COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
(Ref: CA/08/2011)
Based in Dadaab,
(12 Months Contract)
CARE International in Kenya seeks to recruit Communications Assistant within its Refugee Assistance
Programme (RAP) in Dadaab, North Eastern Kenya.
Job Summary & Purpose
Reporting to the Communications Officer, the Communications Assistant will assist the Dadaab team to
coordinate information related to CARE’s ongoing programming in order to meet internal and external
information needs; support communications work by producing regular communications materials; provide
coordination for CI, VIP or journalist visits. S/he will support CARE’s commitment to transparency and
accountability, including providing information about CARE’s activities to affected communities
Tasks and responsibilities
R1: Internal Communications (40%)
• Establish and maintain information and communication channels with the CARE Kenya HQ
• Identify and address solutions to information constraints and shortfalls
• Work with CARE Dadaab staff, particularly SMT members, IT and administration, to share
information about the Dadaab response within CARE Kenya and support information flow within
CARE Dadaab and CARE Kenya
• Through CARE Kenya HQ, assist the Country Office to produce necessary materials to disseminate
information throughout CARE International when need arises. These materials include: situation
reports, programme strategy, fact sheets, briefing notes and any others requested by CARE
International members
• Attend internal briefings, review existing documentation, meet with CARE staff and CERT Team and
undertake field visits as appropriate to remain up to date on the unfolding emergency situation
and CARE’s response in the day to day Dadaab refugee camp operations
• Attend external briefings and meetings with Team Leaders or delegates to collect information for
CARE (NOTE: in the role, this position would NOT represent CARE, but act as administrative
support for the CARE representative).
R2: External relations (30%)
• Work with Dadaab sub office and CARE Kenya communications team to develop and amend as
necessary a media plan for managing national and international media visiting Dadaab Refugee
Camp
• Facilitate visits from CARE members, visiting officials or journalists, including coordinating with
Admin. & Support staff for arranging transport, accommodation and translators as necessary
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with journalists visiting Dadaab and with
communications/ information officers from other NGOs, including participating in the local
Communications Group meetings
• Act as point of contact on all media matters and arrange for journalist visits and interviews with
CARE spokespeople in Dadaab. The Communications Assistant is not a spokesperson
• Prepare and disseminate blogs, updates, photos features or human-interest stories – primarily for
distribution externally (e.g. the media or other agencies), following CARE’s approval procedures
and communication guidelines
• Monitor print and electronic media for mentions of CARE and other topics of interest to the
organization and sub office
• Provide communications training to CARE Dadaab staff
Communications to disaster affected communities (30%)
In collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluations Officer, program staff and other members of the
public information working group:
• Devise and implement public information mechanisms to share information about CARE’s activities,
distributions, health messaging etc
• Help communicate CARE mission, vision and standards to beneficiaries
• Research and implement preferred modes of communication with refugees and vulnerable
populations in order to increase outreach
• Provide training for CARE staff on how to communicate with and disseminate information to
beneficiaries
• Support the Monitoring and Evaluations Officer to implement a complaints/feedback mechanism in
CARE working areas
• Disseminate news and/or updates from CARE Kenya HQ e.g. internal policies and other
management decisions and updates as communicated by head office
• Coordinate with Communications Officer for regular updates of Dadaab programming and events
on the CARE Kenya website
Qualifications (Know How)
Education
The Communications Assistant will have a minimum qualification of a university degree in a relevant
discipline such as journalism, sociology, political science or development studies. The candidate should have
some practical experience in communications, public relations and networking and of working with diverse
teams.
S/he must be mature and capable of working largely independently. He /she will be supervised by the
Communications Officer, and will work closely with Dadaab’s Head of sub office and Programme
Manager. S/he is expected to interact closely with other members of the Programme Team.
Experience
• At least two years of relevant working experience, writing, journalism, networking and
communications
• Knowledge of developing and implementing communications strategies
• Positive experiences working with local and international partners and relationship-building
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to gender and diversity
Skills and Competencies
People Skills
Ability to work both independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership. Demonstrated
ability to listen to and support programme staff and partners, and to work with communities in a sensitive
and participatory manner
Communication Skills
Well developed written and oral communication skills in English, and preferably also ability to converse in
Swahili. Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders
Computer Skills
Basic computing skills including Microsoft Office, and Outlook; and, advanced internet searching skills.
Experience in website development software desired
Integrity
Works with trustworthiness and integrity and has a clear commitment to CARE's core values and
humanitarian principles
Resilience/ Adaptability and flexibility
Ability to operate effectively under difficult circumstances and to interact effectively with a geographically
dispersed multicultural team
Authority:
• Spending Authority: no signatory authority
• Supervision: no direct supervisory role
Contacts/ Key relationships (internal & external):
• Reports directly to Communications Officer
• Collaborates with Dadaab Sub Office Sector Managers, Programme Coordinators, Project
Managers, MIS unit
• Works closely with Dadaab Sub Office Programme Assistant
• Represents CARE with programme partners, media and public
• Represents CARE at regular Dadaab communications group meetings
Working Conditions
Position is based in Dadaab refugee camp
Applications
Qualified candidates are invited to send their application letters, indicating the reference number in the
subject line together with a detailed CV with three professional referees and daytime telephone contacts
by 5th September, 2011 to the Human Resources & Development Manager, CARE International in Kenya.
Email: vacancies@care.or.ke. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
CARE is an equal opportunity employer and promotes gender equity. Women are encouraged to apply.
Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
Warning to all applicants
CARE International in Kenya does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. (Application,
interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees)