Communications and Public Relations Officer

Job Purpose

Key Responsibilities

• Communication Strategy & Leadership
  
• Develop and implement comprehensive communication and public relations strategies aligned with organizational and industry priorities.
  
• Provide strategic advisory support to leadership on communication reputation and stakeholder engagement matters.
  
• Lead the planning and execution of high-impact communication campaigns.
  
• Content Development & Thought Leadership
  
• Support the development of high-quality communication materials including press releases policy briefs reports speeches and digital content.
  
• Drive data-driven storytelling and thought leadership to position the organization as a credible industry voice.
  
• Ensure consistency in brand messaging tone and positioning across all platforms.
  
• Media Relations & Public Engagement
  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media houses and journalists.
  
• Coordinate media engagement on behalf of the organization.
  
• Proactively manage media narratives including addressing misinformation and sensitive industry issues.
  
• Organize press briefings media events and interviews.
  
• Crisis Communication & Reputation Management
  
• Develop and implement crisis communication frameworks and protocols.
  
• Provide strategic communication guidance during crises affecting the organization or industry.
  
• Manage responses to negative publicity misinformation and emerging risks.
  
• Safeguard and strengthen the organizations reputation.
  
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
  
• Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders including government agencies regulators industry partners and development organizations.
  
• Support advocacy initiatives by developing clear evidence-based messaging.
  
• Represent the organization in high-level meetings forums and conferences.
  
• Digital & Social Media Strategy
  
• Lead digital communication strategies including social media and online engagement.
  
• Oversee content planning publishing and performance tracking across platforms.
  
• Monitor digital conversations and ensure timely accurate responses.
  
• Internal Communication
  
• Design and implement internal communication strategies that enhance alignment transparency and engagement.
  
• Facilitate effective communication between management and staff.
  
• Ensure timely dissemination of organizational updates and industry insights.
  
• Event & Outreach Management
  
• Lead the planning and execution of strategic events forums and outreach activities.
  
• Ensure events are aligned with communication and advocacy objectives.
  
• Oversee documentation reporting and visibility of events.
  
• Corporate Social Investment (CSI)
  
• Support and communicate the organizations corporate social responsibility initiatives.
  
• Promote programs that enhance environmental sustainability and community engagement.
  
• Awareness Creation & Industry Education
  
• Lead communication initiatives that promote responsible pesticide use and stewardship.
  
• Develop impactful campaigns to improve public understanding and awareness.
  
• Corporate Culture & Brand Alignment
  
• Promote organizational values mission and vision through internal communication initiatives.
  
• Support culture-building efforts that enhance employee engagement and alignment.
  
• Budget & Resource Management
  
• Develop and manage the communications budget in line with strategic priorities.
  
• Ensure effective allocation and utilization of resources.
  
• Any Other Duties
  
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by management within the scope of the role.
  

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in communications Journalism Public Relations Marketing or a related field.
  
• Membership in the Public Relations Society of Kenya is mandatory.
  
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in communications public relations or corporate affairs.
  

Demonstrated experience in:

• Developing and executing communication strategies
  
• Media relations and stakeholder engagement
  
• Crisis communication and reputation management
  

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the agriculture regulatory media public policy or development sector.
  
• Experience engaging with government institutions industry bodies and development partners.
  
• Proven ability to manage communication in complex high-stakes or sensitive environments.
  
• Business & Industry Understanding
  
• Strong understanding of multimedia content development and data-driven storytelling.
  
• Knowledge of media relations and public relations best practices.
  
• Ability to navigate misinformation and build public trust.
  
• Familiarity with digital tools emerging technologies and AI in communication.
  
• Understanding of regulatory and advocacy environments is an added advantage.
  

Functional Skills

• Excellent verbal communication including public speaking negotiation and stakeholder engagement.
  
• Strong writing editing and messaging skills.
  
• Strategic thinking and project management capabilities.
  
• Multimedia content development skills.
  

Technical & Digital Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel PowerPoint).
  
• Experience with social media management and digital communication tools.
  
• Basic graphic design skills (Canva; Adobe Creative Suite is an added advantage).
  
• Knowledge of SEO and Google Analytics is an added advantage.
  
• Photography and visual storytelling skills.
  

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong leadership and decision-making ability.
  
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
  
• High level of professionalism and integrity.
  
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
  
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
  

Role Positioning