We Go Places! How about you?

Location: Kiambu
Function: Corporate Affairs
Sub Function: Corporate Affairs - Sustainability
Type of Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 30-05-2025

 

Join KWAL and be a part of something bigger, as we accelerate excellence as a proud member of the HEINEKEN global family.  While we unlock new opportunities and shape the next chapter of our journey, KWAL is embedding a high-performing, agile business driven by innovation and purpose. If you're energized by transformation and inspired to make a meaningful difference, this is your moment to lead change and grow with a business that’s going places – fast!

 

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of integrated internal and external communication, reputation management, media liaison, crisis communication, public affairs communication, and change management employee engagement programmes aimed at enhancing the reputation of the business, and building passion and organisational pride among all internal and external stakeholders.

 

Additionally,  this role is responsible for implementing KWAL and HEINEKEN Beverages International’s (HBI) sustainability strategy and projects with key focus on HEINEKEN’s Brew a Better World (BaBW) commitments, aligned with HEINEKEN’S global Evergreen strategy, including Net Zero, Water efficiency, circularity, and balancing.
 

Main Responsibilities

Employee Communication and Engagement

Drive positive company-wide employee engagement through the delivery of effective and impactful internal comms plans while positioning KWAL as an employee of choice Create and implement effective, measurable, and distinctive end-to-end integrated communication activities and campaigns, that informs, inspires, and celebrates our stakeholders, and business success Ensure consistency of internal communication across the business to make employees the most effective advocates of KWAL, its purpose and vision Develop engagement campaigns to raise awareness and foster adoption of KWAL’s vision, values, leadership behaviours and strategy Apply knowledge and understanding of the business context to ensure credible and effective internal communication with employees. Oversee design and execution of employee engagement survey, i.e., climate survey  Measure the effectiveness of communications using the available channels and tools, recommending subsequent improvements/ further initiatives to achieve business desired objectives Support the delivery of events, both digital and face to face, including annual employee conference, townhall sessions, roadshows, etc.
 

Content Development

Oversee the creation of high-quality content for both traditional and digital media platforms, including press releases, social media content, and company reports. Leads on sourcing, creating, and sharing compelling content that informs, inspires and celebrates our people in a timely and reliable way, with the right mix of internal communication channels. Content development of the corporate website, including serving as editor, managing a moderation process that will include other users; and ensuring alignment with overall communications strategy Work with the Corporate Affairs Director and HBI colleagues to bring our BaBW stories to life for internal and external stakeholders with inspiring and impactful communications

 

Media Engagement and Public Relations Management

Develop powerful and consistent external messages for the business and ensure effective landing and delivery of messages to targeted stakeholders Facilitate media engagement best practice and provide the leadership team members with media readiness, media training and interview preparation counsel Manage media events and participate in the management or consultation of all activities related to media and employee engagement Develop media strategy, drafting press releases, responding to media enquiries, and building dialogue with journalists Support company events Facilitate media relationships to best communicate the KWAL’s story to the external target audience Ensure good media coverage of KWAL by developing and maintaining good media relations through lobbying, engagement and availing relevant information to the members of the press as requested Assist the RTC & brand team to develop and execute Brand public relations strategies to optimise brand strategy/brand campaign through earned media Manage interface to brand and product complaints, customer and consumer care line, develop appropriate response for dissemination via brand/product/BU or corporate as appropriate
 

Corporate Brand Management

Identify opportunities to positively position and profile KWAL and HEINEKEN Beverages’ corporate brand, its people, and products to increase its brand equity. Track and monitor media activity, sentiments, and perceptions of KWAL and HEINEKEN Beverages and develop appropriate action plans to build and protect the brand and product brands in its stable Track and monitor issues that directly and indirectly impacts our reputation and develop statements and company positions in response to the identified issues.
 

