent will report to a senior AKDN Staff member in the East African
city in which he/she is based for administrative purposes but will have equal
reporting on all communications related matters to regionally based Senior AKDN
Staff in a structured manner.
• The incumbent will also have functional reporting to the Department of
Communications in Europe regarding communications and development related
issues.
• Where and when additional administrative support is required, the
Communications Officer will work with the AKDN team in that particular country.
• The incumbent will establish and maintain relations with communications officers
of all AKDN agencies in country and in the region.

Requirements
• The Communications Officer should demonstrate the following skills and
attributes:
• University degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism,
development etc.
• At least 7 years’ experience in a PR/communications/marketing role;
demonstrating good knowledge of the local scene in Dar-es Salaam, Kampala and
Nairobi and be prepared to develop local knowledge of Kigali and Bujumbura.
• A strong knowledge base of the local corporate / government / civil society
scene in each of the 5 capitals of the EAC will be an asset.
• Excellent knowledge of the media in East Africa and strong network of
contacts and connections in the regional media.
• Ability to travel and reside when required for short periods in each of the
countries of the EAC. The incumbent will be expected to spend almost equal time
in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and work as required in relation to Rwanda and
Burundi.
• A self-starting mindset; able to remain motivated and responsible under
limited supervision.
• A team player, able to work productively with diverse individuals and
organisations at all levels.
• A hands-on attitude, taking full personal responsibility for results and
working with limited staff resources.
• Sensitivity and diplomacy in handling high-profile initiatives and events.
• Unquestionable personal integrity, in keeping with the universal AKDN ethos.
• Excellent knowledge of East Africa and development issues.
• Experience in crisis communications will be an asset.
• Working knowledge of communications technologies, including printing, web,
apps, etc.
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken. A working knowledge of
Kiswahili and French is desirable.

Applicants must be eligible to work in either of Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania.