Senior Communication Officer – Information Services and Media Relations job at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

Background

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council is established as the national apex body responsible for the regulation, coordination, quality assurance, and strategic oversight of Technical and Vocational Education and Training system in Uganda, in line with the TVET Act, 2025.

Basic Function (Summary of the Role)

The Senior Communication Officer (Information Services and Media Relations) is responsible for supporting the organization’s public information and media relations to ensure accurate, timely, and strategic dissemination of information. The role focuses on proactive media engagement, content development, press management, and safeguarding the organization’s public image in all fora.

Duties and Responsibilities.

1. Information, Media and Digital Communication

• Propose, implement, and periodically review information and digital communication strategies aligned with the Council’s mandate and strategic objectives.
• Disseminate and ensure coherent messaging across traditional media, digital platforms, and social media channels for TVET Council presence and visibility.
• Support internal communication initiatives that promote transparency, staff engagement, and organizational alignment.
• Draft and support the implementation of communication policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures, and content approval workflows.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance of all information released to the public.

2. Media Relations and Public Information Management

• Identify platforms for engagement on print, broadcast, online, and digital media.
• Review and disseminate press releases, media statements, briefs, talking points, and official responses to media inquiries.
• Organize and coordinate press conferences, media briefings, interviews, and public announcements.
• Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive media contacts database and nurture professional media relationships.

3. Social Media and Digital Content Oversight

• Review content for social media presence to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent dissemination of information.
• Obtain approval of digital/social media content aligned with approved messaging and brand guidelines.
• Monitor online engagement, public sentiment, and digital discourse related to the Council’s work.

4. Media Monitoring, Analysis and Reputation Management

• Monitor media coverage, social media trends, and public discourse.
• Prepare media and digital analytics reports and advise management on reputational risks, emerging issues, and communication opportunities.
• Recommend proactive communication interventions fostering Council visibility and credibility.
• Lead crisis communication and issues management processes in collaboration with the manager Communication and Outreach and members of Senior Management.
• Prepare holding statements, FAQs, and response protocols for sensitive or high-risk situations.
• Deter negative publicity with the aim of protecting reputation and credibility.
• Perform any other communication-related duties as may be assigned by management.

Supervision Received: Directly supervised by the Manager Communications and Outreach.

Supervision Exercised: None

Education Requirements.

• A bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Information technology, Journalism, Public Relations, Communication Studies, International Relations, Business related degree or a related field. Relevant media experience of more than 5 years may be considered in lieu of this requirement.
• Post Graduate Qualification in Communication, Public Relations, or related discipline is required.

Experience.

• At least Six (6) years of relevant professional experience, with proven focus on media relations and information services.
• Demonstrated experience working with national and international media houses.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to exercise sound judgement, tact, and diplomacy in sensitive situations
• Demonstrated competence in protocol, etiquette, and official communication procedures.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of media operations and the news cycle.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and communicate under pressure.
• Strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Physical Demands: None

Travel requirements: The position involves frequent travel within the country to provide coverage on institutional engagements. Limited travel out of the country is anticipated.

• Propose, implement, and periodically review information and digital communication strategies aligned with the Council’s mandate and strategic objectives.
• Disseminate and ensure coherent messaging across traditional media, digital platforms, and social media channels for TVET Council presence and visibility.
• Support internal communication initiatives that promote transparency, staff engagement, and organizational alignment.
• Draft and support the implementation of communication policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures, and content approval workflows.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance of all information released to the public.
• Identify platforms for engagement on print, broadcast, online, and digital media.
• Review and disseminate press releases, media statements, briefs, talking points, and official responses to media inquiries.
• Organize and coordinate press conferences, media briefings, interviews, and public announcements.
• Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive media contacts database and nurture professional media relationships.
• Review content for social media presence to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent dissemination of information.
• Obtain approval of digital/social media content aligned with approved messaging and brand guidelines.
• Monitor online engagement, public sentiment, and digital discourse related to the Council’s work.
• Monitor media coverage, social media trends, and public discourse.
• Prepare media and digital analytics reports and advise management on reputational risks, emerging issues, and communication opportunities.
• Recommend proactive communication interventions fostering Council visibility and credibility.
• Lead crisis communication and issues management processes in collaboration with the manager Communication and Outreach and members of Senior Management.
• Prepare holding statements, FAQs, and response protocols for sensitive or high-risk situations.
• Deter negative publicity with the aim of protecting reputation and credibility.
• Perform any other communication-related duties as may be assigned by management.

• Ability to exercise sound judgement, tact, and diplomacy in sensitive situations
• Demonstrated competence in protocol, etiquette, and official communication procedures.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of media operations and the news cycle.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and communicate under pressure.
• Strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

• A bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Information technology, Journalism, Public Relations, Communication Studies, International Relations, Business related degree or a related field. Relevant media experience of more than 5 years may be considered in lieu of this requirement.
• Post Graduate Qualification in Communication, Public Relations, or related discipline is required.