Director, Communications (1 Post) At The Office Of The Auditor-general (oag)

Purpose of the job

• The purpose of this job is to provide leadership in the Office's Corporate Communication directorate in formulation and development of the Office's Corporate Communications Policies, Procedures, strategies and programs to ensure the Office's image and brand is positioned as a leading Centre of excellence nationally and internationally towards the achievement of the Office's mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in formulation, implementation and review of policies, procedures, strategies and activities of corporate enhancement of the Office's visibility and facilitation of effective communication channels;
• Oversee development, implementation and review of strategies of public participation and engagement with regard Office's operations and regulatory framework;
• Lead in development, implementation and review of customer care programs, policies and strategies in the Office for effective and efficient response, to internal and external clients' needs towards the achievement of the Office's mandate in line with the existing regulations;
• Lead the development and review of all institutional newsletters, briefs, speeches, newspaper articles, supplements and conference abstract books ensuring quality and that they capture on-going activities for dissemination to internal and external publics;
• Oversee development, implementation and review of branding and promotional strategy for the Office to enhance its corporate image;
• Provide leadership in data maintenance and documentation arising from media monitoring and follow up on Office's media coverage and mentions;
• Lead in formulation, implementation and review of research programs/projects and routing stakeholder surveys;
• Oversee formulation, implementation and review of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities/programs and maintain their impact;
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, in providing comprehensive communications support for major campaigns, as well as helping to create and deliver long range plans to develop communications in the area of audit;
• Oversee formulation, implementation and review of database of stakeholders;
• Advice the Office on advertising mix required to meet the Office's objectives of creating public audit awareness and corporate image;
• Lead in the management of the Office's events, local and international outreach programs on public audit;
• Oversee development, implementation, review and monitor the service charter for the Office;
• Oversee the identification and profiling of relevant stakeholders towards the development of suitable communication channels and messaging;
• Coordinate execution of risk management policy and strategies that ensure the directorate has a robust system and processes of accountability, risk management, internal controls, business continuity and succession management;
• Spearhead nurturing of competencies and promote a working environment that optimizes individual and team potential in the department;
• Spearhead formulation, implementation and review of the departmental annual work plans and budgets plans in line with the Office's performance targets and strategic plan.
• Oversee implementation of a robust performance management system within the departments through providing oversight of the delivery of the annual performance contract and the strategic plan;
• Advise the Auditor-General and the executive management on public relations and communication issues;
• Establish effective collaboration and partnerships with organs of government, international organizations, private sectors, civil society and any other relevant stakeholders
• Establish and maintain effective, open and consultative relationships with clients and stakeholders (both internal and external);
• Foster high standards of ethical behaviour within the Office based on the provisions of the Public Audit Act, 2015, Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, ISSAI 130 and the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Office.
• Spearhead capacity building by organizing periodic workshops to promote awareness of the public and other stakeholders on the need for transparency and accountability in the public sector.
• Provide leadership in planning, development, implementing and monitoring of budget for the Communication's Directorate to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the management of the Office financial resources.
• Advise the DAG Corporate services on the implementation of the operations of the department;
• Performance management of direct reports;
• Coordinate the undertaking of general research, analysis on media, PR matters and feedback from clients;
• Coordinate maintenance of photo database to ensure ease in retrieval;
• Participate in the publication and dissemination of audit reports for the Office;
• Coordinate the website and digital platforms and disseminate information and communication material in all the Office's touch-points to relevant stakeholders;
• Articulate issues related to the Department and represent the department in various meetings and/or forums; and

Requirements for Appointment:

• A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Mass Media or any other relevant discipline from a recognized institution;
• A post graduate qualification in PR, Communications, Journalism, Mass media or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• A Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Mass Media or any other relevant discipline from a recognized institution will be an added advantage;
• Strategic Leadership Development Programme (SLDP) or its equivalent from a recognized institution will be an added advantage;
• A registered member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya of good standing;
• At least 15 years of practical experience in communications from a reputable organization preferably in the public sector, three (3) of which must have been at the level of a Deputy Director of Communications or its equivalent and comparable position.