Communications Officer - Africa Team at Girls Not Brides

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regional communications work 

• In close collaboration with the Girls Not Brides Communications and Africa Teams, support the development and implementation of a regional communications strategy for the region – including digital, media, publications etc and support to members – with the objective of positioning child marriage in the region and highlight the work of Girls Not Brides and its member organisations.
• In collaboration with the Africa Team, support the production of regional communications materials, including but not limited to, newsletters, mail-outs, infographics, fact-sheets etc.
• Identify key moments throughout the year to highlight on our digital communications channels and drive external awareness of key campaigning opportunities such as international days.
• Work with the Girls Not Brides Communications and Africa Teams to identify and contribute stories from the region – including through engagement with member organisations – that can be used across digital channels and support organisational storytelling.
• Work closely with the Girls Not Brides Communications and Africa Teams to ensure the region is represented in a context-specific way across our global communications channels, including the update and translation of key documents in English and French. 
• Provide technical support to Girls Not Brides members, National Partnerships and coalitions as needed in their communications as well as support any communications training and capacity building sessions, if needed.
• Contribute to campaigns and other influencing and advocacy initiatives in the region and prioritised countries.
• Lead on communications roles within the Africa Team as required, including drafting copy for Girls Not Brides’ channels. Some translation and proof-reading support may be required.

Media Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with influential traditional and emerging media to raise awareness of child marriage, Girls Not Brides and member organisations in the Africa region.  
• Work collaboratively with the Africa Regional Team and Communications Team to prepare all media outreach activities in support of Girls Not Brides initiatives such as supporting in the drafting of Op-Eds, quotes, press releases, media briefs, media pitches, and organising media engagement activities around events, country visits and/or member meetings. 
• Brief and prepare the regional team and Girls Not Brides member organisations for media interviews and engagements, including supporting the development of talking points and advising on messaging, and arranging media training where necessary.  

Wider Organisational Responsibilities

• Commit to the mission and vision of Girls Not Brides, putting them at the forefront of all planning, work and actions. 
• Uphold the values of Girls Not Brides in all areas of work and interactions with colleagues, member organisations, partners and other stakeholders. 
• Comply with Girls Not Brides policies and processes, with particular note for safeguarding, ethical communications, the code of conduct and data protection. 
• Ensure that internal databases and monitoring information are kept fully up to date. 
• Commit to ongoing personal development and learning. 
• Fulfil any other reasonable requests for the advancement of the Girls Not Brides mission.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential experience  

• Significant professional experience in a similar role in the not-for-profit sector, an international/intergovernmental organisation, a social movement or social enterprise. 
• Experience in working on sensitive issues in a balanced way, rooted in strong safeguarding protocols and the ‘do no harm’ principle, with a focus on solutions-driven messaging rather than sensationalism.
• Experience in developing story ideas and creative communications concepts.
• Experience in supporting non-specialists to develop relevant communications technical skills and materials. 
• Proven experience of applying human rights-based and feminist approaches and experience of working with young people and adults at risk through ethical communications. 
• Experience in supporting the development and delivery of communications strategies.

Essential skills and knowledge 

• A good understanding of civil society organisations and the regional context regarding gender equality in Africa.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and French.
• Good storytelling and media pitching skills.
• Proven ability to write for different audiences.
• A good eye for accuracy and detail and potential implementation challenges.
• Strong news sense and an ability to spot newsworthy opportunities to raise the profile of Girls Not Brides and its member organisations. 
• Familiarity with creating quality media content including a demonstrated ability to write engaging, clear and concise copy.
• Basic knowledge of photography / film making.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage relationships with journalists, and consultants such as photographers.
• Ability to support the organisation and implementation of successful media visits and media-focused events.
• Highly reliable, organised, proactive and capable of independent judgement. 
• Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure, prioritise and juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines, and to deliver time-sensitive high-quality work. 
• Ability to work with minimal supervision to meet tight deadlines and juggle multiple priorities. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an inquisitive and analytical mind. 
• Outstanding written communication in English and French, creative thinker, and the ability to write for different audiences. 
• Willingness to work in a collaborative team and with diverse stakeholders, including an ability to work in different cultural environments, and work sensitively with member organisations and young women from a wide range of backgrounds.