Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer - Nairobi, Kenya - The Royal Danish Embassy

Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Embassy is an integral part of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and therefore shares the same overall objectives and the same visions, mission and values as the rest of the organisation.

The Embassy is accredited to represent Denmark in the areas of foreign policy and foreign economic and commercial relations as regards to the Republic of Kenya. The embassy also has the responsibility for overseeing relations in Somalia, Seychelles and Eritrea.

JOB SUMMARY

BackgroundThe Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi represents Denmark in Kenya, Seychelles, Malawi and Mauritius as well as the United Nations in Nairobi. The Embassy also host the Danish Representative Office to Somalia. It manages development and stabilization cooperation linked to Kenya and Somalia and follows political and economic developments. Climate change, green growth, peace and stabilisation, democracy, human rights, equitable healthcare, women's rights and empowerments are some of our key areas of focus across both country programs (Kenya and Somalia), as is the enhancing of trade between Denmark and Kenya and support to regional cooperation in East Africa and consular/visa services.We are seeking to recruit a creative, ambitious and visionary Communications Officer to ensure strategic, timely and effective communication and Public Diplomacy (PD). PD activities, including the showcase and promotion of Danish strategic interests and values, will often be in the form of different events and meetings at the Embassy and the residences. The Communications Officer will overall be responsible for strengthening and managing the Embassy's communications and public diplomacy profile towards audiences in Denmark and the countries the Embassy covers. This entails substantial strategic work as well as developing concrete guidelines for the Embassy's communication efforts. This also includes close cooperation with the Communications Department in the Danish MFA, as well as strategic partners and relevant external stakeholders in Denmark, Kenya, and Somalia. Our new colleague will work across the different teams in order to plan, design and execute communication activities around our work, milestones, results and key priorities to external audiences. Together with the teams, the Communications Officer is also responsible for Denmark's ongoing public diplomacy and advocacy work on key priorities, for instance through targeted online campaigns or local partnerships. ReportingThe Communications Officer will collaborate closely with all teams and cover all areas of the Embassy's work and report to the two designated Ambassadors possibly represented by the deputies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain and strengthen the Embassy's public profileDevelopment and disseminate strategic communications plans based on Danish MFA communication and PD guidelines and programmatic objectives across the Embassy.Manage and strengthen the Embassy's Social Media profiles, including drafting and suggesting concrete communication products.Develop inspiring, popular, and diverse content for all of the Embassy's social media channels to grow engagement and audiences. Content should be balanced between all programs, and partners in Somalia and Kenya and commercial activities through The Trade Council in Kenya and regionally. Analyze data, measure success of social media presence and adjust strategy and plans accordingly.Strengthen the Embassy's profile/brand towards relevant Danish, Kenyan and Somali audiences through social media campaigns, media engagements and partnerships with local stakeholders, organizations and influencers.Develop, initiate and implement high quality public diplomacy projects and events together with teams and according to the ministry's PD guidelines and within Danida's visual Identity.Fundraise with Danish and Nordic authorities for public and/or cultural diplomacy projects.Ensure knowledge sharing and support colleagues to contribute to the Embassy's communication efforts.Engage partners in the communication efforts across both Embassies on relevant activities.(S)he will also be in charge of strengthening results communication to ensure key achievements across the programs are communicated to target audiences in both host countries and in Denmark. Oversee editing and updating of websites. Manage relations to audiences, media outlets, partners and stakeholdersCollaborate closely with Embassy teams and management to co-create innovative and effective communication content. Build networks withpartners and external stakeholders, such as governments, Embassies, private sector, NGOs etc.Forge strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations who can help promote Embassy content, activities and messaging. Draft media releases, statements, media briefing notes in cooperation with colleagues.Provide support, outreach and services to local, Danish and international media. Organize press coverage as needed in connection with Embassy field trips, major meetings, visits and events.Education and Desired ExperienceMSc/MA in international relations; development, political science; public relations, communications, public information, journalism; or other relevant field.Documented experience in copywriting, editing and layout of written products.Experience in setting up systems for monitoring the impact of and interaction on online as well as offline communication.Working experience with relevant photo/video editing tools.A track record of entrepreneurship and being able to identify opportunities, design and carry out projects and strategies.Relevant network among journalists, editors and key actors in countries covered by the Embassy.Documented experience working on advocacy campaigns.Skills, Knowledge and AttributesKnowledge of and interest in current communication, social media approaches and trends in key sectors relevant to the Embassy.Excellent English oral and written communication and presentation skills and ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences. Ability to work effectively in Danish is a strong advantage. Strong interpersonal and networking skills Strong attention to detail, including solid ability to proofread and edit written products and layouts clearly and accurately. Excellent time management skills and ability to respond quickly and accurately to even very short deadlines.Ability to independently identify and act on opportunities, develop and implement strategies.Experience using digital asset management systems and digital analytics and performance reporting, especially measuring and evaluating communication work, analyzing media coverage, SoMe engagement, web traffic, etc.Knowledge of Danish and Nordic external funding structures and programs an asset.Knowledge of Danida or international development cooperation in general.The Royal Danish Embassy encourages all relevant applicants to apply for the position, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, personal background, etc.Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.The applicant must present a "No Criminal Record" and pass the security clearance prior to appointment.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Public Relations, Written communication, Verbal communication, Multimedia, Journalism, Digital content development and editing (social media, blogs, etc.), Copywriting, Interpersonal communication

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Post-graduate education