Public Relations & Local Government Liasion Officer

The Public Relations and Local Government Liaison
Officer will be responsible for developing and managing Kijani Forestry’s
public relations strategies, including engaging with local governments,
community groups, and the general public. This role involves ensuring that all
communications and public relations activities are aligned with Kijani’s goals
and objectives while ensuring compliance with relevant legal, policy, and
regulatory requirements. The officer will also oversee the development of work
plans, annual reports, and maintain effective relations with local government
leaders, cultural, and religious leaders, as well as local communities.

Public Relations & Communications Strategy:

• Develop a Kijani Forestry Communications Strategy that aligns with organizational objectives and enhances public awareness of Kijani’s mission and activities.
  

• Plan and manage Kijani’s public relations and media engagements, including crafting press releases, newsletters, and other external communications.
  

• Maintain Kijani’s website and media handles (e.g., social media profiles), ensuring they are up-to-date with relevant information about Kijani’s projects, activities, and achievements.
  

• Represent Kijani at district and community-level functions, ensuring positive visibility and advocacy for Kijani’s work.
  

• Communicate Kijani’s projects and programs to all relevant stakeholders, ensuring consistent messaging and engagement.
  

• Ensure that all relations with Local Governments and the general public comply with relevant legal, policy, and regulatory requirements.
  

• Build and maintain strong relations with both appointed and elected leaders in Local Governments, ensuring positive partnerships and support for Kijani’s initiatives.
  

• Develop Kijani’s Annual Work Plans for each Local Government, ensuring alignment with local planning and development objectives.
  

• Ensure compliance with Local Government Planning and Budgeting Requirements and facilitate the integration of Kijani’s projects into local government plans.
  

• Prepare Quarterly and Annual Reports on Kijani’s activities for each Local Government to provide updates and showcase Kijani’s impact.
  

• Coordinate AC, BC, and/or PC attendance at Local Government Sector Meetings and functions to promote Kijani’s work and maintain visibility.
  

• Foster strong relations with local cultural, community-based, and farmer groups, promoting Kijani’s activities and securing local community support.
  

• Work closely with cultural and religious leaders to ensure their involvement and support for Kijani’s projects and programs.
  

• Ensure that local community needs and concerns are addressed in Kijani’s strategies and activities.
  

• Prepare Quarterly and Annual Reports on Kijani’s activities for each Local Government, ensuring comprehensive tracking of progress and compliance.
  

• Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies and public engagement efforts, providing recommendations for improvement.
  

• Assist with other tasks and engagements assigned by the CEO to support Kijani’s strategic objectives.
  

• Stay updated on relevant local government policies, regulations, and community needs to ensure Kijani’s projects are aligned with evolving requirements.
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science or a related field.
  

• 3-5 years of experience in active public relations, community relations or local government liaison role
  

• Experience working with local governments, community groups and cultural/religious leaders is highly desirable.
  

• Demonstrated experience in project management, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement.
  

• We get things Done.
  

• We are Always Growing (Grow or die)
  

• We strive for Greatness/Excellence
  

• We lead through service, we’re never above picking up a hoe to Help
  

• We DO the Right Thing even when No one is Watching.
  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft messages tailored to different audiences (e.g., community members, government officials, the media).
  

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse groups of people.
  

• Ability to plan and manage communications and public relations activities effectively.
  

• Knowledge of local government structures, policies, and regulations in Uganda.
  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media management tools.
  

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  

• Strong sense of integrity and professionalism.
  

• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work in a dynamic environment.
  

• Proactive, with a focus on problem-solving and continuous improvement.
  

• Culturally sensitive and able to work with diverse