Vacancy title:
Communication Officer

Jobs at:
The Aga Khan Foundation

Deadline of this Job:
1700 hrs on Friday 5th May 2017

Duty Station:
Kampala, Uganda

Job details:
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, non- denominational, international development agency of the Aga Khan Development Network promoting creative and effective solutions to selected problems that impede social and economic development in parts of Africa and Asia. In Uganda, AKF is managing a robust and expanding portfolio of multi-sectorial initiatives that includes programmes in education, early childhood development, sustainable economic development and civil society strengthening. AKF is looking for a well-qualified professional to fill the following position based in Koboko, West Nile:

Communication Officer, Youth social and economic empowerment through civil society and local authorities (youth SEECs)

Are you a savvy story teller with a passion for philanthropy? AKF is looking for a dynamic communications officer. Under the guidance of the Regional Communications Manager, the incumbent assumes primary responsibility for planning, developing, and implementing communication strategies; ‘Promoting Youth Social and Economic Empowerment through
Civil Society and Local Authorities (Youth SEECs)’ project. The incumbent will also be responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with other relevant organisations,
media outlets, government and other AKDN agencies. The Communications Officer will work closely with all AKF programme officers and maintain close interaction with the Partnerships Manager and Country Office staff.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead in project communications for awareness and influence by ensuring that relevant project communications materials such as brochures, learning briefs, success and human interest stories, factsheets, and info graphics are developed and disseminated on time to the target audiences through relevant channels.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets (print, electronic and web-based), including drafting press releases and organising media events, in Uganda to increase coverage of educational and youth empowerment issues.
• Coordinate and monitor internal communications via a monthly newsletter and yearly internal communications audits.
•  Develop content for AKF East Africa (EA)'s platforms including the intranet, social media, and website.
• Contribute to the finalisation and production of High-quality project proposals, donor reports, media supplements, documentaries, audio clips, pictures, and other audio-visual communication materials.
•  Facilitate donor and partnership visits by developing visit schedules/brochures, profiles, background materials, briefs and information kits.
• Organize special events and campaigns to promote strategic educational and youth empowerment activities.
• Monitor, evaluate and document the impact of communication initiatives and materials on AKF (EA)'s reputation and reach.

Required Qualifications, Competences and Experience

•  Minimum Bachelors’ degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, public relations or relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in producing a wide range of strategic communications materials with a reputable international NGO or in the corporate sector.
• Exceptional English communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports, publications, presentations, documentaries and other communications materials.
• Knowledge of languages spoken in Koboko is a plus.
• Experience in mentoring and training staff in communications.
• Advanced working knowledge of MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher). Candidates with basic design and layout skills and adept in using Adobe Photoshop and PageMaker will have an added advantage.
• Desirable: Experience carrying out surveys, focus groups, and market research.

Job application procedure
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV (not exceeding four pages), one piece of written communication (e.g. biog, feature, op-ed, interest story) produced for the media or external use, and the names and contact information of three referees before close of business at 1700 hrs on Friday 5th May 2017, addressed to Human Resource & Admin Manager, Aga Khan Foundation (Uganda) by e-mail akfuganda@akdn.org  Please mention in the subject the title of the position being applied for.

AKF is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.