Communication Officer

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, Journalism or a related field.
  
• At least 5 years of professional work experience at national or international levels in public relations, communications or advocacy, including in media relations is required.
  
• Experience in the use of social media is required.
  
• Experience in media relations is desirable.
  
• Familiarity with agroecology, food systems, or sustainable agriculture is desirable.
  
• Experience with content management systems (CMS), preferably WordPress.
  

Lead the development and implementation of communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans for Biovision Africa Trust.

• Steer the development and implementation of BvAT’s Communication Strategy and other relevant policies and strategies.
  
• Lead BvAT’s Communication Committee.
  
• Conduct communication needs assessments for Biovision Africa Trust, including projects, programmes and corporate change initiatives.
  

• Design, develop, and implement communication and outreach/advocacy strategies, including branding guidelines and social media strategies.
  
• Integrate communication, advocacy and outreach strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives.
  
• Participate in BvAT meetings, conferences, campaigns and special events.
  
• Provide advice and guidance to and coordinate with all BvAT offices.
  

Lead the development and dissemination of public advocacy materials for the Organization.

• Develop and produce communication and advocacy instruments and materials, including briefing materials, press releases, and articles and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels according to BvAT’s corporate standards.
  
• Provide advice on advocacy and communication materials and coordinate launch of flagship initiatives and publications in the organization.
  
• Lead the engagement and supervision of video producers and other communication specialists to produce audio/ visual material for BvAT’s work.
  
• Develop brochures, factsheets, stories from the field to inform media, donors and public.
  

Manage web, social media and news media relations for the Organization.

• Ensure media strategies are implemented in line with corporate guidelines to enhance the positioning of BvAT with the media.
  
• Lead relationship building with press in the country, maintain and update database of relevant contacts.
  
• Facilitate interviews with senior and thematic managers; connect media with BvAT’s subject experts.
  

• Respond timely and clearly to media and general public.
  
• Identify impactful success stories/, media talking points, news-related developments, and coverage of interest and support the team in developing high quality materials.
  

• Pitch and write impactful programme stories for corporate platforms: organizational website, social media channels regularly.
  
• Organize press conferences and press briefing sessions with internal experts and external partners.
  

Build and maintain communications and advocacy focused partnerships:

• Identify and develop new communication partnerships and alliances to enhance visibility; manage and nurture existing partnerships.
  
• Liaise with advocacy partners and undertake outreach to civil society organizations, governments, and other groups to ensure that newsworthy information reaches the public and donors.
  
• Provide inputs to Partnership and Business Development Unit with programme/ results-oriented communications.
  

Oversee the Organizations web/online presence and social media platforms

• Develop a strategic social media calender.
  
• Oversee and maintain organizational websites, including developing content regularly.
  
• Keep the BvAT web-presence updated and in line with corporate web policy.
  
• Oversee and manage BvAT’s social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy.