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 collaborating on the formulation and execution of communications strategies, crafting and executing 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 duties, including ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining accurate documentation. Develop and implement robust policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and mitigate risks across the organization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align strategic initiatives with business objectives. Monitor performance metrics and provide data-driven insights to senior leadership for informed decision-making. Lead process improvements and drive innovation to optimize workflows and enhance productivity. Serve as a liaison between departments to foster seamless communication and ensure alignment with company goals. Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify gaps and implement corrective actions promptly.
Provide comprehensive support for the development and execution of annual communications plans across BI MF’s eight microfinance entities. Deliver continuous technical assistance, direct operational support, and strategic direction to enhance program delivery, boost operational efficiency, and foster meaningful engagement with clients, staff, and external stakeholders. 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.
You will provide communications support for the financial inclusion aspect of BRAD International’s “Accelerating Impact for Young Women (AIM)” program. This involves designing and executing internal and external communication campaigns, multimedia content, and visual materials to ensure AIM staff can clearly convey the program’s objectives to participants and stakeholders.
Support entity communications teams in creating, producing, and distributing news releases, FAQs, briefing notes, and other media materials to bolster the visibility and credibility of BI MF entities within their national and regional contexts. Collaborate closely with country leadership teams to pinpoint potential reputational risks and facilitate both proactive and reactive communications strategies.
Lead the creation and refinement of compelling content across diverse platforms such as websites, social media channels, newsletters, and print publications. Craft and refine human interest narratives, impact stories, video scripts, blogs, case studies, fact sheets, capacity statements, annual reports, and other key knowledge-sharing and advocacy materials. Oversee the development and administration of an editorial calendar while managing monthly and annual content production workflows to guarantee timely delivery, adherence to quality standards, and strategic alignment with program objectives.
Design and execute integrated communication campaigns that are underpinned by data, research, and programmatic evidence, with compelling and innovative content to support their delivery. Provide assistance in organizing and facilitating the BI MF Leadership Retreat, as well as learning workshops and webinars, to enhance the visibility and impact of BI MF’s initiatives and knowledge-sharing efforts. Maintain cohesive messaging, branding, and positioning across all global campaigns and events, including Financial Inclusion Week, International Women’s Day, World Youth Day, and similar platforms.
Develop and execute a strategic social media plan aimed at bolstering BI MF’s online presence, fostering deeper audience engagement, and establishing thought leadership across multiple digital platforms. Continuously track emerging social media trends, analyze performance metrics, and evaluate audience behavior to refine content strategies in real time. Collaborate with entity communications focal points to curate and maintain consistent, high-impact social media content calendars, while offering expert guidance on brand consistency, messaging tone, and optimal content formats.
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 production of graphics, infographics, visual narratives, and other creative deliverables tailored for digital and print platforms. Maintain a strong working proficiency in industry-standard design tools, including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva.
Provide strategic and innovative support in the creation of social and behavior change communication materials. Collaborate closely with internal and external design teams, as well as product, impact, social performance teams, and other key functional leads within BI MF. Ensure that social and behavior change strategies are participatory, contextually relevant, gender-responsive, and aligned with program learning and evidence-based approaches.
Provide leadership with polished organizational messaging and strategic positioning assistance. Craft and refine talking points as well as speeches for executive use. Prepare report documentation for significant grants, including the AIM program, and assist with proposal development where relevant.
In this role, you will foster learning and collaboration by partnering closely with BRAD International and BRAD’s global communications teams to maintain strong alignment in messaging, brand representation, social media and event planning, as well as major campaign initiatives. You will serve as a primary point of contact between country-level communications teams and central communications, ensuring seamless coordination and information flow. Additionally, you will capture and document valuable insights, proven strategies, and impactful success stories from BRAD International microfinance entities, then disseminate these learnings across the entire organization to drive continuous improvement.
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 overseeing the procurement of 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 focal points across Asia and Africa. Develop and lead 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 ongoing learning and innovation within the communications community of practice, promoting the adoption of emerging tools, platforms, and methodologies.
The role involves ensuring the protection and welfare of individuals, maintaining strict adherence to safeguarding policies and procedures. You will be responsible for identifying potential risks, implementing preventive measures, and promptly reporting any concerns to appropriate authorities. This position requires a thorough understanding of safeguarding principles, confidentiality protocols, and relevant legal frameworks. Additionally, you must stay informed about updates in safeguarding practices to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness in risk mitigation.
Promote the well-being and safeguard all team members against any instances of harm, abuse, neglect, harassment, or exploitation.
Foster a heightened understanding of safeguarding principles among team members while upholding compliance with established safeguarding protocols across all initiatives.
Adhere rigorously to safeguarding reporting protocols for all incidents that require formal documentation, and promote consistent compliance among colleagues.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience in a related industry. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in project management and possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools is preferred, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision is necessary. Prior experience in a leadership or supervisory role is a plus.
A minimum of three years of professional experience in development communications within an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), Foundation, or a comparable sector is required.
A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related discipline is required, along with at least five years of professional experience in the field.
Required knowledge, skills, and competencies include proficiency in relevant technical or industry-specific tools and methodologies, strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of industry regulations, standards, and best practices, along with the ability to adapt to evolving technologies and business needs. Prior experience in similar roles, leadership qualities, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development are highly valued. Additionally, proficiency in data analysis, project management, and strategic planning may be necessary depending on the position.
A strong candidate will possess in-depth expertise in development communications, social and behavior change communications, modern communication strategies and platforms, social media analytics, microfinance, financial inclusion, global development challenges, and the non-profit sector.
Strategic communication, project management, event organization, social media content creation, public speaking, creative writing, blog development, visual storytelling, and design software proficiency (including InDesign, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite) are essential. Additionally, expertise in photography, video editing, Google Workspace, and presentation development is required.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong abilities in leading collaborative sessions, creating structured work and project plans, prioritizing tasks effectively, and consistently meeting deadlines. Additionally, they should excel in fostering professional relationships, showing genuine empathy, managing stress constructively, and applying analytical reasoning to problem-solving.
This position requires regular travel across the eight countries encompassed within the BI MF Network.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
3 - 5 years
