Communications & Advocacy Officer at The Green Belt Movement

Key Responsibilities

• Advocacy & Campaigns
• Lead the design and implementation of advocacy campaigns that amplify GBM’s priorities including climate justice, forest protection, biodiversity conservation, and human rights.
• Coordinate campaign strategies that mobilize grassroots communities, policy makers, youth, and international allies around key policy moments (laws, policies, climate COPs, biodiversity COPs, regional forums).
• Develop and implement digital campaigns (hashtags, online actions, influencer collaborations, petitions, etc.) to advance GBM’s advocacy agenda.
• Support GBM’s legal and policy advocacy work, including public interest litigation, by crafting clear and persuasive communications strategies around legal victories, policy briefs, and court actions.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, national, regional, and international media to secure coverage and shape narratives.
• Monitor political, legal, and policy developments relevant to GBM’s advocacy work, and proactively identify communications opportunities.
• Communications
• Maintain and grow GBM’s website, social media, and fundraising platforms through daily monitoring, content development, and engagement.
• Work with programme teams to produce blogs, reports, human-interest stories, and other advocacy-driven content.
• Manage internal and external newsletters, ensuring alignment with advocacy priorities.
• Archive and maintain GBM’s communications assets including press releases, clippings, videos, photos, and campaign materials.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of GBM’s integrated communications and advocacy strategy and calendar.
• Support the Head of Advocacy & Communications in organizing press conferences, media briefings, campaigns, and public mobilizations.
• Ensure the timely production of branded and advocacy materials such as reports, toolkits, picture stories, videos, and campaign infographics.
• Support the Executive Director and programme teams during fundraising and proposal development by integrating strong advocacy and communications components.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, public relations, law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in communications with a strong focus on advocacy campaigns, social justice, or environmental activism.
• Proven record of developing and executing successful advocacy campaigns (local, national, or international).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; persuasive storytelling for advocacy is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in digital organizing and social media advocacy (campaign planning, community engagement, analytics, and growth).
• Experience with design and layout tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.), website management, and newsletter distribution systems.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili (French or other African Union languages is an added advantage).
• Strong network of media, civil society, and advocacy partners is highly desirable.
• A team player and self-starter with excellent time management, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure and deliver during high-stakes advocacy moments.
• Passionate about climate justice, environmental protection and human rights.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally, and work beyond normal hours when advocacy demands.