Communication Officer (AFREC) at African Union(AU)

Purpose of Job

• Support the implementation of the communication and advocacy Strategy and Plan and provide inputs into the design, management and implementation of the communication activities which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach and mobilise support for the programmes of the African Energy Commission (AFREC).

Main Functions

• Follows- up on the activities of the division, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan;
• Suggests new and expand on existing policy areas for planned research;
• Contributes to conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective Unit/Division and AU’s internal use;
• Sets the overall research direction of a relevant policy area;
• Responsible for the delegation and execution of defined research areas;
• Participates in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders;
• Engages with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships. Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets;
• Drafts reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Unit/Division;
• Provides technical support to internal and external stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities

The Communication Officer’s duties and specific responsibilities are as follows:

Communications Planning & Implementation:

• Support the implementation of the overall communications and advocacy strategy and plan of AFREC and to contribute to the development and review of communication strategy, advocacy plans as well as support in internal and external communications and outreach targets
• Support in developing public awareness campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the AFREC’s work in the sector and monitor implementation of the campaigns
• Compile and present regular reports capturing all deliverables and achievements of the AFREC’s work in the sector
• Provide communication coverage of AFREC events
• Promote AFREC Strategic Plan/Masterplan

Digital Marketing:

• Contribute information to create awareness on digital platforms and ensure updates of key activities and messages are regularly provided
• Support content development on key mandates and programmes – Website, Social Media, Mobile Platforms
• Develop content for digital platforms including webcasts, podcasts, video animations / documentaries as per approved plans
• In collaboration web teams manage two-way messaging on social media platforms in relation to sectoral issues and propriety areas for departments, organs and institutions

Media Engagement and Advocacy:

• Identify opportunities for placement of key messages and editorial content on various media channels including digital in relation programmes implemented by AFREC
• Support advocacy and project activities by preparing talking points, fact sheets, newsletter, brochures, leaflet and briefing notes, on key activities and programmes
• Provide editorial content for publications
• Prepare press releases, note to editors as well as any briefings to be disseminated to the public through the media in relation to programme areas
• Work with Web teams as well as the AFREC divisions to ensure coverage of AFREC events and ensure records of material are assigned references and digitally archived.
• Any other duties as assigned by supervisor or the Director of Information and Communication.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations, International communications, Journalism, Marketing or in other related field with five (5) years of relevant professional work experience at national, regional or international level or in corporate marketing, public relations or media industry out of which two (2) years of experience should be at supervisory level.
• OR, A Master’s Degree in Degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations, International communications, Journalism, Marketing or in other related field with two (2) years of relevant professional work experience at national, regional or international level or in corporate marketing, public relations or media industry out of which two (2) years of experience should be at supervisory level.
• Professional certification / diploma in marketing or public relations will be an added advantage
• Additional level of academic qualification in Communication, Journalism or related fields will be an advantage.
• Experience developing and implementing communication activities for national government or public sector, regional or international government or non-governmental organisations, multinational organisations, advertising agencies or leading media companies will be a distinct advantage.

Required Skills:

• Oral and written communication skills
• Planning and organizational skills
• Ability to successfully manage ambiguity  
• Ability to work across business units / geographies; cultural sensitivity
• Proficiency in one of the AU officials working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage;

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others

Core Competencies:

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability awareness and Compliance
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Focus

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration

• Indicative basic salary of US$  31,073.00 (P2 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (48% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 18,547.20 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Method of Application