Regional Communications Manager at Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre (SECAEC)

Are you a strategic communicator and compelling storyteller who can turn complex ideas, programme evidence and results into powerful content that inspires people to engage and act? Do you know how to build organisational visibility and reputation across digital, media and other influential platforms, while positioning leaders and technical experts as credible voices? This is an opportunity to shape how Solidaridad East & Central Africa communicates its impact, strengthens its brand and brings its work to life for the audiences that matter.

Solidaridad East & Central Africa is seeking an experienced Regional Communications Manager to lead the regional communications, marketing, visibility and storytelling agenda. Working across countries, programmes and teams, you will translate organisational priorities, evidence, results and learning into compelling stories and communications for donors, partners, governments, businesses, media and other key stakeholders. You will also support programme and PMEL teams to turn learning into impactful products, while partnering with Business Development and leadership to develop strong institutional communications, marketing materials and positioning content that strengthen Solidaridad’s influence and reputation across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Regional Communications, Marketing and Visibility Strategy — Develop and implement the regional communications and marketing strategy and annual plan, translating organisational priorities into integrated campaigns, messaging and communications initiatives.
• Strengthen Brand, Positioning and Reputation — Lead Solidaridad’s brand positioning, visibility and external reputation across East and Central Africa, identifying opportunities to strengthen organisational influence and profile with regional and global audiences.
• Lead Strategic Storytelling and Thought Leadership — Translate programme evidence, results, learning and technical expertise into compelling stories, publications, knowledge products and thought leadership that demonstrate impact and strengthen Solidaridad’s voice and credibility.
• Drive Digital, Media and External Communications — Provide strategic direction for digital communications, social media, multimedia, publications, media engagement and other influential platforms to expand reach, audience engagement and organisational visibility.
• Strengthen Leadership and Stakeholder Positioning — Advise the Managing Director and Regional Leadership Team on strategic messaging, positioning and leadership communications, while positioning senior leaders and technical experts as credible voices across relevant platforms.
• Support Resource Mobilisation and Institutional Communications — Partner with Business Development, programmes and leadership to develop high-quality donor and partner communications, pitch decks, capability statements, presentations, organisational profiles and other marketing collateral that strengthen institutional positioning and resource mobilisation.
• Drive Programme Evidence and Learning Communications — Work closely with programme, technical and PMEL teams to transform evidence, results and learning into accessible and influential communications and knowledge products for donors, partners, policymakers and other priority audiences.
• Lead Internal Communications and Organisational Alignment — Strengthen internal communications, leadership messaging and information flow across regional and country teams to promote alignment, engagement and understanding of organisational priorities and achievements.
• Provide Functional Leadership and Quality Assurance — Lead the regional communications function and strengthen the capacity of country communications focal points and programme teams, establishing standards, approaches and quality assurance for communications and storytelling.
• Manage Communications Resources and Reputational Risk — Oversee communications budgets, agencies and external service providers, while proactively advising leadership on sensitive communications, emerging reputational risks and crisis communications.

The person we are looking for 

You are a strategic communicator and compelling storyteller who can turn complex ideas, technical evidence and programme results into clear, engaging and influential narratives. You combine strategic thinking with strong execution and are confident advising senior leaders, shaping organisational positioning, developing campaigns and strengthening content. You are curious, creative and audience-focused, with a strong understanding that communication is about more than content; it is about building visibility, strengthening reputation, influencing audiences and demonstrating impact. You thrive in a multicultural, multi-country environment and bring sound judgement, collaboration, initiative and integrity.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Communication & Judgement – Ability to translate organisational priorities into clear, impactful communications and make sound decisions about audiences, messages and channels.
• Storytelling & Content Excellence – Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the creativity to make complex issues accessible, compelling and memorable.
• Influence & Executive Advisory – Confidence and credibility to advise senior leaders and influence stakeholders on messaging, positioning and reputation.
• Digital & Media Leadership – Strong understanding of digital communications, social media, multimedia, media relations and evolving audience engagement platforms.
• Stakeholder & Relationship Management – Ability to build trusted relationships with donors, partners, media, governments, businesses and other influential stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Cross-Cultural Leadership – Proven ability to work effectively across countries, cultures, disciplines and diverse teams.
• Results Orientation & Accountability – Focus on measurable impact, quality, timely delivery and continuous improvement.
• Creativity, Agility & Integrity – Curious, proactive and innovative, with the resilience, discretion and integrity required to navigate complex communications and reputational issues.

What Success Looks Like

Success means stronger visibility, influence and reputation for Solidaridad ECA, with compelling communications that showcase impact, engage priority audiences and position the organisation and its experts as credible voices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a related discipline. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, development communications or a related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a managerial, regional or strategic communications role.
• Proven experience developing and implementing organisational, regional or multi-country communications strategies.
• Strong track record in content development, storytelling, digital communications, media engagement and thought leadership.
• Experience strengthening organisational brand, visibility, reputation and external positioning.
• Experience supporting donor, partner and business development communications.
• Experience advising senior leadership on communications and reputational matters.
• Experience working across multiple countries, cultures and diverse teams is highly desirable.
• Experience in international development, sustainability, agriculture, climate or related sectors is an added advantage.