Communications & Advocacy Manager at African Development Solutions (Adeso)

SPECIFIC SCOPE OF WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications:

• Storytelling: Adesis a complex and multifaceted organisation shifting tbecome a social enterprise. We are doing big things within our initiatives in Somalia, but alsat the global level in Systems Change work, doing Advocacy and Influencing as well as creating real solutions tthe real barriers tproviding more direct funds from donors directly tlocal organizations in the Global South. Degan Ali is Adeso's Executive Director, and a thought leader in the Decolonising Aid and Philanthropy movements. We need trefine these stories and increase Adeso's audience and presence on all Social Media platforms.
• Overall Communications Strategy Development: This means helping us come up with calendar, content and strategy for our new Website, Social Media, Email Messages, Marketing/Fundraising Ideas, Collateral (such as Annual Report), etc.
• Lead the production of Adeso’s Annual Report
• Growing social media followers for Ades
• Assist with content creation for Adeso's new website
• Message Development: A thorough look intall the projects and thematic areas that Adesworks in and help us tell our story from all avenues and tdifferent audiences and stakeholders
• Edit and create content for all the programs and projects that Adesis currently working on
• Create a content calendar for our team tuse on social media
• Help the team develop fundraising materials and distribution strategy through website, social media and email listservs.
• Monthly internal newsletter publication
• Access and Engagement with local and major media outlets: We feel that there is a major gap in the general public's knowledge on how broken the current aid system is. 
• We see Adesand Degan Ali, in particular, as a fundamental voice in a myriad of target audiences ranging from philanthropy, international development, aid, decolonization, locally led development, African leaders, Climate Justice, Racial Equity, and more. 
• Major media exposure and placement that position Adesand its Executive Director as thought leaders including:
• article quotes and mentions
• feature articles
• Podcast interviews
• Strategy thelp Adestreach a more general audience, on the continent of Africa, in North America as well as Europe.

Advocacy in Communications:

• Identify and articulate annual advocacy platform priorities and coordinate strategy of support and implementation across teams and business units. 
• Monitor and pursue speaking opportunities at national and global levels traise awareness about Adeso’s thematic priorities while reinforcing Adeso’s thought leadership in the decolonization and community-led development space. Help Adesand its leadership continue tstrategically set the tone for global dialogue and action. 
• Support Adesleadership by writing/creating and publishing key advocacy materials such as policy briefs, case studies, news articles, OpEds and blogs in support of Adeso’s strategic goals on various platforms.
• Assist with thoughtful responses tkey policy changes, such as USAID’s pledge tgrant 25% of funds directly tlocal organizations, that advance Adeso’s goals for decolonization and its role as an influencer towards bi-lateral donors in collaboration with Adeso’s Senior Leadership and partners.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of Adesand be driven by the mission. The candidate should demonstrate a passion for breaking new ground tlead change.
• Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, advertising. 
• Experience dealing with media outlets an added advantage.
• Proven success of written thought leadership, such as blogs, etc.
• Experience living and/or working in East Africa and/or the Horn of Africa.
• A willingness to travel to Puntland, Somalia.
• Experience working remotely and coordinating activities across multiples time zones.
• Background in support-related field such as Communications, PR, social media with the ability tinteract with people online and understand how online trust works.
• Extremely strong written communication skills and ability tcommunicate ideas and concepts digitally. Ability tcreate content and work with others tcreate content.
• Comfortable using a wide range of digital platforms (email, Microsoft 365, MailChimp, LinkedIn, X, WhatsApp, Zoom, WordPress).
• Flexible and adaptable with a high level of empathy and the ability tconnect with people at all levels of the organisation.
• Knowledge of the Somali language is a plus.