Principal Communications Officer
2025-05-29T20:26:56+00:00
Vihiga County Government
https://cdn.greatkenyanjobs.com/jsjobsdata/data/employer/comp_8255/logo/Vihiga%20County%20Government.jpeg
https://vihiga.go.ke/
FULL_TIME
Vihiga
Vihiga
00100
Kenya
Public Administration, and Government
Media, Communications & Writing
2025-06-13T17:00:00+00:00
Kenya
8
Duties and Responsibilities
The Principal Communication Officer is a critical role within our Communications Directorate, tasked with creating, managing, and disseminating vital information that supports the County's operational goals. The job holder will be responsible for developing high-impact content, coordinating media engagements, and ensuring that the County's messaging is consistent, clear, and aligned with strategic initiatives. This role requires a passionate communicator who can translate complex policy issues into compelling narratives for the public.
Duties and Responsibilities
Content creation and editing:
- Develop and refine a broad range of communication materials such as speeches, press releases, newsletters, brochures, and web content
- Ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment with the County's messaging and branding guidelines
Digital Communication Management:
- Oversee the management of the County's digital presence
- Maintain and update the official website, manage social media profiles, and create content calendars
- Innovate and maintain digital campaigns to enhance public engagement
Media Monitoring and Reporting:
- Continuously monitor traditional and digital media platforms to track the County's public image and report on media trends
- Prepare comprehensive daily or weekly media digests to inform leadership of ongoing issues and opportunities
Event and Campaign Coordination:
- Plan and execute communication campaigns and public events
- Liaise with external agencies, vendors, and service providers to coordinate activities such as press conferences, community outreach events, and digital webinars highlighting County achievements and initiatives
Team Coordination and Supervision:
- Lead, mentor, and support junior communication staff
- Foster a collaborative team environment and offer regular training on emerging communication trends and technologies
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Develop effective communication links with key stakeholders, including media outlets, community leaders, and partner organizations
- Ensure all interactions contribute positively to the County's public image and mission
Documentation and Archiving:
- Ensure meticulous documentation of all communication activities, campaigns, and press interactions
- Maintain an archive of all official communications for future reference and accountability
Innovation and Best Practices:
- Stay updated on emerging communication technologies and methodologies
- Implement modern tools and techniques to optimize message delivery and public engagement
Requirements for Appointment
For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:
- Served in the grade of Chief Public Communications Officer or in a comparable and relevant position in the Public Service for a minimum of three (3) years
- A Bachelor's degree in any of the following disciplines: Mass Communication, Public Relations, Communication Studies, Journalism, International Relations, Social Sciences, or any other approved equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution
- A clear understanding of the workings of the media and the socio-political environment in Kenya
- Good oral and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili
- Advanced computer application skills
- Attended a management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution
- High integrity, motivation, and a team-player attitude
- In-depth understanding of digital communication tools, social media management, multimedia production, and public engagement strategies
- Strong leadership, crisis management, strategic planning, and excellent oral and written communication skills
- Membership in a recognized communication or public relations body (e.g., Public Relations Society of Kenya)
- Demonstrated professional competence and managerial capability as reflected in work performance and results
Content creation and editing: Develop and refine a broad range of communication materials such as speeches, press releases, newsletters, brochures, and web content Ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment with the County's messaging and branding guidelines Digital Communication Management: Oversee the management of the County's digital presence Maintain and update the official website, manage social media profiles, and create content calendars Innovate and maintain digital campaigns to enhance public engagement Media Monitoring and Reporting: Continuously monitor traditional and digital media platforms to track the County's public image and report on media trends Prepare comprehensive daily or weekly media digests to inform leadership of ongoing issues and opportunities Event and Campaign Coordination: Plan and execute communication campaigns and public events Liaise with external agencies, vendors, and service providers to coordinate activities such as press conferences, community outreach events, and digital webinars highlighting County achievements and initiatives Team Coordination and Supervision: Lead, mentor, and support junior communication staff Foster a collaborative team environment and offer regular training on emerging communication trends and technologies Stakeholder Engagement: Develop effective communication links with key stakeholders, including media outlets, community leaders, and partner organizations Ensure all interactions contribute positively to the County's public image and mission Documentation and Archiving: Ensure meticulous documentation of all communication activities, campaigns, and press interactions Maintain an archive of all official communications for future reference and accountability Innovation and Best Practices: Stay updated on emerging communication technologies and methodologies Implement modern tools and techniques to optimize message delivery and public engagement
