Communications & Media Specialist (MCG/IE 4)

Job Purpose

Under the general direction and supervision of the Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, the incumbent is responsible for propelling the Ministry’s brand image through consistent messaging and strategy. This includes overseeing the development of brand collateral and marketing strategies. The incumbent will also develop innovative approaches to enhance brand presence across various media platforms, locally, nationally and internationally. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Participates in the development of the Ministry’s corporate, strategic and operational plans; 
• Contributes to the development of the Branch’s budget; 
• Assists in the implementation of policies and procedures designed to govern the operations of the Branch; 
• Assists in the preparation of plans, proposals, reports, or other relevant documents;
• Provides recommendations and technical advice to personnel on procedures, complaints or activities related to Ministerial affairs; 
• Collaborates with officials, administrators, management, or other stakeholders, to deliberate on programmes and services; 
• Plans work activities and prepares schedules accordingly; 
• Conducts staff appraisals and prepares and submits performance evaluation review to the HRM&D Branch; 
• Prepares and submits Individual Work Plans in alignment with HRM&D stipulated format. 

Technical/ Professional: 

• Manages and maintains the Ministry’s social media platforms; 
• Develops and implements marketing, digital and media campaigns and strategies, and monitors their effectiveness; 
• Defines and refines key performance indicators for each digital communication channel to accurately assess the success of campaigns;
• Oversees the development of marketing and digital communication materials, ensuring consistency with the Ministry’s brand across various platforms, such as website content, and other promotional materials; 
• Represents the Ministry at various events and press conferences, effectively conveying its messaging and initiatives; 
• Writes, edits, and disseminates content across multiple channels including publications, press releases, website content and other marketing materials, to convey the Ministry’s activities, products and/or services; 
• Prepares engaging displays, delivers presentations, and conducts related publicity efforts, as directed; 
• Assists in planning, developing and executing information programmes, designed to keep the public informed of the Ministry’s services, achievements and agenda;
• Collaborates with advertising agencies and the Web and Digital Content Officer, to co-ordinate promotional campaigns across selected media channels; 
• Keeps abreast of trends and emerging technologies in the media and digital field, recommending their adoption, where applicable, to enhance the Branch’s effectiveness and productivity; 
• Prepares and submits reports on digital and media programmes; 
• Participates in planning and co-ordinating activities to commemorate special occasions and observances relevant to the Ministry; 
• Manages digital and social media inquiries, arranges interviews, and serves as a spokesperson for the Ministry, ensuring consistent and accurate messaging;
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with media houses, journalists and influencers, while maintaining a comprehensive media database; 
• Seeks opportunities to enhance the reputation and visibility of the Ministry’s brand, assisting in the co-ordination of publicity events, as required; 
• Maintains records of media coverage and compiles analytics and metrics to measure the impact of efforts accurately. 

Human Resource: 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals, and recommends and/or initiates corrective action, where necessary;
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Branch and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave, in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching; 
• Facilitates the development of staff in the Branch; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Ministry’s goals; 
• Contributes to the development and implementation of a succession planning framework, in collaboration with the HRM&D Branch, through the development of procedural manuals and other duties prescribed within the framework. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Fluency of ideas, and originality 
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of corporate functions and their potential strategic contribution 
• Ability to manage limited resources in order to achieve challenging output targets
• Sound personal and professional integrity 
• Customer and quality focus 
• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Ability to build partnership in achieving operational goals 

Technical: 

• Strong knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant computer applications and systems 
• Excellent knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest Instagram, Google+ and other social media best practices 
• Excellent knowledge of digital marketing principles such as search engine and social media optimization and web traffic metrics 
• Strong understanding of social media KPIs 
• Good understanding of web design and publishing 
• Ability to use video and picture editing softwares such as Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Expert knowledge /training in programme languages (such as C, Java, Visual Basic, etc.)

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or Public Relations from a recognized tertiary institution 
• Proven working experience in media communications or as a digital specialist.
• Training/Certification in social media management 
• At least three to four (3-4) years’ experience in the related field 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• High pressure working environment due to multiple stakeholder involvement
• Required to work outside normal working hours.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.