Deputy Executive Director – East African Science and Technology Commission

Job Purpose:
The main purpose of this job is to review, implement and monitor the effective implementation of the EASTECO Communication Strategy and action plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Engage and build effective relations with the media, with the over-arching message to media professionals to help create a new norm that brings Regional Integration to the fore of communication agenda setting;
Liaise with and collaborate with Communication Officers of Ministries in charge of EAC Affairs and science &technology in engaging national media on issues related to EAC and the EASTECO;
Seek for media opportunities that EASTECO can utilize to disseminate information;
Coordinate responses to and manage requests from media experts and speakers on 
a wide variety of subjects/issues on EASTECO;
Undertake regular media monitoring– daily tracking of media coverage (such as use 
of press releases, coverage of EAC/Science, Technology & Innovation issues in the 
media, compilation of frequent factual errors, etc.);
Identify and develop a list of key media outlets in each Member State, in terms of 
listenership, viewership, readership, circulation and credibility);
Pursue proactive outreach to maintain relationships with Editors in each Member 
State including establishing and maintaining a database of the Editors;
Pursue proactive outreach to and establish and maintain relationships with key journalists and opinion writers on issues relevant to EASTECO’s work in each;
Member State including establishing and maintaining a database of the journalists and opinion writers;
Organise media engagement activities at national level including: Press briefings; Press conferences; ‘Meet the Press’ panel discussions; Editors breakfast; Talk shows; Courtesy calls to media houses, media training, i.a.

On-line communication (Website & Social Media platforms)
Develop content for EASTECO website and ensure its regular update with support from the ICT Officer
Maintain/ develop content for EASTECO social media platforms/channels including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube , Flicker, etc 
;
In consultation with relevant staff, respond to comments and inquiries for additional information on the social media platforms;
Facilitate the internet based discussion board;
Develop guidelines for use of social media platforms &Provide support to EASTECO 
staff in the use of social media;
Monitor on-line traffic to assess and analyse EASTECO social media platforms and 
document good practices (on a quarterly basis);
Explore new uses of communications technologies and software including new 
social media tools that might of interest to EASTECO and recommend the tools for 
use by EASTECO ;
As required, provide on-site communication coverage to EASTECO events with near 
real-time posting of updates in form of news, photos, press releases, etc;
Support Organisation and implementation of social media campaigns to increase traffic and awareness (e.g. competitions on issues/topics relevant to EASTECO’s 
work, photo competition, etc);
Improve work flow and process related to social media, website management and 
posting;
Maintain photo and video repository for efficient reference

Corporate Communication
Develop and disseminate Information, Education and Communication (IECs) as well as visibility materials/products
;
Prepare a series of advocacy briefs targeting advocacy efforts to a broader range of stakeholders, both public and civil society to support smooth implementation of EASTECO programs;
Document and disseminate success stories and case studies;
Ensure effective editing and proofreading of project communication documents before dissemination to stakeholders;
Perform any related duty as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Event communication
Develop and implement communication plans for key events

Qualifications and Experience:
Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations, Development Communication or any related field
Minimum two years’ experience of post university qualification in communication in a similar organisation as EASTECO.
At least one year of proven experience in media relations and use of social media platforms as a tool for development communication and/or mass mobilization

Skills and Competencies:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Self-motivated with ability to work with minimum supervision.

Eligibility:
The candidate must not be more than 55 years old.
Terms and Conditions of Service:
This is a Temporary Position.
Fringe Benefits:
The job is at EAC G5 scale with corresponding Salary specified for it.
Equal Opportunity:
The EAC is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their applications by registered mail, courier service, e-mail or dispatch together with Curriculum Vitae, copies of both academic and professional certificates and testimonials, names and addresses of three referees, and day time telephone contact to:
The Executive Secretary,
East African Science and Technology Commission Secretariat
Telecom House,
2nd Floor,
Kigali-Rwanda.
www.easteco.org
Email: EASTECO@eachq.org
To be received not later than 27th February at 5:00 PM East African Time or 4:00 PM Rwanda time.
EASTECO Secretariat shall only respond to those candidates who strictly meet the set requirements.
Application Deadline:
Monday, 27 February 2017 – 5:00pm

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