Communications Associate-TaRL Africa

[Admin]

Country: Kenya

Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Closing date: 18 Feb 2022

Position title: Communications Associate, TaRL Africa

**Location: Nairobi
Education: Undergraduate degree
Application deadline: 18^th February 2022

Reports to: Communications Manager

Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa is a high-profile initiative originally developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and the Indian Education NGO Pratham to promote evidence-informed education programming in Africa. TaRL Africa, now headquartered in Kenya, works to improve basic reading and arithmetic skills of children on the African continent through the TaRL approach. We aim to reach 3 million children in the next five years. Key countries of operation include Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Zambia where we work on contextualizing the TaRL approach .

TaRL Africa is looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic, and committed candidate for the Communications Associate role. The Communications Associate will report to the Communications Manager and support implementation of the communications strategy for TaRL Africa.

Summary of the Role:

● Support implementation of the communications strategy to raise awareness of key programs and activities in TaRL Africa.

● Support strategic media outreach in collaboration with the country offices.

● Support writing, editing, and proofreading of communication materials, documents and reports..

● Support all internal and external communications activities for TaRL Africa.

● Support development of social media and website content development and manage platforms including daily posting and updates.

● Collaborate with the broader TaRL Africa team on communications needs, brainstorming and planning.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Communications

● Support implementation of regional and country specific communications activities

● Support implementation of a joint media and advocacy strategy that raises awareness of TaRL Africa activities

● Support strategic, creative, and proactive media and outreach mechanisms to highlight TaRL Africa’s work, activities, projects, and its overall mission to ensure all children in Africa attain basic reading and arithmetic skills

● Support the delivery of a digital communications and social media strategy

● Proactively identify communications needs of country offices

● Research and analyze social media trends relevant to TaRL, foundational literacy and numeracy, and other similar topics to strengthen social media outreach and impact

● Support on communications related technology and content for trainings, workshops, etc

● Visit field activities in Kenya and other countries to capture program stories, photos and videos for specific and general communications use

• Media Relations

● Provide support to generate meaningful press coverage with key country, regional and international media that highlights TaRL Africa's programs

• Editorial

● Support country offices in developing and writing country-specific stories to be shared across various digital platforms (blogs, social media and websites).

● Edit materials prepared by other writers or in-country staff to ensure they are consistent with TaRL Africa’s messages and policies

● Develop and gather content for reports and program updates on quarterly basis, at the least

● Assist country and central teams to prepare presentations and other materials for conferences and workshops as needed

● Support basic design and formatting of communications materials and reports

Profile

Required Minimum Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, New Media or Public Relations with a strong bias in Digital Media

● 2 years of relevant work experience in a similar role

● Written, verbal and non-verbal communications in English

● In-depth knowledge and understanding of social media platforms, their respective participants (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) and how each platform can be deployed in different scenarios

● Demonstrated creativity and documented immersion in social media

● Proficient in the use of at least one design application such as Canva, InDesign, Photoshop, etc.

● A team player who can skillfully coordinate activities with senior leadership, management, project directors, and staff, and who has the sensitivity and interpersonal skills to work cooperatively with a group of diverse personalities

Desirable Additional Qualifications:

● Fluency in French or local African languages, in addition to English

● Strong photography skills

● Experience of or exposure to multiple African country contexts

Required Minimum Knowledge and Qualities:

● Interest in children’s learning and education

● Familiarity with major press in Africa

● Willingness to travel to rural and international contexts

● Ability to synthesize feedback quickly and efficiently

● Attention to detail

● Problem-solving skills.

● Excellent communications and organizational skills, with demonstrated success working in a team environment.

● A pleasant, flexible, and efficient communicator

● Candidates should have credibility, good judgment, honesty and integrity

How to apply:

How to apply?

Please fill in this application form 18th February 2022. Only applications submitted through the form will be accepted. Please note that, due to the large volume of applications, we will only be able to respond to short-listed applicants.

TaRL Africa is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.

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