Manager, Communications (AFIYA) at FSD Africa

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Programme communications strategy and delivery

Lead the development and implementation of the AFIYA communications plan. This includes:

• Oversee communications streams including programme awareness, impact storytelling, thought leadership, youth outreach, and media engagement.
• Map and prioritise key audiences (i.e. programme participants, insurers, policymakers, partners, and development actors) and ensuring communications activities are tailored to their needs and interests.
• Develop and maintain key programme communications materials (programme overview, infographics, digital content, videos, and briefing materials).
• Manage the AFIYA programme presence on FSD Africa’s digital platforms.
• Ensure communications activities are aligned with programme milestones and implementation progress.

The role will support communications activities that help partners and stakeholders understand the programme and its objectives, particularly around agricultural insurance, climate resilience, and financial inclusion for young women. 

Impact storytelling and content development

Lead the development of compelling stories and content that document AFIYA’s work and impact.

This includes:

• Identify programme participants, partners and innovations whose stories can be documented over time.
• Produce written, visual, and multimedia content highlighting programme progress and experiences.
• Work with country teams and partners to capture stories from the field.
• Ensure stories elevate the voices and experiences of programme participants in line with Mastercard Foundation communications principles.

Knowledge capture and programme learning

Support the documentation and communication of programme lessons, working closely with colleagues in the Strategic Communications & Development Impact teams. Key activities include:

• Capture insights from programme implementation, including product development, insurance adoption, and policy engagement.
• Produce learning briefs, insights, and synthesis materials that document programme experiences.
• Translate technical findings into accessible materials for broader audiences.
• Support the development of knowledge products that share lessons with policymakers, insurers, and development partners.

 Partner communications coordination

Coordinate communications across programme partners and stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:

• Develop shared messaging frameworks and communications guidance for programme partners.
• Support partners to communicate consistently about the programme.
• Coordinate opportunities to highlight partner contributions and programme progress.
• Ensure communications outputs align with donor brand and approval processes.

Media engagement and outreach

Build relationships with media and outreach platforms to support programme visibility. This includes:

• Engage journalists covering agriculture, climate resilience, and financial inclusion.
• Coordinate media briefings, interviews, and field visits.
• Support outreach initiatives through platforms reaching youth and farmers (i.e. broadcast media and youth-focused platforms).

Events and stakeholder engagement

Support the planning and delivery of programme events and convenings. Responsibilities include:

• Organise programme-related workshops, convenings and partner events.
• Support participation in sector events and industry forums.
• Coordinate communications materials for programme engagements.

Consultant and production management

Manage external suppliers supporting programme communications. This includes:

• Writers, designers, videographers, and media producers.
• Production of digital, video, and broadcast content.
• Coordination of storytelling and media activities across programme countries.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 6 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of experience preferably in Communications, Journalism, Agriculture, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field is desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

Essential Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• At least 6 years professional experience in communications, storytelling, or knowledge management roles.
• Experience working in agriculture, rural development, food systems, or climate resilience programmes.
• Strong understanding of the challenges facing smallholder farmers and agrifood systems in Africa, particularly in relation to climate risk, financial access, and rural livelihoods.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills with experience producing content for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to translate technical programme outputs, research findings, or policy work into clear and accessible communications materials.