Communications Officer

Reports to: Executive Director

About Us

Hope to the Vulnerable Communities (HOVUC) is a registered community-based organization founded in 2017 and officially registered in 2019, working in Kisumu County and beyond. Our mission is to empower women and youth to create equitable, sustainable change through community-driven innovation. We focus on four core thematic areas: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Economic Empowerment, Climate Justice, and Governance and Accountability. Through partnerships with schools, health facilities, communities, and local governments, HOVUC empowers youth and women to challenge harmful norms, advocate for their rights, and lead change in their communities. As we grow, strengthening our communication systems and visibility is key to amplifying the voices of the communities we serve and ensuring accountability to our partners and donors.

Position Summary

The Communications Officer will play a critical role in raising HOVUC’s profile and ensuring effective communication with communities, partners, donors, and the public. The role requires a dynamic individual who can combine creativity with strategic thinking to tell impactful stories of our work. The officer will manage digital platforms, create compelling content, document project impact, and support organizational advocacy and fundraising efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and visibility strategy aligned with HOVUC’s vision and programs.
• Manage, update, and grow HOVUC’s online presence across all social media platforms and the organizational website.
• Produce high-quality photos, videos, and human-interest stories that highlight community impact, project achievements, and beneficiary voices.
• Edit photos and videos for use in donor reports, publications, and digital campaigns.
• Draft press releases, newsletters, donor updates, policy briefs, and advocacy materials.
• Ensure brand consistency and adherence to donor visibility guidelines across all communications.
• Monitor and analyze communication metrics, providing regular reports to improve outreach and engagement.
• Support program teams with documentation of success stories, case studies, and campaign content.
• Strengthen media relations and foster partnerships with local and national media outlets.
• Support fundraising initiatives and donor engagement through strategic storytelling and impactful visibility products.
• Train and mentor staff and youth champions on basic communication and documentation skills.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media, Public Relations, Development Studies, or a related field with equivalent practical experience.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in communications, media, or a similar role within an NGO, CBO, or development organization.
• Proven ability to manage organizational social media accounts and grow digital engagement.
• Experience in Circle.so for community engagement and advocacy communication.
• Strong photography, videography, and editing skills (portfolio required).
• Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to tailor content to diverse audiences.
• Creativity, innovation, and the ability to translate complex program information into compelling stories.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is an added advantage.
• Experience in digital and media advocacy is an added advantage.
• Understanding of pleasure-inclusive SRHR, gender equality, women and youth empowerment will be an added advantage.
• Must be a resident of Kisumu County or willing to reside in Kisumu County.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to contribute to impactful programs that empower women, youth, and vulnerable communities.
• A dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth, capacity building, and career development.
• The chance to work with a passionate team committed to social justice and equity.