East And Southern Africa Communications Officer

IDinsight; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An international development organization is seeking an East and Southern Africa Communications Officer to drive communication strategies and manage external communications in Johannesburg, South Africa. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in communications with a focus on advocacy, strong storytelling skills, and a passion for the region. Competitive compensation and a commitment to professional development are offered, along with opportunities to work collaboratively with a dynamic team.

Benefits

International health insurance

Mental health coverage

Paid vacation

Professional development budget

Qualifications

• 4-7 years experience working with policymakers, NGOs, or research institutions.
• Experience developing communications strategies for advocacy objectives.
• Experience working in East or Southern Africa; local language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive development of communications and influence strategy in the region.
• Handle external communications and support leaders in events.
• Produce high-quality content such as blogs and policy briefs.

Skills

Exceptional writing and editing abilities in English

Strong storytelling skills

Ability to think strategically

Keen attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in relevant fields

Job description

East and Southern Africa Communications Officer

Location: Nairobi, Kenya; Lusaka, Zambia; Johannesburg, South Africa.

East and Southern Africa Communications Officer will be part of IDinsight Strategic Communications team.

Responsibilities

• Drive development and implementation of IDinsight’s communications and influence strategy in East and Southern Africa region.
• Handle external communications implementation including content development, building and maintaining partnerships or alliances, and supporting leaders on conferences and events.
• Support regional project teams to strengthen deliverables for clients to ensure high‑quality products that clearly convey recommendations.
• Work with Regional Lead to leverage communications to develop and strengthen existing and new partner relationships.
• Identify and coordinate high‑impact activities to raise the organization’s visibility and influence including media outreach, supporting conferences, events, roundtables, or other initiatives.
• Produce high‑quality, well‑written, visually appealing content: blogs, articles, infographics, policy briefs, videos, social media content, methodological tools, interactive reports.
• Support Regional Lead and other senior leaders to raise their individual profiles and influence.
• Identify areas for professional development and work with an Advisor to develop a personalized professional development plan.
• Actively contribute to refining the role of the communications team to optimize activities and achieve strategic objectives.
• Work with the Communications Director and RED Director to identify communications goals and feedback loops to measure progress.
• Contribute to regional activities including strategy, team building, and other initiatives that create an enjoyable office and organizational culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in economics, econometrics, public policy, communications or journalism; Master’s degree is a plus.
• Exceptional writing and editing abilities in English.
• 4‑7 years experience working with policymakers, NGOs, think tanks, research institutions or strategic consulting.
• A strong design aesthetic and ability to clearly convey information visually.
• Ability to think strategically and execute quickly with a bias toward “getting it done”.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Strong storytelling skills and ability to quickly identify a “hook” for different audiences.
• Experience developing or executing communications strategies to achieve influence or advocacy objectives.
• Experience working with technical experts is a plus.
• Experience with behavior‑change communications is a plus.
• Comfortable working with a fast‑paced, rapidly growing and evolving team.
• Experience working and/or living in East or Southern Africa; local language skills are a plus.
• Individuals with a policy background and work experience with actors in evidence generation are particularly encouraged to apply.

Professional Development

IDinsighters receive significant mentorship, support from peers, autonomy, and annual professional development stipend to explore career interests and develop skills.

Location

This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya; Lusaka, Zambia; or Johannesburg, South Africa. Remote work is not eligible. Preference for candidates with pre‑existing work authorization in these countries; IDinsight will seek work permits where possible for exceptional candidates.

Start date

Start date is flexible, preference for candidates that can start immediately. Expect a 2‑year minimum commitment with regular professional development conversations and potential for long‑term career.

Work authorization

IDinsight sponsors employment visas for all nationalities in these locations; prioritize candidates who do not require sponsorship. Candidates outside listed countries will be expected to relocate to office during employment.

Compensation

Competitive within global development sector, includes international health insurance, mental health coverage, paid vacation, sick and parental leave, relocation benefits, travel stipend, technology and work from home stipends, professional development budget.

How to apply

Apply via IDinsight online portal. Applications due by July 28th, 2023. Include CV and cover letter.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive workforce and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.