Public Relations Officer

MAIN TASK:
Reporting to the Communication and Public Relations Executive, the job holder will be charged with the day to day handling of Public Relations and Community related issues that require a communication intervention at REA.

The position entails enhancing the visibility of the Agency, build and maintain a positive relationship with the various publics (Government, Development Partners, Investors, beneficiary communities and the general public), through appropriate publicity and marketing of the institutional products and services to communities in rural Uganda and to liaise with other relevant stakeholders at a national and local level. The job holder will be a key player in promoting REA's corporate image and building and maintaining positive relationships with the public.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
The person selected for this position will be responsible for the following duties;
a) Implement awareness campaigns geared towards promotion of rural electrification,
b) Foster community relations through the provision of appropriate information, mobilize and sensitize them on procedures of getting electricity, productive use of energy including issues of health and safety,
c) Ensuring all responses on community schemes are correctly done and files kept up-to-date,
d) Plan and implement media and publicity programmes,
e) Handle media enquiries and media monitoring on all media outlets
f) Handle client enquiries and offer appropriate feedback in consultation with the head of the unit,
(g) Produce and disseminate the Agency publications (Annual reports, newsletters and brochures) including speeches,
h) Organising Corporate events including workshops, field visits and team building events,
( i) Work with other departments and units on issues pertaining to communications and Public Relations,
j) Update content on the website in collaboration with the IT Specialist,
k) Undertake any other duties assigned by the Supervisor.

Education:
a) Candidate must possess a minimum of a good Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication, Journalism or Public Relations, OR
b) A good Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences, Arts or Linguistics and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication, Public Relations or Journalism from a reputable Institution.
Key Competencies:
a) Persuasive written and verbal communication
b) Good media relations and events management skills
c) Excellent command of the English language. Knowledge of other languages spoken in Uganda will be an added advantage
d) Self motivated, creative, team player with a passion for excellence and quality and a demonstration of analytical thinking
e) Strong inter-personal and organizational skills
f) Knowledge of the industry
g) Skills in community mobilization, conflict management and negotiation
h) Familiarity with web content management tools and other social media including other computer skills like Publisher and Presentation Packages
i) Proven ability to deal effectively and professionally with a full range of internal and external audiences including the media, local and international visitors and members of public,
j) Basic knowledge in environment issues including way leaves and compensation management will be an added advantage
k) Ability to work under minimum supervision outside normal working hours so as to beat deadlines.

Minimum experience:

Not less than 5 years experience in a communication and public relations function acquired from a reputable organization.

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