Africa Communications Specialist at GE - General Electric

 The Africa Communications Specialist will be a key player in developing and executing external and internal communications and reputation management efforts for GE Vernova in an area of the region. The successful candidate will support the leadership team on achieving business objectives and growth priorities; partner with the broader GE Vernova Communications teams on strategic initiatives; collaborate closely with various business units and functional teams; and manage a network of PR, event management, and creative agencies. The role will report directly to the Middle East & Africa Communications Leader, who will lead the overall strategy for the region.  

Essential Responsibilities

• Design and deploy regional communications plans with strategies and tactics to support business objectives and growth priorities  
• Lead proactive media relations to position GE Vernova as an industry leader in the region, support growth priorities, strengthen reputation, and deepen brand awareness and recognition  
• Maintain regional risk heatmaps and develop crisis management plans consistent with GE Vernova guidelines  
• Design and ensure execution of internal communications plans that: provide timely information to employees to drive strong connectivity to business strategy; inform, align, and motivate employees to support company plans and priorities; drive employee engagement and productivity; encourage a culture of recognition, best practice sharing, inclusion, and diversity; promote our shared sense of purpose  
• Develop briefings to help business leaders effectively inform, engage, motivate, and influence key audiences at external events and internal engagements  
• Mine compelling stories and develop editorial and content calendars to: maintain effective share of voice in local/regional tier 1 media; tell our story creatively and impactfully on relevant GE Vernova regional/global social media channels; recognize achievements, share best practices, and keep employees informed and motivated on business priorities  
• Lead the design, creation, and/or critical review of various types of content: case studies, videos, podcasts, executive speeches, social media posts, brochures, infographics, etc.  
• Explore new channels, methods, and creative opportunities  
• Develop and implement regional advertising, brand management, and sponsorship strategies  
• Liaise with cross-functional teams across various business units on marcomms, digital marketing, and demand creation campaigns    
• Collaborate with the broader GE Vernova Communications team on the ideation and regional implementation of global external and internal campaigns and initiatives  
• Support all aspects of company-owned and sponsored events  
• Manage external agencies and consultants to define, track progress on, and achieve desired results  
• Develop plans in support of the transition of the business in reorganized countries to ensure business continuity, rebuild employee trust and commitment, and manage reputation   
• Measure and report on regional communications activities and performance and make recommendations to team based on findings  

Required Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college or equivalent knowledge or experience 
• Demonstrated experience in communications with specific experience in regional communications 
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English and French 
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through  
• Unyielding commitment to integrity and safety   

Desired Characteristics

• Creative thinker, with proven ability to generate innovative ideas  
• Proven track record of engaging successfully with external stakeholders and internal leaders 
• Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and resolve challenges  
• Self-starter with ability to work independently, manage projects in a fast-paced, complex, uncertain environment, and to remain resilient under pressure  
• Team player with humble, positive, and flexible attitude  
• Project and agency management experience  
• Familiarity with working in matrixed organizations  
• Experience in documenting, measuring, and reporting on outcomes to demonstrate program impact   
• Experience in and understanding of the energy/power generation sector a bonus but not required 
• Experience working in Northwest Africa and/or Sub-Saharan Africa a bonus but not required