The Role: Reporting directly to the Technical Lead for Africa, with a dotted-line to the Global Press Officer, the Senior Communications Manager will develop and oversee communications and communications-related initiatives for the Africa Program. The Senior Communications Manager will work closely with the Center’s New York-based Communications Team and Africa Program to build and manage strategic earned media relations, develop and manage targeted and impactful communication strategies for the Center’s work in Africa. In addition, he/she/they will monitor traditional and online media initiatives surrounding the regional initiatives of the Center. The Senior Communications manager will also work closely with key partners to develop their communications capacity, facilitate technical assistance, and create joint communications strategies in support of legal and advocacy initiatives.
This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Primary Responsibilities:
Work with the Communications and Africa team to identify opportunities for linking the Center and its work to global trends and issues; and develop communications strategies to reach national, regional, and international audiences;
Identify and supervise local media and communications consultants to support and complement the Center’s communications efforts in Africa;
Draft press materials (press releases, statements, pitch letters, etc.) and online content (e.g., news articles, newsletters, email marketing materials, etc.);
Review and provide editorial support for key public facing materials including publications, books and research papers;
Define key objectives, work plan, timeline, and key deliverables for communications strategies and report on those regularly to the Africa and Communications teams;
Conduct a needs assessment of key partners to identify opportunities for capacity-building and facilitate technical assistance;
Identify opportunities for joint traditional and/or online communications initiatives with key partners and make recommendations on how to strategically advance these initiatives;
Media monitoring;
Work closely with the Communication and Africa teams to develop media campaigns;
Develop and maintain key contacts at various media outlets and platforms across the region; and
In consultation with communications team at the Headquarters, ensure adherence to the Center’s brand attributes in all center PR materials, including for materials developed for the center by consultants.
Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s or equivalent advanced degree in communications, journalism, public/media relations, or a related field;
10 years work experience out of which 8 years are in traditional and online progressive media, journalism, and/or public relations with a track record of success in raising the visibility of political, social, and cultural issues and organizations, and shaping public debate in the Africa region;
Proven ability to manage the workflow of projects, including facilitating project scope, identifying goals and deliverables, planning and scheduling project timelines, and monitoring project progress;
Experience in providing non-profits technical assistance (e.g. developing online strategies) and in expanding and strengthening the communications knowledge, capabilities, and resources of non-profit organizations in order to enhance work and improve effectiveness;
Experience in development of strategic and tactical communication interventions;
Broad awareness and deep understanding of the global media landscape and current and developing strategies for communicating in a continually and rapidly evolving media environment;
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills;
Experience in developing content for a variety of materials (e.g. news articles, newsletters, web content, advocacy resources, and email marketing materials, etc.) a plus;
Demonstrated ability to research, write, fact-check, and edit a variety of communication pieces for target audiences with minimal supervision;
Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines, handle simultaneous assignments, and work within a team setting across varied time zones;
Strong organizational skills and a proven ability to concurrently manage a large number and wide variety of projects with strict deadlines;
Experience working on human/women’s rights, reproductive health, and/or social issues a plus;
Fluency in English and Kiswahili (French a plus);
Ability to travel within Kenya, Africa Region and abroad, as needed; and
Strong commitment to the Center’s mission, purpose, and values.
Critical Competencies:
Strategic thinking: Applies big-picture thinking while also focusing on the details of implementation.
Decisiveness: Consistently makes sound decisions in a timely manner supportive of the Center’s mission, core values, and strategic objectives. Blends vision and judgment.
Collaboration: Brings a track record of working with various and diverse individuals and groups, and a willingness to actively listen and invite different views and opinions across all levels of the institution to build alignment in support of a common goal.
Receives and Provides Direct Feedback: Actively gives and requests feedback to and from peers, supervisors and direct reports (If applicable) about work products, behaviors, values, style and approaches with a view on how this impacts self, other individuals and teams.
Transparency: Consistently applies openness and honesty in communicating decisions and plans to team members.
Commitment to learn: Applies a growth mentality to their own and their team’s (if applicable) Promotes a culture of learning by modeling inquisitiveness and an openness to viewing mistakes as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Passion for Coaching, and Mentoring Staff: Empowers and motivates employees and creates opportunities for learning, development, and leadership, with a focus on harnessing skills for the future development of team members. (if applicable)
Accountability: Follows through on each commitment made to individual contributors, teams and partners and proactively informs others of any delays that occur along the way. Holds team members accountable.
Integrity: Possesses impeccable integrity and personal and professional values that are consistent with the Center’s high standards and mission.
Empathy: Serves as an empathetic, approachable leader who engenders trust and confidence. (if applicable)
Adaptability/Flexibility: Demonstrates comfort with ambiguity and calculated risk
Compensation: The Center offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits program.