Sustainability 

Manage and oversee the implementation and awareness of KWAL’s sustainability agenda and projects across the business and support with the implementation of the BaBW strategy across different functions Lead and oversee implementation of community initiatives on recycling, responsible drinking and water stewardship Scan, lead and proactively manage all ESG related matters, beyond compliance for KWAL (e.g. EPR, PROs, circular economy, etc) Lead implementation of all internal and external cross functional work on sustainability and BaBW strategy Prepare reports for the Board on sustainability, social impact, and public interest commitments Be the custodian of the BaBW ecosystem, governance, and reporting framework into the HB sustainability council. Collaborate and represent KWAL/HBI on all related sustainability & BaBW Heineken forums, networks, to facilitate strategy implementation and best practice sharing
 

Change Management Communication

Co-champion delivery change communication strategy, to help raise awareness of relevant news and business updates and drive desired behaviours and culture change across the business Support the implementation of Change Management journey to foster adoption of HEINEKEN beverages culture, values & the spirit of togetherness,  Cascade and embed a single narrative on change initiatives across the organisation Develop relevant and engaging campaigns and content to achieve change management communications goals
 

Stakeholder Management

Build effective relationships with external and internal stakeholders Collaborate and regularly connect with internal stakeholders to build relationships of trust through stakeholder management and impactful communications and provide updates to the Corporate Affairs Director and EXCO. Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including media, government bodies, regulatory agencies among others Amplify impact of sustainability programmes both internally and externally and ensure impact stories anchor the corporate brand key messages and communicate to stakeholders
 

Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in degree in Business Communication, PR, Journalism, Social Science or related field

 

Professional Qualifications

Must hold a professional qualification and membership to relevant professional body 

 

Experience 

At least 6 years, 2 years' experience in management role in a similar role within FMCG In-country experience with relevant stakeholders Stakeholder relationship management experience in a similar industry Practical experience in use of MS packages and ERP systems

 

Competencies

Technical Competencies

A good understanding of economic and commercial, political dynamics in the countries of KWAL’s operation Sound understanding of legislation relating to environmental sustainability and other sustainability related legislations Demonstrate the ability to build compelling communication narratives that are clear and concise and promotes understanding, persuades and influences KWAL/Heineken’s internal and external audience  Skill in effectively communicating highly complex technical material or highly complex issues that may arise Practical experience and hands on coordinating campaigns with the support of agency Proficiency in budget making process Ability to undertake research, brief and coordinate processes on both tactical and operational level Ability to analyse impact of regulatory change to KWAL operations  Ability to build and sustain good working relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders Business awareness with good leadership and interpersonal skills Strong analytical and problem solving skills Demonstrate experience in effective communication style in writing Sociable, extrovert, energetic personality Ability to independent work and to take initiative Knowledge of the executive/legislative decision making process Knowledge of the overall mission, functions, and organisation of a corporate company, including strategy, goals, and objectives and the interplay of these in the public policy arena

 

Behavioural Competencies

Demonstrate strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster a positive work environment, and drive organizational performance, champion of diversity, equality and inclusivity practices Collaboration with the team members and other units within the department and function Demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs Proficient in analysing data and information to make informed decisions demonstrating analytical skills by identifying issues and developing effective solutions Effectively communicating and presenting information, insights, and recommendations to diverse audiences through engaging and visually appealing presentations. Ability to employ logical reasoning and critical analysis to evaluate information and make sound decisions Continuously seek new opportunities to enhance KWAL products and service, embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive growth and maintain a competitive edge Ability to support the professional growth of employees through guidance and feedback Demonstrate the ability to negotiate terms, agreements, and contracts with clients, partners, and vendors Demonstrate conflict management and crisis resolution skills Demonstrate resilient, agility, ability to work under pressure with high integrity
 

 

 

 

Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) was incorporated in 1969 and over the years KWAL has become a leading East African beverage champion in the manufacturing, exporting and importation of a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. KWAL is a HEINEKEN OpCo.