Overview
3ie is inviting applications for a Senior Communications Manager to join the FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) team at 3ie. With the RCC entering its third year of operation, this role will be responsible for strategic management of RCC communications and oversight of the Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) website (https://www.grtd.fcdo.gov.uk/). The position works closely with the FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser, the FCDO Deputy Head of Research, and the RCC consortium to support the development and rollout of GRTD. The successful candidate will be a highly organised, skilled communicator with a proven record in producing a range of communication and knowledge products (blogs, policy briefs, infographics, impact stories, case studies) and editing technical writing. Experience in social media, event management and stakeholder engagement is desirable. The role is largely remote, based in the UK, with flexibility to travel to London for in‑person meetings and events. Working hours are UK office hours. The position is a full‑time, permanent role within the RCC pilot project (June 2023 – June 2028).
Responsibilities
- a) GRTD website development oversight and strategy; FCDO GRTD communications, branding and development
- Work with FCDO to develop a coherent strategy and campaign for engaging with and communicating GRTD to external partners. Manage the relationship with FCDO communications counterparts in delivering the vision for GRTD.
- Lead engagement with FCDO to determine design of enhancements and new features for GRTD; oversee these developments, managing external contractors where required, and working with technical colleagues to ensure developments are fit for purpose.
- Collaborate with FCDO teams to support the rollout and visibility of the GRTD brand.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of editorial standards, templates, and guidance for GRTD content, in coordination with FCDO and RCC stakeholders.
- Assist in the dissemination of impact stories and research outputs that align with GRTD branding and strategic objectives.
- Support stakeholder engagement activities and campaigns led by FCDO to promote the GRTD platform, where relevant to RCC‑funded research.
- Monitor digital engagement with and develop KPIs to track performance, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimisation.
- b) RCC presence on GRTD
- Ensure the RCC is adequately presented on GRTD and that the design and structure of RCC pages are coherent and promote the RCC vision.
- Create, edit and post new website content for the RCC on GRTD as required.
- Coordinate with the 3ie Strategic Communications Office to monitor the website regularly to ensure content is updated and bugs are identified.
- c) RCC Communications Strategy
- Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the RCC’s overall communication and engagement strategy, including thought‑leadership around evidence‑led best practice.
- Strategise on new communication products (website content, impact stories, blogs, media articles, social media, multimedia content), launch events and online promotions.
- Edit, manage and publish research commissioning call documents and participate in and manage related events such as Early Market Engagements and FAQ sessions.
- Work with RCC grantees and project teams to edit and publish RCC publications and deliverables, including reports, briefs and other publications.
- Create social media content and manage dissemination through 3ie’s social media channels (issuing guidance if RCC channels are established).
- Provide end‑to‑end support for workshops and events, including content, budget, logistics, communication and marketing.
- Provide inputs for communication and implementation plans for research funded by the RCC.
- d) Project Management
- Ensure that RCC publications and communication products are processed in a timely manner and published on GRTD.
- Maintain and update process documents, guidelines and templates for external communications for the RCC and for communications from grantees.
- Oversee the implementation of and improvements to RCC branding and logo suite as needed.
- e) Stakeholder Support
- Work closely with RCC staff to cultivate relationships across the research ecosystem, consortium and with grantees, including representation at external events.
- f) Support RCC Grantees
- Provide guidance and advice on dissemination activities to grant recipients.
- Review and approve the engagement and dissemination products and plans submitted by RCC grant recipients as part of their work on RCC‑funded projects.
- Support the wider RCC team to monitor engagement activities undertaken by grantees.
- g) Knowledge Sharing
- Collect and collate impact stories for the RCC to support both learning and reporting requirements.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in journalism, public affairs, marketing, or a field directly relevant to international development, including formal communication training. Exceptional candidates with a bachelor's degree and extensive work experience may be considered.
- At least seven to ten years of experience in a communication role in the development sector.
- Proven ability to plan and implement communication and engagement strategies for organisations and research projects.
- Knowledge of tools for graphic design, content management, social media and event management is desirable (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Mailchimp, Canva, Drupal).
- Proven project management and coordination skills to ensure on‑time delivery.
- Excellent English writing and editing skills; cross‑platform writing experience is desirable.
- Self‑motivated, creative, and multi‑tasker with a proven ability to work under tight deadlines accurately and professionally.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a matrix‑organised team environment.
- Experience working with UK government departments is desirable.
- Highly organised, skilled communicator with excellent command over producing a range of communication and knowledge products (blogs, policy briefs, infographics, impact stories, case studies) and editing technical writing.
- Prior experience in social media and event management is desirable.
- Self‑starter with a can‑do, team‑player attitude.
- Based in the UK with flexibility to travel to London for occasional in‑person meetings and events.
- Ability to work according to UK office hours and manage a largely remote role with dedicated in‑person time with the RCC team and FCDO.