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. They will assist in crafting and executing communications strategies, developing engaging content and campaigns, and producing impactful narratives to deepen stakeholder connections, amplify organizational visibility, and clearly convey BI MF’s influence to internal, national, and global stakeholders.
Key responsibilities encompass managing project timelines and deliverables to ensure on-time completion, collaborating with cross-functional teams to align on objectives and resolve issues, and overseeing resource allocation to optimize productivity. Additionally, the role involves conducting performance evaluations, providing mentorship and coaching to team members, and identifying opportunities for process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. You will also be responsible for maintaining clear and consistent communication with stakeholders to keep them informed of progress and any potential risks, as well as developing and implementing strategies to achieve organizational goals.
You will provide comprehensive support to the planning and execution of annual communications plans across BI MF’s eight microfinance entities. This involves delivering continuous technical assistance, direct operational support, and strategic direction to enhance program delivery, streamline efficiency, and foster clear, effective communication with clients, staff, and external stakeholders. Additionally, you will collaborate with country teams to ensure entity-level communications are fully aligned with BI MF’s overarching communications strategies, brand guidelines, and key messaging frameworks.
Program communications support entails providing assistance with communications for the financial inclusion segment of BRAD International’s flagship “Accelerating Impact for Young Women (AIM)” program. The role involves creating and executing internal and external communication campaigns, multimedia content, and design materials to ensure staff can effectively convey the AIM program’s objectives to participants and relevant stakeholders.
Facilitate media relations by collaborating with communications teams to develop, prepare, and distribute news releases, FAQs, briefing notes, and other media materials, thereby strengthening the visibility and credibility of BI MF entities across national and regional contexts. Partner with country leadership teams to proactively identify reputational risks and deliver strategic communications responses—both proactive and reactive—to mitigate potential challenges.
Content development involves spearheading and assisting in the creation of premium content tailored for diverse platforms, such as websites, social media, newsletters, and printed materials. This includes crafting and refining compelling human interest and impact narratives, video scripts, blogs, case studies, fact sheets, capacity statements, annual reports, and other knowledge-sharing and advocacy resources. Additionally, the role entails maintaining and administering an editorial calendar while supervising monthly and annual content production workflows to guarantee punctuality, excellence, and alignment with strategic program objectives.
Design and execute integrated communication campaigns driven by data, research, and programmatic evidence, enhanced with compelling and innovative content. Assist in organizing and executing the BI MF Leadership Retreat, as well as learning workshops and webinars, to strengthen the visibility and impact of BI MF’s initiatives. Maintain consistent messaging, 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 aimed at amplifying BI MF’s brand presence, fostering deeper audience engagement, and solidifying its position as a thought leader across multiple digital platforms. Continuously track evolving social media trends, analyze performance metrics, and interpret audience behavior to refine strategies and tailor content effectively. Collaborate with designated communications focal points to curate and sustain social media content calendars, while offering expert recommendations on branding consistency, messaging tone, and optimal content formats.
Working in collaboration with internal and external design teams, you will develop visually compelling materials that strictly adhere to BRAD’s branding and visual identity guidelines. Your responsibilities will include overseeing the creation of graphics, infographics, visual narratives, and other creative deliverables for both digital and print platforms. Proficiency in industry-standard design tools—including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva—is essential for this role.
Provide innovative and strategic guidance in the creation of social and behavior change communication materials, collaborating closely with internal and external design teams, product developers, impact assessment specialists, and social performance leads at BI MF. Ensure that all SBCC approaches are participatory, culturally relevant, gender-sensitive, and aligned with program insights and evidence-based practices.
We facilitate executive and grant-related communications by assisting in the crafting of organizational messaging and positioning strategies. Additionally, we prepare and revise talking points and speeches for senior leadership. This role involves drafting reports for significant grants, including the AIM program, and supporting proposal development as needed.
Learning and collaboration: Partner closely with BRAD International and BRAD’s global communications teams to align messaging, brand representation, social media calendars, event calendars, and critical campaign initiatives while serving as a central liaison between country-level communications teams and headquarters. Additionally, capture and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from BI MF entities throughout the organization.
Supplier and partner engagement involves cultivating and overseeing collaborations with creative agencies, photographers, filmmakers, graphic designers, and event management firms to secure services for communication campaigns and events. This role includes managing the procurement of communication-related services and products while ensuring full compliance with BRAD’s established procurement and safeguarding policies.
Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and hands-on support to communications staff and 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 a culture of lifelong learning and innovation within the broader communications community of practice by promoting the exploration of new tools, platforms, and methodologies.
Safeguarding is a critical component of this role, requiring vigilant oversight and proactive measures to ensure the protection and well-being of individuals within the organization. The position demands a strong commitment to maintaining secure environments, identifying potential risks, and implementing policies that mitigate vulnerabilities. Additionally, the role involves regular monitoring, thorough reporting, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to uphold safeguarding standards and respond effectively to any concerns.
Implement comprehensive measures to safeguard all team members against any incidents of harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, or exploitation, ensuring their well-being and security at all times.
Raise awareness among team members regarding safeguarding practices and uphold adherence to safeguarding standards across all activities.
Adhere to safeguarding reporting protocols whenever a reportable incident occurs, and promote consistent adherence to these procedures among colleagues.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as education, psychology, or social work, is required, along with a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in a comparable professional setting. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including students, parents, and faculty. Prior experience in curriculum development or instructional design is highly desirable, as is familiarity with educational technology and data analysis tools. Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
A minimum of three years of professional experience in development communications within an international non-governmental organization, foundation, or a comparable sector is required.
With at least five years of professional experience in communications, journalism, or a closely related discipline, candidates should demonstrate a strong foundation in the field.
Required expertise encompasses a comprehensive understanding of industry-specific principles, methodologies, and best practices, along with proficiency in utilizing relevant tools and technologies. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams. Familiarity with regulatory standards, quality assurance protocols, and project management frameworks is essential. Prior experience in similar roles, coupled with a commitment to continuous professional development, is highly valued. Additionally, the ability to adapt to evolving business needs and prioritize tasks efficiently is crucial for success in this position.
An in-depth understanding of development communications, Social and Behavior Change Communications (SBCC), modern communication methods and platforms, social media analytics, microfinance, financial inclusion, global development challenges, and the non-profit sector is required.
We seek a candidate with expertise in strategic communication, project management, event coordination, and social media content creation. Proficiency in public speaking, creative writing, and blog development is required, along with strong visual storytelling capabilities. The ideal applicant should have hands-on experience with design software, including InDesign, Canva, and the Adobe Creative Suite, as well as skills in photography and video editing. Familiarity with Google Workspace and the ability to craft compelling presentations are also essential.
Facilitates group meetings, designs comprehensive work and project plans, establishes clear priorities, and ensures timely completion of deliverables. Builds strong professional relationships through empathy and effective communication, while maintaining composure under pressure. Demonstrates strong analytical thinking to assess challenges and drive informed decision-making.
This position will require regular travel to the eight countries that comprise the BI MF Network.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
3 - 5 years
