Communications and Brand Management Services - Consultancy

Job Summary

The consultancy aims to enhance the external communications and relations for Vanguard Economics (VE). The consultant will collaborate with management, research teams, and the communications and data visuals teams to generate ideas, develop engagement plans, and execute communications through various media channels.

Job Details

The consultancy will support the company across all offices – Currently Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Additionally, the company will assist Aflakiosk Ltd (sister company) in executing their brand and communication strategy in Rwanda and Uganda.

Key Tasks

The following outlines the detailed scope with respective tasks to be achieved over the duration of the consultancy.

Strategic Tasks:

• Review, Revise and update the communications strategy for Vanguard Economics (VE), VE Foundation (VEF), and Aflakiosk (AK)
• Update the strategic communications project management plan with templates for communications content from project teams.
•  Develop and maintain a strong brand for VE, VEF, and AK, including impactful publications, website, social media, and merchandise.
• Develop the VE and AK Brand manual and a database of communications images. Create and manage communications and report templates, ensuring brand standards and consistency.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar for all communication channels, including a digital media posting schedule, ensuring timely and relevant content dissemination.
• Establish a feedback mechanism to gather input from target audiences and stakeholders on VE and AK communication efforts and conduct SEO optimisation.
• Conduct a brand audit to assess the current perception of VE and AK brand and identify areas for improvement.

Routine tasks

• Oversee day-to-day internal and external communications and marketing activities. Coordinate regularly with project teams to obtain content in an agreed format.
• Coordinate media and public affairs activities to promote VE and AK policy positions supporting clients in implementing social impact programs.
• Prepare press statements and articles on research-related issues for internal and external communications.
• Manage the publication and promotion of VE and AK materials, including design and printing.
• Plan and manage communication aspects of key events, including press conferences, webinars, and public engagements.
• Identify and develop partnerships with media outlets, influencers, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance VE’s visibility.
• Coordination production of high-quality visual content, including infographics, videos, and graphics, to support communication efforts.
• Develop and distribute regular newsletters to keep stakeholders informed about VE and AK activities and achievements.
• Ensure that VE communication outputs are of high standard, meet the needs of the target audience, and are delivered within agreed budget and timelines.
• Manage and coach three communication interns, one based in Rwanda, one in Uganda, and one in Kenya, to build their skills and ensure their effective contribution to the communications strategy.

Deliverables

The following are the projected deliverables of the services

Annual

• Create a crisis communication strategy to manage potential public relations issues effectively.
• Develop a comprehensive annual communications plan outlining key activity, timelines, and expected outcomes including a digital media posting schedule and templates.
• Prepare reports assessing the impact of communication strategies on VE and AK objectives and goals.

Quarterly

• Comprehensive quarterly reports summarizing the quarterly activities and achievements.
• Produce detailed reports on stakeholder engagement activities, including feedback and recommendations for improvement.
• Offer media training sessions for key VE and AK personnel to enhance their ability to engage with the media effectively.
• Conduct training workshops for VE and AK staff on effective communication strategies and brand management.

Monthly

• Detailed monthly reports on the work undertaken each month.
• Provide monthly and quarterly reports on social/digital media performance, including analytics on engagements, conversions, etc and insights to inform future strategies.
• Provide regular reports on website performance, including traffic analysis and user behaviour insights.

Requirements

• Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies for organizations, preferably in the economic or social impact sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong brands, including experience with brand audits, brand manual creation, and managing brand consistency across various platforms.
• Extensive experience in managing media relations, including preparing press releases, handling media inquiries, and coordinating media events.
• Proficiency in managing digital and social media channels, including content creation, analytics, strategy development to enhance online presence and engagement, and SEO optimisation.
• Experience in coordinating public affairs activities and engaging with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, and synthesizing information for these target audiences.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work within budget constraints.
• Experience in creating and managing high-quality content for various communication channels, including publications, websites, social media, and visual content.
• Experience in conducting training workshops and capacity-building activities for staff on communication strategies and brand management.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and activities, including experience with social media analytics and impact assessment reports.
• Experience working in diverse cultural settings, with an understanding of the communication dynamics in Rwanda and Uganda being an added advantage.
• A degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in these areas would be beneficial.
• At least 5-7 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or brand management roles, preferably within the economic or social impact sectors.

Performance Review

• A performance review will be conducted at the 6-month mark to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to the consultancy.

About Company

Vanguard Economics Limited

https://veglobalholdings.seamlesshiring.com

Founded in 2015, Vanguard Economics is an East African research and advisory firm headquartered in Rwanda, and with offices in Uganda and Kenya. We specialize in social and economic advisory and project management services tailored to our local context. We are a mission driven organization with the aim to Identify, design and implement homegrown solutions to the challenges populations face on their paths to sustainable and inclusive prosperity. Through our work we ensure that government policies and development assistance are aimed at enhancing social and economic development within the communities we work in. Since our establishment, we have successfully completed 160 assignments for over 100 clients demonstrating our unwavering commitment to delivering impactful, high-quality solutions tailored to diverse client needs. Read more about us: https://www.vanguardeconomics.com/