Served in the grade of Chief Public Communications Officer or in a comparable and relevant position in the Public Service for a minimum of three (3) years A Bachelor's degree in any of the following disciplines: Mass Communication, Public Relations, Communication Studies, Journalism, International Relations, Social Sciences, or any other approved equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution A clear understanding of the workings of the media and the socio-political environment in Kenya Good oral and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili Advanced computer application skills Attended a management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution High integrity, motivation, and a team-player attitude In-depth understanding of digital communication tools, social media management, multimedia production, and public engagement strategies Strong leadership, crisis management, strategic planning, and excellent oral and written communication skills Membership in a recognized communication or public relations body (e.g., Public Relations Society of Kenya) Demonstrated professional competence and managerial capability as reflected in work performance and results
JOB-6838c31006d66
Vacancy title:
Principal Communications Officer
[Type: FULL_TIME, Industry: Public Administration, and Government, Category: Media, Communications & Writing]
Jobs at:
Vihiga County Government
Deadline of this Job:
Friday, June 13 2025
Duty Station:
Vihiga | Vihiga | Kenya
Summary
Date Posted: Thursday, May 29 2025, Base Salary: Not Disclosed
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JOB DETAILS:
Duties and Responsibilities
The Principal Communication Officer is a critical role within our Communications Directorate, tasked with creating, managing, and disseminating vital information that supports the County's operational goals. The job holder will be responsible for developing high-impact content, coordinating media engagements, and ensuring that the County's messaging is consistent, clear, and aligned with strategic initiatives. This role requires a passionate communicator who can translate complex policy issues into compelling narratives for the public.
Duties and Responsibilities
Content creation and editing:
- Develop and refine a broad range of communication materials such as speeches, press releases, newsletters, brochures, and web content
- Ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment with the County's messaging and branding guidelines
Digital Communication Management:
- Oversee the management of the County's digital presence
- Maintain and update the official website, manage social media profiles, and create content calendars
- Innovate and maintain digital campaigns to enhance public engagement
Media Monitoring and Reporting:
- Continuously monitor traditional and digital media platforms to track the County's public image and report on media trends
- Prepare comprehensive daily or weekly media digests to inform leadership of ongoing issues and opportunities
Event and Campaign Coordination:
- Plan and execute communication campaigns and public events
- Liaise with external agencies, vendors, and service providers to coordinate activities such as press conferences, community outreach events, and digital webinars highlighting County achievements and initiatives
Team Coordination and Supervision:
- Lead, mentor, and support junior communication staff
- Foster a collaborative team environment and offer regular training on emerging communication trends and technologies
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Develop effective communication links with key stakeholders, including media outlets, community leaders, and partner organizations
- Ensure all interactions contribute positively to the County's public image and mission
Documentation and Archiving:
- Ensure meticulous documentation of all communication activities, campaigns, and press interactions
- Maintain an archive of all official communications for future reference and accountability
Innovation and Best Practices:
- Stay updated on emerging communication technologies and methodologies
- Implement modern tools and techniques to optimize message delivery and public engagement
Requirements for Appointment
For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:
- Served in the grade of Chief Public Communications Officer or in a comparable and relevant position in the Public Service for a minimum of three (3) years
- A Bachelor's degree in any of the following disciplines: Mass Communication, Public Relations, Communication Studies, Journalism, International Relations, Social Sciences, or any other approved equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution
- A clear understanding of the workings of the media and the socio-political environment in Kenya
- Good oral and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili
- Advanced computer application skills
- Attended a management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution
- High integrity, motivation, and a team-player attitude
- In-depth understanding of digital communication tools, social media management, multimedia production, and public engagement strategies
- Strong leadership, crisis management, strategic planning, and excellent oral and written communication skills
- Membership in a recognized communication or public relations body (e.g., Public Relations Society of Kenya)
- Demonstrated professional competence and managerial capability as reflected in work performance and results
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 36
Level of Education: bachelor degree
Job application procedure
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their filled job application forms with copies of their National Identity/passport, Academic & Professional certificates and current Chapter Six compliance certificates to the undersigned on or before 13th day of June, 2025.
SECRETARY/CEO VIHIGA COUNTY PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD
P.O ВОX 880-50300
MARAGOLI.
Please Note
- County Government of Vihiga is an equal opportunity employer and encourages People Living with Disabilities, Youth and Women to apply.
- County Public Service Board does not charge any recruitment fee whatsoever. Do Not Pay Money to Fraudsters because Our services are absolutely free
- Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
- Those with certificates from foreign institutions must have them certified by the relevant authority.
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