Communications Manager

Conservation International; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 692 000 - 1 039 000; Full time

Job summary

A global environmental nonprofit is seeking a skilled communication professional based in Johannesburg. The ideal candidate will manage internal and external communications, ensuring clarity and alignment with the organization's values. With 4-6 years of experience and a background in persuasive communication, the role includes drafting press releases and managing content for websites. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital projects while traveling up to 30% of the time.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 4 to 6 years of experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the field's concepts and principles.
• Ability to foster teamwork and build collaborative relationships.
• Experience in producing and disseminating knowledge management products.
• Experience in conducting M&E, including developing performance indicators.

Responsibilities

• Administers the dissemination of information internally and externally.
• Drafts and distributes press releases and fact sheets.
• Responsible for selecting or creating content for organization websites.

Skills

Management skills

Oral and written communication skills

Persuasive communication skills

Teamwork and interpersonal skills

Planning skills

Fluency in English and a second language (French or Spanish preferred)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS SharePoint

Job description

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is based in Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, or Colombia. The Seed Fund is a strategic fund held and administered by Conservation International. It provides timely, strategic assistance to conserve vital reserves of biodiversity and irrecoverable carbon and kickstart the implementation of ‘Country Packages’ in Host Countries. ‘Country Packages’ bring together governments, the private sector, philanthropy, and multilateral institutions to achieve ambitious forest and climate goals at the national level. So far, seven countries— Peru, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, and Republic of Congo — have launched Country Packages, and more are in development. The initial Seed Fund partners are Conservation International, the Government of France, the Rob Walton Foundation, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. They are collectively committing EUR 115 million with the goal of raising at least EUR 200 million. The Seed Fund intends to support Country Packages that show a commitment to protecting and conserving a country’s high-biodiversity and high-carbon areas—including forests, mangrove ecosystems, oceans, and peatlands, and the communities living in and near them. Eligible recipients include research and education institutions, development agencies, government bodies, and civil society organizations.

The Seed Fund Will Among Other Things

• Invest in capacity building and strengthen delivery on the ground, including through NGOs or Indigenous peoples and local communities.
• Design and implement conservation efforts for vital reserves of carbon and biodiversity.
• Advance key scientific and monitoring products and boost scientific cooperation to provide data for Country Package development.
• Support upscaling of long‑term and reliable finance and financial innovation to further increase domestic funding sources and support public and private international support.
• Support feasibility studies for the long‑term delivery of larger Country Packages.

This position is an integral part of the Seed Fund Delivery Team.

Responsibilities

• Administers the dissemination of information or messaging internally and externally. Reviews and edits messages to donors to ensure that they are clear, thorough, on‑brand, and seeks to preserve the Fund’s image. Evaluates message content and target audience, and suggests appropriate delivery channels. Collects data on the performance of specific communications or campaigns.
• Drafts and distributes press releases, fact sheets, or other documents for presentation and solicits news coverage. Responds to media inquiries or refers inquiries elsewhere in the organization. Schedules and coordinates media interviews.
• Responsible for the selection and/or creation of content to be published on websites representing the organization, ensuring that content supports the organization’s marketing or public relations strategies and presents a consistent voice to visitors. Coordinates with website management teams to ensure sites are updated and content is indexed and searchable. May be responsible for QA associated with the release of new online content.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Extended work hours may be required, including non‑traditional work hours as needed in a global organization
• Some international travel up to 30% time may be required.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

Qualifications

Required

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 4 to 6 years of experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the field's concepts and principles, technical expertise.
• Performs complex tasks typically following established processes.
• Management skills. Oral and written communication skills.
• Persuasive communication skills.
• Ability to influence others.
• Ability to foster teamwork, interpersonal skills, and the ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Planning skills.
• Working language of the team is English; fluency in an appropriate second language for the region (French or Spanish, both preferred).
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities and under minimal supervision.

Preferred

• Experience in MS SharePoint design, database creation, and management.
• Experience in producing and disseminating knowledge management products and training materials.
• Experience in conducting M&E, including developing performance indicators, designing surveys, analyzing data, and presenting findings in a user‑friendly manner.
• Expertise in crisis communication.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: December 7, 2025 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.