PELUM Uganda in collaboration with Biovision Africa Trust (Nairobi), coordinating The Knowledge Hub in Eastern Africa (KHEA) under The Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture in Africa (KCOA) are seeking a professional, vibrant, self-driven, knowledgeable and well exposed communications expert to support their operations within the East African region. This is a full-time position with attractive remuneration, and the recruited staff will be stationed in Kampala – Uganda.

Job Title: Communications Officer
Reports to: Project Manager – KHEA
Responsible for: None

Other key relationships:
Support: KCOA-KHEA Regional Management and staff, KCOA/ GIZ Communications manager
External relations KCOA Communications Working Group, Funding partners, Hosting

Partner, International partners, Regional Governments, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector, Country Implementing Partners (CIPs), other KCOA-KHEA stakeholders.

Job purpose
Within the framework of the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture in Africa (KCOA) project with the goal to introduce knowledge hubs successfully as an innovative strategy for promoting organic agriculture with actors in the regions of Africa, the holder of this position will be responsible for all the communication about KCOA project in general and in particular the KHEA to facilitate better coordination, stakeholder engagement, strengthen the KCOA-KHEA collaboration and increase overall visibility of KCOA-KHEA work.

Job summary
The job holder will handle all communication aspects of the KCOA-KHEA in collaboration with Country Implementing Partners (CIPs) and their associates in the region, provide support to the region’s overall visibility strategy, build confidence and trust among partners and other stakeholders and ensure KHEA is present and recognized among other regional hubs, partners, governing institutions and the public.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Planning, development and implementation
• Participate in the development and implementation of KCOA-KHEA programmes and projects to ensure adequate attention to the information and communication needs.
• Participate in the review of the KCOA-KHEA planning processes being cognizant of the dynamics of the Organic Agriculture and Agroecology sector and its environment.
• Prepare and implement annual and quarterly communication work plans and related activities. Support the convening of regular communications planning and review meetings as appropriate.
• Support the development and/or updating of concepts, curricula and communication materials for all KCOA-KHEA programs and activities.
Communication
• Develop and work with all CIPs to use a regional communications strategy for the KHEA.
• Participate actively in the monthly communications jour fixe (fixed day meetings), share updates, communications measures and lessons learnt etc. from CIPs with the other partners.
• Ensure implementation of communications guidelines and proper usage of KCOA, KHEA, GIZ and German Cooperation logos on all communications materials produced in KHEA and individual countries by CIPs (liaise with KCOA for final validation of all communication products)
• Coordinate internal communication and correspondence requirements within the Hub and provide support to external communication needs or programs.
• Manage and maintain KCOA-KHEA strategic relations with the media, coordinate media related activities, engagements and events including preparing press statements, articles and participating in media programs.
• Provide technical guidance to CIPs in communications matters
• Provide support to KCOA-KHEA advocacy efforts and the design of advocacy messages and communication materials.
Documentation
• Prepare and publish Newsletters, annual reports and other publications as required.
• Support production of high-quality PR materials for enhancing KHEA including; IEC, brochures, banners, fact sheets, reports, research reports, posters and videos.
• Develop a publications catalogue and keep electronic and hard copies of all publications.
• Coordinate research, publication, documentation and dissemination of research findings working closely with relevant teams.
Management of information system
• In conjunction with the KHEA Project Manager and Regional Knowledge Manager, establish and maintain up to date databases that are linked to the global KCOA Information Management system.
• Ensure the safety and security of the information and data including instituting appropriate access regulations and controls.
• Maintain an appropriate data and information infrastructure as well as efficient ICT support services for the Program in line with the ICT policies in place. Propose areas of improvement where necessary.
Other Key Responsibilities
• Represent the Eastern Africa Hub on the KCOA Communications Working Group.
• Any other duty as may be assigned by the supervisor.

In addition to individual respective tasks, he/she will be expected:
• To adhere to and actively promote the values of the project coordinating organizations (PELUM Uganda Country Secretariat and Biovision Africa Trust) and their project partners.
• To undertake tasks in a creative, self-driven and innovative fashion.
• Ensure that all activities are implemented in a gender sensitive manner.
• To identify and implement additional tasks/ ideas of benefit to KCOA-KHEA (whether directly linked to this JD or not).

The attainment of the above will be reflected in the appraisal, as well as the achievement of outputs, as described in above key responsibilities.

Personal Specification Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mass communication, information management or any related field. Training in Information Management is a must. A Master’ degree in a related area is desirable. Good understanding of Ecological Organic Agriculture is an added advantage.

Industry experience
• Proficiency in use of standard computer software applications.
• Skills in development and maintenance of Information Management Systems.
• A good understanding of regional and international communication standards.
• Affiliation to a recognized professional body in a directly related area as well as regional/ multi-country experience are an added advantage.

Technical knowledge
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in communication and information management.
• Ability to develop knowledge management systems, writing and research skills. Good office ICT skills including social media.

Personal qualities
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically, highly developed oral and written communications skills and ability to present and defend issues/positions, ability to inspire and motivate people, experience with relevant software, listening and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and networking skills.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure.