Senior Africa Communications Associate at One Acre Fund

Job Description

Our communications team shapes One Acre Fund’s global brand and local reputation across Sub-Saharan Africa. We currently serve more than 500,000 smallholder farmers in nine countries and aim to serve one million farmers by 2020.

Our fourteen-person team tells stories that carry globally and resonate locally. We work to shape international policy, build a strong reputation in each country, and inspire dynamic African leaders to join our rapidly-growing organization. Currently we work in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, and Malawi and have pilots in Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Zambia.

Responsibilities Include

The Senior Associate will be a key contributor to our communications leadership team. S/he will spearhead outreach, identify compelling stories, and cultivate our reputation across all our countries of operation. S/he will also serve as a critical link between our work on the ground and our communications goals globally. It’s an exciting opportunity to shape an emerging strand of work, and to scale it as the organization grows.

• Local outreach – Oversee strategic outreach to each country’s media and influencers, in collaboration with local communications officers and government relations teams. Together, you’ll build strong relationships and maintain a favorable operating environment across diverse country contexts.

• Global reputation – Work with country leadership teams to proactively mitigate reputational risks. Lead global strategy and planning for rapid response, and train country teams on media relations.

• African editorial – Source, produce and publicize stories that will raise One Acre’s presence in our countries of operation. As we ramp up hiring, you’ll use your strong storytelling instincts and local knowledge to help One Acre inspire and attract top local talent.

• Management – Develop a thriving team. You’ll mentor five country communications officers and directly manage two of them to start (most likely in Rwanda and Burundi). Over time, your team will expand as new countries come online.

Career Growth and Development

One Acre Fund invests in building management and leadership skills. Your manager will invest significant time in your career development. We provide constant, actionable feedback delivered through mentorship and through regular management consulting-style career reviews. We also have regular one-on-one meetings, where we listen to and discuss career goals and work collaboratively to craft roles that people are passionate about.

Qualifications

We are seeking an exceptional professional with at least 5 years of work experience and a demonstrated passion for storytelling in Africa. Candidates who fit the following criteria are strongly encouraged to apply:

• At least 5 years of on-the-job experience in journalism or public relations in our countries of operation
• Deep familiarity with local media markets, particularly in Kenya
• Experience developing outreach strategies and advising senior leadership on high-stakes decisions
• Experience leading media trainings and crisis communications strongly preferred
• Expert writing skills and strong samples of storytelling in any medium (print, video, audio, social)
• Experience managing/mentoring staff is required; familiarity with virtual collaboration is a bonus
• Willingness to travel around East Africa roughly once a quarter
• Language: English and Swahili fluency required; French or Kinyarwanda a bonus

Preferred Start Date

Flexible

Benefits

Health insurance, immunizations, flight, room and board.

Sponsor International Candidates

No. Must have existing rights to work in Kenya.