The Deputy Manager, Communications will deliver strategic communications guidance and specialized technical support 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 engaging content and campaigns, and developing compelling narratives to deepen stakeholder engagement, amplify visibility, and effectively convey BI MF’s impact to internal, national, and global audiences.
Oversee and execute core responsibilities encompassing strategic planning, operational management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive organizational objectives. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and initiatives that enhance efficiency, productivity, and compliance with industry standards. Lead and mentor teams to ensure alignment with company goals, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Analyze performance metrics and market trends to identify opportunities for growth and innovation, while mitigating risks and optimizing resource allocation. Serve as a liaison between senior leadership and departments to facilitate seamless communication and decision-making. Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and ethical conduct.
Entity support responsibilities include collaborating with BI MF’s eight microfinance entities to develop and execute annual communications plans. The role provides continuous technical assistance, practical support, and strategic direction to enhance program delivery, boost operational efficiency, and foster meaningful engagement with clients, staff, and external stakeholders. Additionally, the position assists country teams in ensuring their communications align with BI MF’s overarching strategies, brand guidelines, and key messaging.
Provide program communications support by assisting with the financial inclusion component of BRAD International’s flagship “Accelerating Impact for Young Women (AIM)” initiative. Create and execute internal and external communication strategies, including multimedia content and design materials, to empower staff in effectively conveying the AIM program’s objectives to participants and key stakeholders.
Media relations professionals will collaborate with communications teams to develop, prepare, and distribute news releases, FAQs, briefing notes, and other media-related content, thereby strengthening the visibility and credibility of BI MF entities within their national and regional frameworks. The role involves close coordination with country leadership teams to detect potential reputational risks and assist in crafting timely, strategic communications—both proactive and reactive—to address them effectively.
We oversee the creation and refinement of compelling content tailored for diverse platforms—such as websites, social media, newsletters, and print materials. Our responsibilities include drafting and editing engaging human interest and impact stories, along with video scripts, blogs, case studies, fact sheets, capacity statements, annual reports, and other key knowledge and advocacy resources. Additionally, we maintain and administer an editorial calendar while supervising the monthly and annual content production workflows to uphold standards of quality, relevance, and alignment with programmatic objectives.
Design and execute integrated communication campaigns rooted in data, research, and programmatic evidence, enhanced by compelling and motivational content. Assist in organizing and executing the BI MF Leadership Retreat, as well as learning workshops and webinars, to elevate the visibility and impact of BI MF’s initiatives. Maintain cohesive key messages, branding, and positioning across 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 presence, foster deeper audience engagement, and establish industry thought leadership across multiple digital platforms. Consistently track emerging social media trends, performance metrics, and audience behavior through analytics, using these insights to refine and optimize content and outreach approaches. Collaborate with entity communications focal points to design, schedule, and maintain cohesive social media content calendars. Offer strategic recommendations on branding alignment, messaging voice, and content formats to ensure cohesive and impactful brand representation.
Collaborate with both internal and external design teams to develop visually compelling materials that adhere strictly to BRAD’s branding and visual identity guidelines. Oversee the creation of graphics, infographics, visual narratives, and other creative deliverables for use across digital and print platforms. Maintain a high level of proficiency in industry-standard design tools, including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Canva.
Provide innovative and strategic guidance in crafting social and behavior change communication materials, collaborating closely with internal and external design teams, product, impact, and social performance units, as well as other key functional leaders at BI MF. Ensure SBCC strategies are participatory, contextually relevant, gender-responsive, and consistently aligned with program insights and evidence-based best practices.
Provide executive and grant-related support by assisting in the creation of organizational messaging and strategic positioning, drafting and refining key talking points and speeches for senior leadership. Additionally, prepare written reports for significant grants, such as the AIM program, and contribute to proposal development as needed.
Learning and collaboration: Partner closely with BRAD International and BRAD’s global communications teams to maintain cohesive messaging, brand consistency, and alignment across social media calendars, event schedules, and major campaign initiatives. Serve as the primary liaison between country-level communications teams and central communications, fostering seamless coordination and information flow. Compile and disseminate documented insights, best practices, and impactful success stories from BRAD International’s microfinance entities to strengthen organizational knowledge-sharing and collective growth.
Engage with suppliers and partners proactively by cultivating strong relationships with creative agencies, photographers, filmmakers, graphic designers, and event management firms to secure essential services for communication campaigns and events. Responsible for overseeing the acquisition of communication-related services and products while ensuring strict adherence to BRAD’s established procurement and safeguarding policies.
Team leadership and capacity development entail delivering consistent coaching, mentoring, and hands-on support to communications staff and designated focal points across Asia and Africa. Additionally, the role involves designing and hosting training sessions and workshops focused on strategic communications, creative and technical writing, content production, storytelling, foundational design principles, and digital communications. The position also aims to cultivate a culture of ongoing learning and innovation within the broader communications community of practice, promoting the exploration of emerging tools, platforms, and methodologies.
Safeguarding Obligations: Ensuring the protection and welfare of individuals involved in our operations, with a focus on identifying, mitigating, and reporting risks to maintain a secure environment. This includes adhering to relevant safeguarding policies, conducting regular assessments, and collaborating with appropriate stakeholders to uphold safety standards. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is mandatory, and all personnel must remain vigilant in recognizing and addressing potential safeguarding concerns.
Safeguard the well-being of every team member by preventing harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, and exploitation in all forms.
Educate team members about safeguarding best practices and uphold adherence to safeguarding protocols across all operations.
Adhere to established safeguarding reporting protocols for all reportable incidents, and actively promote compliance among colleagues.
Educational and Professional Prerequisites include a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration, finance, or a related discipline, from an accredited institution. A minimum of three years of progressive work experience in a similar role is required, with a strong preference for candidates who have held positions involving strategic planning, financial analysis, or project management. Additionally, proficiency in industry-standard software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and advanced Excel, is essential. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are also necessary to effectively collaborate across teams and drive organizational objectives.
Minimum three years of relevant development communications experience within an international non-governmental organization (INGO), foundation, or comparable institution is required.
A minimum of five years of professional experience in communications, journalism, or a closely related discipline is required.
Required expertise, capabilities, and proficiencies include a thorough understanding of industry-specific regulations, proven analytical and problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills to collaborate effectively across teams. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in relevant software systems and possess the ability to interpret complex data to inform strategic decisions. Additionally, excellent organizational skills and a commitment to continuous learning are essential for adapting to evolving business demands.
Possesses expertise in development communications, social and behavior change communications, modern communication practices and platforms, social media analytics, microfinance, financial inclusion, global development issues, and the non-profit sector.
Strategic communication, project management, event management, social media content creation, public speaking, creative writing, blogging, visual storytelling, proficiency in design software (including InDesign, Canva, and the Adobe Creative Suite), photography, video editing, Google Workspace tools, and presentation development are essential skills for this role.
Proficient in leading collaborative discussions, designing comprehensive work and project strategies, establishing clear priorities, and consistently delivering within specified timelines. Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills through fostering meaningful connections, exhibiting emotional intelligence, and maintaining composure under pressure. Exhibits a methodical approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
The position will involve regular travel to the eight countries that comprise the BI MF Network.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
3 - 5 years
