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 involves assisting in the development and execution of communications strategies, crafting engaging content and campaigns, and producing compelling stories to deepen stakeholder engagement, amplify visibility, and clearly convey BI MF’s impact to audiences across local, national, and global levels.
Oversee critical operational duties, including [list specific responsibilities], ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive initiatives forward, maintaining clear communication channels and fostering productive partnerships. Monitor performance metrics and implement data-driven strategies to enhance efficiency, while adhering to established policies and compliance standards. Additionally, oversee [mention any additional responsibilities, e.g., budget management, vendor relations, or team supervision] to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Entity support involves facilitating the development and execution of annual communications plans for BI MF’s eight microfinance entities. The role entails delivering continuous technical assistance, direct support, and strategic guidance to enhance program delivery, boost operational efficiency, and foster meaningful communication with clients, staff, and external stakeholders. Additionally, the position involves collaborating with country teams to ensure alignment of entity-level communications with BI MF’s overarching strategies, brand identity, and messaging framework.
Provide program communications support by assisting with the financial inclusion aspect of BRAD International’s flagship “Accelerating Impact for Young Women (AIM)” program. Create and execute internal and external communication campaigns, multimedia content, and design materials to equip staff with the tools needed to clearly convey the AIM program’s objectives to participants and key stakeholders.
We collaborate with communications teams to develop 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. Additionally, we partner with country leadership to proactively identify potential reputational risks, ensuring swift and effective communication responses when necessary.
Lead content development efforts across diverse platforms such as websites, social media channels, newsletters, and print publications, ensuring consistently high-quality output. Craft and refine compelling human interest and impact narratives, video scripts, blogs, case studies, fact sheets, capacity statements, annual reports, and other key knowledge-sharing and advocacy materials. Oversee the creation and maintenance of an editorial calendar while managing monthly and annual content production workflows to uphold standards of timeliness, excellence, and strategic alignment with program objectives.
Design and oversee integrated communication campaigns driven by data, research, and programmatic insights, accompanied by engaging and innovative content. Assist in organizing and executing the BI MF Leadership Retreat, learning workshops, and webinars to highlight BI MF’s initiatives and educational offerings. Maintain consistency in key messaging, branding, and positioning across global campaigns and events, including Financial Inclusion Week, International Women’s Day, and World Youth Day, among others.
Develop and execute a robust social media strategy aimed at elevating BI MF’s online presence, fostering deeper audience engagement, and solidifying its reputation as a thought leader across multiple digital platforms. Continuously track emerging social media trends, performance metrics, and audience behavior, adjusting content and approaches in response to evolving data. Collaborate with communications focal points to curate and maintain cohesive social media content calendars, while offering strategic advice on branding consistency, messaging tone, and optimal content formats.
Collaborate with internal and external design teams to develop visually compelling materials that strictly adhere to BRAD’s established branding and visual identity guidelines. Oversee the production of graphics, infographics, visual narratives, and other creative deliverables tailored for both digital and print platforms. Maintain a strong working proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva.
Provide strategic and innovative support in the creation of social and behavior change communication (SBCC) materials. Collaborate closely with internal and external design teams, as well as product, impact, social performance, and other functional leads at BI MF. Ensure SBCC strategies are participatory, contextually relevant, gender-responsive, and aligned with program learning and evidence-based approaches.
Provide executive and grant-related communication support by assisting in the creation and refinement of organizational messaging and positioning strategies. Develop and maintain up-to-date talking points and speeches for senior leadership. Draft and prepare reports for significant grants, such as the AIM program, and contribute to proposal development as needed.
You will collaborate with BRAD International and BRAD’s global communications teams to align messaging, brand representation, social media calendars, events calendars, and major campaign initiatives, serving as the primary liaison between country communications teams and central communications. Additionally, you will capture and document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from BRAD International’s microfinance entities to disseminate them organization-wide.
Supplier and partner engagement involves cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with creative agencies, photographers, filmmakers, graphic designers, and event management firms to secure essential services for communication campaigns and events. This role is responsible for procuring communication-related services and products while ensuring full compliance with BRAD’s procurement and safeguarding policies.
Provide consistent coaching, mentoring, and hands-on support to communications staff and designated focal points across Asia and Africa. Develop and deliver training programs and workshops focused on strategic communications, creative and technical writing, content creation, storytelling, foundational design principles, and digital communications. 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 is a critical aspect of this role, requiring diligent oversight to ensure the protection and well-being of all individuals involved. The position demands strict adherence to safeguarding policies and procedures, with a focus on identifying and mitigating potential risks. Responsibilities include conducting thorough background checks, monitoring interactions, and reporting any concerns promptly to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, the role involves providing training and support to staff on safeguarding best practices to foster a secure environment. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding safeguarding standards and possess the necessary skills to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
Maintain a secure and supportive environment to safeguard every team member against all hazards, including harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, or exploitation.
Foster a heightened understanding of safeguarding principles among team members while ensuring strict adherence to safeguarding protocols in every operational activity.
Adhere to established safeguarding reporting protocols whenever a reportable incident occurs, and actively promote compliance with these procedures among colleagues.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience in a related industry. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in project management, strong analytical skills, and exceptional communication abilities. Prior experience with team leadership and strategic planning is highly preferred. Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools is essential.
With a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in development communications within an INGO, foundation, or a comparable organization, you bring a strong foundation to this role.
A minimum of five years of professional experience in communications, journalism, or a comparable field is required.
Required knowledge, skills, and competencies encompass expertise in [specific field or industry], proficiency in [relevant software/tools], and strong analytical abilities. Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. The ability to solve complex problems, adapt to changing priorities, and demonstrate leadership in project execution is essential. Familiarity with [specific methodologies, frameworks, or regulations] is preferred, along with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Proficiency in development communications, Social and Behavior Change Communications, modern communication strategies and channels, social media analytics, microfinance, financial inclusion, global development challenges, and the non-profit sector is required.
Requires expertise in strategic communication, project and event management, along with social media content creation and public speaking. Also seeks strong creative writing, blogging, and visual storytelling abilities, proficiency in design software such as InDesign, Canva, and the Adobe Creative Suite, as well as skills in photography, video editing, and Google Workspace. Additionally, expects capability in developing impactful presentations.
Facilitating group meetings, developing work and project plans, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines are essential competencies for this role. Additionally, the position requires strong relationship-building skills, empathy, stress management abilities, and analytical thinking to ensure effective collaboration and problem-solving.
Frequent travel to the eight countries comprising the BI MF Network will be a key component of this position.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
3 - 5 years