Head of Communications and Outreach

JOB PURPOSE:
The head of Communications and Outreach works with the Communications Director
as a central function overserving both external and internal communications.
He / She will work in direct collaboration with corporate communications team
and internal stakeholders within APICORP to drive a strategic approach to
corporate communications and build both positive brand perception and
engagements with all stakeholder groups, with a focus on establishing a
working and trust led relationship with key tier ‎1 media within the MENA
region and beyond.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Planning
* Work closely with the Director of Communications to build integrated communications strategies that actively and effectively support APICORPS business objectives.
* Support the Director of Communications in leading the communications teams to adopt strategic and targeted campaigns across the region. Campaigns to directly support identified business objectives across APICORP's value chain
* Actively supports and demonstrates building a culture of cross-functional and cross-functional co-operation.
* Ability to proactively contribute new ideas to enhance the communications operations across the value chain

Media Relations:
* Manage and work with the agency to establish, maintain and grow a database of influential contacts, and potential contacts across traditional and new media.
* Lead positive media coverage generation through building close working relationships with opinion leaders within trade media on APICORP and its core businesses.
* Support Director of Communications in periodic media briefings, off the record accounts, and CEO executive engagements.
Reputation Management:
* Work with, and support the Director of Communications and team on the creation, socialization, and implementation of an approved crisis communications procedure for APICORP.
* Ability to respond to crisis situations within the media in a confident and timely matter, demonstrating knowledge of crisis communication processes and guidelines.
Internal Communications:
* Support Director of Communication with the creation, execution, and evaluation of internal communications strategy and plans.
* Plan, edit, and write content for a variety of internal communications mediums, such as an internal intranet portal, town hall meetings, and internal campaigns.
* Ensure consistency in language and style

Skills

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree in journalism or Public Relations, communications schools,
Political Sciences, Business Schools. A masters is a plus.
Work Experience:
* At least ‎10 years of experience in a senior communications role, preferably for a major global company (financial sector experience is a plus)
* Experience in other areas of the marketing mix e.g., above the line advertising, brand management, and especially digital engagement a major plus.
* Experience that demonstrates ability to gain the confidence of senior executives and lead diverse teams
* Track record of establishing and developing a strong network of media and other stakeholder contacts.
Skills
:
* Very strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop relationships and communicate at all levels
* Should be self-motivated, able to juggle multiple issues and tasks
* Maintain a positive attitude and demeanor and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
* Must be able to prioritize constantly.
* Ability to work in cross-functional teams and with internal stakeholders
* Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
* Excellent writing skills - English and Arabic.
Behavioral Competency:
Business Insight
* Analyze and interpret complex data to identify patterns and themes
* Establishes the root cause of a problem
* Gets inputs from others to enable informed decision making
* Applies and modifies complex learned function specific concepts or methods appropriately
* Considers multiple models and scenarios while investigating a problem or situation
Customer Focus
* Recognizes the differing needs of businesses, cultures and locations
* Adapts solutions to meet customer requirements
* Reacts to challenges faced by customers and demonstrate flexibility, supporting them to achieve their objectives
* Takes personal responsibility to resolve customer issues
Developing Others
* Provides useful training and shares expertise in a helpful and useful manner and practical support, such as detailed instructions and on-the-job demonstrations
* May arrange or conduct training sessions to share useful knowledge
* Gives reasons and rationale with instructions
* Asks questions, gives tests, or uses other methods to verify that others have understood the instructions
Builds Networks
* Cultivates a network of people across a variety of functions and business units
* Uses networking skills to reach people who can provide insight and influence outcomes
* Uses relationship networks to exchange ideas and knowledge
Impact and Influence
* Understands priorities, style and approach of relevant key stakeholders
* Structures communication around a central idea to ensure understanding
* Takes a number of planned, considered steps to drive change and persuade others
* Positions experts or other influential people to influence individuals using their specific knowledge, experience or position
Instils Trust
* Meets commitments by staying true to agreements and decisions that he or she makes
* Takes pride in being trustworthy
* Is honest in relations with customers, team members, and other stakeholders
* Acts on values when it is difficult to do so
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English;