Communications Consultant at Ushahidi

Description

The Communications Consultant reports directly to the Executive Director while working in collaboration with fundraising, implementation and community teams. S/he will be responsible for promoting our brand and offerings, thereby furthering our objectives. The consultant will help shape our public image through strategic information delivery and shared learning, maximising Ushahidi’s capacity and network to communicate our message and work effectively, both internally and externally.

Duties

• Developing Ushahidi’s communications strategy for this year (2022), aimed at expanding Ushahidi’s reach and engagement of our diverse community segments at national, regional, and international levels.
• Designing, developing, reviewing, and editing communication materials, activities, and products such as written content, newsletters, and case studies, including infographics and learning events related to the work of Ushahidi.
• Developing communications protocols that ensure that internal and external content keeps up with the evolution of Ushahidi.
• Work with fundraising, implementation, and community teams to identify projects, stories and messages that are engaging, motivating and of high quality, and which communicate impact and showcase the work of Ushahidi, raising our profile.
• Develop and formalise internal communications strategies, participate in speaking opportunities to maximise communication opportunities, and train team members on best practices.
• Leading the development and monitoring of Ushahidi’s external communications (on our online platforms - website, etc.), including supporter advocacy and recruitment campaigns.
• Identify opportunities for creating and delivering inspiring and attractive multimedia content to enhance the visibility and outreach of the work of Ushahidi.
• Document learnings and build a ‘library’ of communication materials and advocacy resources.

Requirements

• A minimum of five years’ experience with a proven professional record working in the field of communication, including developing and implementing a wide-ranging communications strategy.
• Experience working with design software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• High IT competency including use of Google Workspace - Docs, Sheets and Slides.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills (Fluency in English – both oral and written).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Fast, accurate, creative, and versatile writing and editing skills, including for digital media.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with a variety of community groups across cultures.
• Self-motivated and self-disciplined, with the ability to work with autonomy, meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Strong ability to see newsworthy stories quickly and easily.
• Experience in creating engaging social media assets and image editing.

Desirable:

• Good understanding of the issues relating to Ushahidi’s three impact areas: Good Governance, Human Rights Protection, and Conflict & Humanitarian Relief.