Pr & Communication Specialist

Job Description

Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC seeks a PR and Communication Specialist to lead strategic initiatives, enhance reputation, and engage stakeholders through compelling content and effective messaging.

Responsibilities

Role purpose: To strategically manage and execute public relations and communication initiatives that enhance the organization’s reputation, increase stakeholder engagement, and effectively communicate its mission, values, and key messages. The specialist aims to foster positive media relations, craft compelling content, and support internal and external communication efforts to promote organizational objectives and ensure consistent, transparent, and impactful messaging across all channels.

Key Accountabilities and Decision Ownership

• Develop and execute comprehensive PR and communication plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and other external stakeholders.
• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, media kits, articles, speeches, and other communication materials.
• Manage media inquiries and coordinate interview opportunities for company spokespeople.
• Plan, organize, and oversee PR events, press conferences, community outreach programs, and corporate social responsibility activities.
• Support internal communication efforts by preparing newsletters, memos, and intranet updates to keep employees informed and engaged.
• Support internal communications platforms by proposing topics, writing and editing articles, and collaborating with design teams on the newsletter.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment about the organization, preparing reports and analysis for management.
• Manage crisis communication and assist in developing strategies to handle sensitive issues effectively.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
• Track and measure the effectiveness of PR campaigns and communication initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Perform additional tasks assigned by the Chief of External Affairs and the PR EHoD

Project and Program Management

• Coordinate multiple PR projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and quality.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to execute campaigns and events successfully.
• Evaluate project outcomes and prepare reports for stakeholders.
• Coordinate multiple PR projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and quality.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to execute campaigns and events successfully.
• Evaluate project outcomes and prepare reports for stakeholders.

Core Competencies, Knowledge, and Experience: Business Competencies

• Strong emphasis on relationship building, adaptability in communication styles, and effective engagement with various stakeholders
• Focus on managing high-value activities, aligning communications with business objectives, and analyzing the impact of PR efforts.
• Consciously takes steps to make the most of every conversation/interaction
• Identifies people’s needs, interests and motives to be able to influence the decisions they make
• Communicates simply to excite and engage people
• Pro-actively adapts own style and approach to build rapport, and work with others more effectively
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders, networks and regions

Operational Excellence

• Maintain high standards for quality, accuracy, and timeliness in all communication outputs.
• Implement best practices for media engagement, content management, and event logistics.
• Develop and adhere to budgets and timelines, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Use data and analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication initiatives and improve strategies accordingly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communication, Education, Political Science, Public Administration, law and other social sciences
• 2-5 years of relevant experience in PR or corporate communications.
• Identify potential communication risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
• Respond swiftly and effectively to communication crises or issues.
• Proven track record designing and executing successful public relations campaigns
• Strong relationships with both government agencies and industry media outlets
• Exceptional writing, verbal and editing skills
• Solid experience with social media including blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Firm grasp of grammar and ability to develop compelling story angles
• Professional, upbeat, organized, energetic and astute problem-solver.
• Comfortable working with a corporate CEO as they are with members of the public
• High level of integrity/Trustworthy character
• Flexibility and the ability to multi-task

Skills Required:

• Communication / Pr / Journalism
• Education / Teaching / Training
• Hr / Public / Admin
• Legal / Law
• Political / Science / Ir
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development