Communications Architecture & Strategy Partner at Nature Conservancy

Scope of Work

The fixed-term engagement comprises five core workstreams:

• Workstream 1: Donor Positioning & Messaging Architecture Deliverables: A core Narrative Framework & Message House; Audience-Specific Messaging Grid for funders; Proof Framework; comprehensive Narrative Architecture Document.
• Workstream 2: Communications Infrastructure (The Toolkit) Deliverables: A modular system of reusable templates: Proposal & Concept Note suites; Pitch Deck architecture; One-Pager/Fact Sheet system; Case Study format; Media Kit; Digital Content templates; Q&A Repository; Asset Management & Governance guide.
• Workstream 3: Donor-Facing Case Studies (Pilot Assets) Deliverables: 2-3 complete, outcome-led case studies in multiple formats (1-pager, detailed, slides); accompanying Case Study Methodology Guide.
• Workstream 4: Global Visibility Strategy & Plan Deliverables: Media Audit & Landscape Analysis; Editorial Narrative & Angles; Target Media List (30-50 priority contacts); Spokesperson Readiness materials; 12-Month Media Engagement Plan; Crisis Communications Framework.
• Workstream 5: Internal Capacity & Handover Deliverables: A 12-Month Communications Strategy & Execution Plan; Communications Officer Role Definition & Recruitment Package; a 2-Day Training Workshop; complete Handover Documentation & User Guide.

Excluded from Scope: Ongoing social media management, press release writing, website development, video production, paid media, and event logistics.

Target Audiences & Ethical Storytelling

Natural State is an Africa-led organisation rooted in partnership with Indigenous peoples and local communities. How we tell stories about others is as important as what we tell stories about. We reserve the right to reject any proposed imagery, language, or storytelling approach that does not meet our ethical standards.

• Primary (Tier 1): Impact Investors, DFIs, Philanthropic Foundations, HNWIs, Corporate Partners. Communications must be designed first to secure their funding.
• Secondary (Tier 2): Global Media, Policymakers, Academia. Strategy will target building influence and reputation.
• Tertiary (Tier 3): Practitioner & Community Partners. Engagement requires an ethical framework ensuring informed consent, accurate representation, and reciprocity.

Agencies must demonstrate experience with ethical storytelling and community partnerships in African contexts.

Agency Qualifications

Non-Negotiable:

• Proven experience in Communications Infrastructure & Systems Design (building reusable templates/toolkits).
• Proven commitment to Capacity Transfer & Handover (training clients, documenting for sustainability).

Core Qualifications:

• Donor-first strategic positioning for complex organizations.
• Outcome-led storytelling showcasing data and impact.
• Global media strategy ambition, particularly for African based but globally operated entities.
• Delivery led by Senior named tea