Wednesday, October 1, 2014

AERC (African Economic Research Consortium) Web and Communications Officer

Vacancy: Web and Communications Officer

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), established in 1988, is one of the most active Research and Capacity Building Institutions (RCBIs) in the world, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. 

The Consortium’s mission is to strengthen local capacity for conducting independent, rigorous inquiry into the problems facing the management of economies in sub-Saharan Africa.

AERC has since March 2011, partnered with the World Food Program (WFP) to establish and run a Data Analysis and Knowledge Management Hub in support of the Purchase for Progress (P4P) pilot programme (www.wfp.org/p4p). 

The objective of the partnership was to secure high quality M&E technical support for the WFP’s Purchase for Progress programme as well as ensuring wide sharing of the extensive data collected. 

As part of the initiative’s efforts to share and effectively communicate data, AERC is in the process of establishing an open source web portal dedicated to the dissemination of global best practice and research data on local procurement, market development and market access for smallholders and low-income farmers.

In this context, AERC is seeking suitable candidate to fill the below position, which will be based in Nairobi. 

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, organized and creative communicator who has the ability to re-interpret and synthesize information material in order to package messages and information that meet needs of different audience groups.

Web and Communications Officer
 
Duties and Responsibilities: 

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, the key tasks will be to:
  • Design and implement communication strategies for the open source data sharing portal;
  • Manage and plan editorial content for the web portal in collaboration with colleagues, technical service providers and other relevant stakeholders;
  • Prepare communications products that effectively convey the desired information/message to targeted audiences and are aligned with AERC corporate messaging and objective of the web portal;
  • Promote the web portal and its contents though networks and digital channels;
  • Manage content like blogs, polls, news, events calendar, social media, multimedia, e-newsletters, and any special projects like surveys as required;
  • Create images, videos and graphics, and adapt text for communications in a format suitable for both print and web-based delivery;
  • Manage and coordinate the publishing of data on the web portal;
  • Plan and organize the implementation of appropriate metadata to aid in site indexing;
  • Define workflows for content management and best practices, procedures, and guidelines for website development and maintenance;
  • Perform other duties as required.
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following minimum requirements and experience:
  • University degree (minimum bachelors) in communications, Journalism, information or related discipline;
  • At least 3 years of relevant experience in the field of communication including experience in the preparation and dissemination of information on website and social media channels;
  • Excellent knowledge and skills in computer applications of MS Office, desktop publishing programs, and website design and management;
  • Experience working in a multi-cultural environment;
  • Working knowledge of English and some knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.
If you believe you have the qualifications and experience to match this role, please submit your application with detailed curriculum vitae, stating your current position, remuneration, email, telephone contacts, and names and addresses of three referees.

To be considered your application must be received by October 10, 2014 addressed to:

The Manager, Human Resources and Administration
African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
Email: recruitment@aercafrica.org; 
with cc to dakmah@aercafrica.org

For more information on AERC, you can visit our website on www.aercafrica.org