Job Overview
The Corporate Communications Officer supports ICEA LION’s strategic objectives by developing and executing communication strategies that align with the company’s goals. This role involves crafting press releases, managing internal communications, coordinating public relations efforts, and fostering positive relationships with media outlets. The officer plays a key role in crisis management and ensures consistent messaging across various channels to enhance the organization’s reputation.
Additionally, the role supports marketing and communications efforts aimed at maximizing brand awareness and advancing the desired brand voice and image of the ICEA LION Group in digital, online, and social media.
Over and above the Group/Brand responsibilities, the role provides corporate communications support to the Group’s 8 businesses across Kenya (4), Uganda (3), and Tanzania (1) covering our financial products and services in the spheres of insurance, pensions, investments and trusts.
As one of the key resources for internal communications, the role is responsible for driving communications supporting the Group’s Desired Culture initiatives that deliver on ICEA LION’s strategic objectives. As such, the role has a significant focus on initiatives that engage staff in activities that energize them to effectively fulfill their brand ambassador role.
Roles and Responsibilities
Corporate and Internal Communications
· Craft and disseminate internal communications to foster a collaborative work culture.
· Manage crisis communications ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.
· Craft thought leadership, ESG, and engaging content for digital and internal consumption.
· Plan and deploy corporate communications, public relations, and media engagement initiatives.
· Draft press releases and internal communication materials for various initiatives and events.
· Coordinate media and event invitations and subsequent coverage with key media partners.
· Foster positive relationships with media outlets.
· Coordinate with internal stakeholders on events and initiatives to ensure brand image and presence.
Planning & Resource Coordination
· Coordinate resources efficiently to meet project timelines and deliverables.
· Conduct regular resource assessments to optimize allocation across communication projects.
· Manage corporate communications expenditure to ensure attainment of objectives as per the approved budget.
· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align communication plans with business priorities.
Brand & Reputation Management
· Proactively identify potential risks to the company’s reputation and develop mitigation strategies.
· Conduct regular brand audits to assess public perception and adjust communication strategies accordingly.
· Engage in stakeholder management to strengthen relationships and build positive brand associations.
· Monitor industry trends and competitor communications to stay ahead of potential reputation challenges.
· Coordinate Corporate Social Investment initiatives as per strategy.
· Promote brand consistency internally and externally across East Africa.
· Manage events and engagements to corporate standard.
Group Business Support
· Collaborate with business units to identify and leverage unique communication opportunities.
· Conduct regular assessments of industry-specific communication trends and apply insights.
· Provide targeted support for thought leadership content creation in each business domain.
· Facilitate cross-business collaboration to share best practices and enhance overall communication effectiveness.
Requirements
Preferred Qualifications
· Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/Communications or a related field.
· Over 4 years of experience in corporate communications/public relations, preferably in a service-oriented industry.
· Strong writing, interpersonal, and strategic skills.
· Knowledge of digital/online/social media strategy and implementation.
· Knowledge of public/media relations and corporate communications best practices.
· Ability to draft and coordinate the production of corporate literature, presentations, and public communication materials.
· Strong people skills and the ability to interface with people at all levels, including media and other stakeholders.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and internet/intranet environments.
· Problem-solving skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
· Team player, self-starter, organized, and with high integrity.
· Ability to travel on short notice and work under pressure and challenging circumstances.
Capable of working with minimal supervision, managing time, and meeting tight deadlines
Desired Skills and Experience
Qualifications: · A Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/Communications or related field and over 4 years of experience in a similar role in corporate communications/Public relations, preferably in a financial service-oriented industry. · Strong writing, interpersonal, and strategic skills are essential for success in this role · Knowledge of public/media relations and corporate communications best practices · Ability to draft and coordinate the production of corporate literature and presentations, company publications, press releases, and other public communication in electronic and hard copy format · People skills with the ability to interface with people at all levels from junior staff to executive management, as well as other stakeholders including the media and other business partners · Ability to interpret and influence design and advertising work to deliver the spirit and feel of the brand · Problem-solving skills and ability to handle multiple tasks · Self-starter, organized, with high integrity, Team player · High level of energy and ability to travel on short notice; ability to work under pressure and under challenging circumstances