The Deputy Manager, Communications will deliver strategic communications guidance and technical expertise to BRAD International Microfinance’s (BI MF) eight microfinance entities spanning Asia and Africa. This role will involve assisting in the creation and execution of communications strategies, crafting and launching engaging content and campaigns, and developing powerful narratives to deepen stakeholder engagement, amplify visibility, and clearly convey BI MF’s impact to internal, national, and global audiences.
Oversee a wide range of critical functions, including managing project timelines, coordinating team efforts, and ensuring adherence to organizational policies. Develop and execute strategic plans to optimize workflow efficiency and align with broader business objectives. Monitor progress through regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to foster professional growth. Lead cross-functional initiatives, resolve operational challenges, and maintain clear communication with stakeholders at all levels. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal standards while promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Entity support involves facilitating the development and execution of annual communications plans tailored to BI MF’s eight microfinance entities. Continuous technical assistance, direct operational support, and strategic counsel are provided to enhance program delivery, boost operational efficiency, and foster meaningful engagement with clients, staff, and external stakeholders. Country teams receive assistance in aligning entity-level communications with BI MF’s overarching strategies, brand identity, and messaging framework.
Provide communications assistance for the financial inclusion segment of BRAD International’s flagship “Accelerating Impact for Young Women (AIM)” program. Design and execute internal and external communication initiatives, multimedia materials, and graphic assets to empower staff in conveying the AIM program’s objectives and progress to participants and key stakeholders.
Support media relations by collaborating with communications teams to develop, produce, and distribute news releases, FAQs, briefing notes, and other media materials, thereby strengthening the visibility and credibility of BI MF entities within their national and regional contexts. Partner with country leadership teams to proactively identify potential reputational risks and execute strategic communications responses, both in anticipation of issues and in reaction to emerging challenges.
As part of this role, you will spearhead and assist in crafting premium content tailored for diverse channels such as websites, social media, newsletters, and print publications. Your responsibilities include producing and refining compelling human interest narratives, video scripts, blog posts, case studies, fact sheets, capacity statements, annual reports, and other knowledge-sharing and advocacy materials. Additionally, you will oversee an editorial calendar and manage monthly and annual content workflows to uphold consistency, excellence, and strategic alignment with program objectives.
Design and execute integrated communication campaigns firmly rooted in data, research, and program evidence, enhanced by compelling and motivational content. Facilitate the organization and execution of the BI MF Leadership Retreat, in addition to learning workshops and webinars, to elevate the visibility and impact of BI MF’s initiatives. Maintain cohesive messaging, branding, and positioning across all global campaigns and events, including Financial Inclusion Week, International Women’s Day, and World Youth Day.
Develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy to amplify BI MF’s brand presence, foster meaningful engagement, and establish authoritative thought leadership across multiple digital platforms. Continuously track emerging social media trends, analyze performance metrics, and evaluate audience behavior to refine and optimize content strategies dynamically. Collaborate with entity communications focal points to curate, schedule, and oversee social media content calendars while ensuring consistency in branding, messaging tone, and content formatting.
Collaborate with both internal and external design teams to develop visually compelling materials that strictly adhere to BRAD’s branding and visual identity standards. Oversee the creation of graphics, infographics, visual narratives, and other creative deliverables for digital and print platforms. Exhibit strong operational expertise in essential design tools, including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva.
We deliver strategic and innovative support for the creation of social and behavior change communication materials. This role requires close collaboration with internal and external design teams, as well as product, impact, social performance teams and other key functional leads within BI MF. SBCC methodologies must be participatory, contextually relevant, gender-sensitive, and consistently aligned with program learning and evidence-based approaches.
Provide executive and grant-related communications support by assisting in the crafting of organizational messaging and positioning strategies. Develop and refine talking points and speeches for leadership as needed. Prepare written materials for significant grants, such as the AIM program, and, when required, assist with grant proposal development.
Facilitate ongoing learning and foster teamwork by partnering closely with BRAD International and BRAD’s global communications teams to maintain unified messaging, align brand identity, coordinate social media and event schedules, and support critical campaign initiatives. As a pivotal link, you will bridge communications between country-level teams and central headquarters. Additionally, capture, analyze, and disseminate valuable lessons learned, proven best practices, and impactful success stories generated by BRAD International Microfinance entities across the organization to enhance collective knowledge and performance.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee and nurture strategic partnerships with creative agencies, photographers, filmmakers, graphic designers, and event management firms to secure essential services for communication campaigns and events. This role involves managing supplier relationships and ensuring the procurement of communication-related services and products adheres strictly to BRAD’s established procurement and safeguarding policies.
Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and practical on-the-job guidance to communications staff and designated focal points across Asia and Africa. Develop and deliver training sessions and workshops focused on strategic communications, creative and technical writing, content creation, storytelling, foundational design principles, and digital communications. Cultivate an environment of continuous learning and innovation within the broader communications community of practice by promoting the exploration of emerging tools, platforms, and methodologies.
Safeguarding is a critical aspect of this position, encompassing the protection of individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect. The role requires vigilant monitoring of environments, identifying potential risks, and implementing measures to mitigate them. Additionally, the position involves reporting concerns in accordance with established policies and legal requirements, ensuring compliance with safeguarding regulations. Strong attention to detail, ethical conduct, and a commitment to promoting the well-being of vulnerable individuals are essential.
Safeguard all team members by rigorously preventing any instances of harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, or exploitation, thereby maintaining a secure and supportive environment for everyone.
Raise safeguarding consciousness among team members while upholding adherence to safeguarding protocols in every operation.
Adhere to established safeguarding reporting protocols for any incident that meets reporting criteria, and foster a culture of compliance among colleagues by modeling and promoting adherence to these procedures.
Educational and Professional Prerequisites:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline—such as business administration, human resources, or a related field—is required. Additionally, candidates must possess a minimum of five years of progressive experience in recruitment, talent acquisition, or a closely related area. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effectively engaging with stakeholders at all levels. Proficiency in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and other HR technologies is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a track record of successfully filling key positions in a timely and efficient manner.
With a minimum of three years of experience in development communications, preferably within an INGO, foundation, or a related sector, the ideal candidate will bring a strong background to the role.
Minimum qualifications include five years of demonstrated experience in communications, journalism, or a closely related discipline.
Required expertise, proficiencies, and capabilities include demonstrated proficiency in [specific field/industry], strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration, and a solid understanding of [relevant tools, technologies, or methodologies]. Candidates must possess the capability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, exhibit leadership in driving initiatives, and maintain a customer-focused approach. Additionally, familiarity with [specific regulations, standards, or frameworks] and the ability to adapt to evolving industry trends are essential.
With expertise spanning development communications, social and behavioral change communications, and modern communication strategies and platforms, candidates should also possess proficiency in social media analytics, microfinance, financial inclusion, global development issues, and the non-profit sector.
Required Skills: Expertise in strategic communication, project management, event management, social media content creation, and public speaking. Proficiency in creative writing, blogging, and visual storytelling, along with mastery of design software such as InDesign, Canva, and the Adobe Creative Suite. Additional competencies include photography, video editing, Google Workspace applications, and the ability to craft compelling presentations.
Facilitates effective group meetings, devises comprehensive work and project strategies, prioritizes tasks efficiently, and consistently meets established deadlines. Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills through relationship building and empathy, while maintaining composure under pressure through adept stress management and sharp analytical thinking.
This position requires regular travel across the eight countries that comprise the BI MF Network.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
3 - 5 years