Job Opportunity at Center for Reproductive Rights

The Communications Coordinator, Africa will report directly to the Manager of Global Online Advocacy & Engagement with a dotted reporting line to the Regional Director for Africa and will oversee communications and communications-related capacity-building initiatives for the Africa Program.

The Communications Coordinator will work closely with the Center’s New York-based Communications Team and Africa Program to develop, implement, and monitor traditional and online media surrounding the Center for Reproductive Rights’ work in Africa. The Coordinator will also work closely with key partners to develop their communications capacity, facilitate technical assistance, and create joint communications strategies in support of legal and advocacy initiatives.

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Responsibilities:

The Communication Coordinator’s primary job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working with the Manager of Global Online Advocacy & Engagement and Senior Press Officer to identify opportunities and develop communications strategies for linking the Center and its work to global trends and issues to national, regional, and international audiences;

• Identifying and supervising local media and communications consultants (with support from the Manager of Global Online Advocacy & Engagement and Senior Press Officer, as needed) to support and complement the Center’s communications efforts in Africa;
• Developing initial drafts of press materials (press releases, statements, pitch letters, etc.) and online content (e.g., news articles, newsletters, email marketing materials, etc.);
• Defining key objectives, work plan, timeline, and key deliverables for communications strategies and reporting on those regularly to the Africa and U.S. offices;
• Conducting a needs assessment of key partners to identify opportunities for capacity-building and facilitating technical assistance; and
• Identifying opportunities for joint traditional and/or online communications initiatives with key partners and making recommendations on how to strategically advance these initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to the Center’s mission, purpose, and values;

• A Bachelor’s or equivalent advanced degree in communications, journalism, public/media relations, or a related field;
• 3-5 years of experience in traditional and online progressive media, journalism, and/or public relations and a track record of success in raising the visibility of political, social, and cultural issues and organizations, and shaping public debate in the Africa region;
• Proven ability to manage the workflow of projects, including facilitating project scope, identifying goals and deliverables, planning and scheduling project timelines, and monitoring project progress;
• Experience in providing non-profits technical assistance (e.g. developing online strategies) and in expanding and strengthening the communications knowledge, capabilities, and resources of non-profit organizations in order to enhance work and improve effectiveness;
• Broad awareness and deep understanding of the global media landscape and current and developing strategies for communicating effectively in a continually and rapidly evolving media environment;
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills;
• Experience developing content for a variety of materials (e.g. news articles, newsletters, web content, advocacy resources, and email marketing materials, etc.) a plus;
• Demonstrated ability to research, write, fact-check, and edit a variety of communication pieces for target audiences with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines, handle simultaneous assignments, and work within a team setting across varied time zones;
• Strong organizational skills and a proven ability to concurrently manage a large number and wide variety of projects with strict deadlines;
• Experience working on human/women’s rights, reproductive health, and/or social issues a plus;
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili (French a plus); and
• Ability to travel within Kenya and abroad, as needed.

Compensation: The Center offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits program.

Duration of Position:  This is a two-year, grant-funded contract position.