Apply: Heifer Communications Manager

By Gift Ejeh Ojima
July 31, 2023

Deadline: 15 August, 2023

Location: Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, Senegal, Uganda, Rwanda or Zambia

Heifer International is seeking to fill the position of Communications Manager for Africa.

Heifer International is on a mission to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way by supporting and investing alongside local farmers and their communities.

Responsibilities

In liaison with regional leadership, develop and implement a communications strategy for Heifer Africa
Drive visibility and positioning of the Heifer brand across the region, in alignment with regional leadership
Ensure alignment on the organisation’s brand and messaging strategies across the country offices
Ensure adoption of all aspects of approved PR/brand DNA in all content – documents, presentations, brochures, adverts, and speeches
Ensure that corporate narrative is deeply entrenched in all internal and external communication and visual expression
Direct Heifer Africa’s brand positioning through cross functional and cross-team coordination and cooperation
Serve as a champion for internal PR/corporate narrative
Influence the tone, look, and feel of shared media platforms with close coordination with the global communications team
Receive strategic direction and manage relationships/information flow with retained PR consultants
Provide feedback and observations towards refining or re-thinking strategies
Leverage data on Heifer’sr past successes in Africa to position
Position Heifer appropriately in the public domain
Identify suitable positioning opportunities
Ensure top-of-the-mind awareness for Heifer and achieve the highest visibility in the development sector in key media
Leverage media partnerships to position Heifer as thought leader on youth and technology to increase incomes for smallholder farmers
Promote access to innovative finance and elevate Heifer’s voice to attract investors
Showcase Heifer’s partnership with the private sector and governments
Identify suitable programmes, events and initiatives for media leveraging and positioning
Position Heifer as a thought leader in driving integration between technology and climate-smart agriculture
Assist with developing the business case for Heifer and ensure visibility with key business media, government, and the local donor community
Write opinion pieces that position Heifer Africa experts as thought leaders
Responsible for Heifer Africa content development
Assist with development of speeches/presentations/brochures/infomercials/short clip videos
Assist with responses to media enquiries
Manage all executive external and internal communication
Provide high-quality, consistent programme and thematic content based on approved communication and brand DNA in multiple media channels, including press, web, and social media
Create, maintain and conduct analytics reporting and extract key insights for future communication plans, complete with formal proposals and recommendations on tactics

Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, or a related degree, plus 15 years, minimum, of experience in a reputable PR/brand consulting firm, or corporate communications in a large organisation, preferably multi-national firm
Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, or a related degree, plus five years, minimum, of experience in senior management position leading public relations/brand management or corporate communications (desirable)
Knowledge of public relations work applied across all forms of media
Strong writing, editing and presentation skills
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in building networks, partners and collaborations for media and positioning
Negotiation skills including ability to listen and persuade
Global mindset, preferably with demonstrated experience in working at local and global levels
Demonstrated experience in working with diverse cultural groups, and gender equity approach
Experience in taking complex ideas and capturing them in accessible ways and multiple formats – briefing papers, positioning pieces, publications, press releases, and social media
Experienced in identifying and managing sensitive media issues and crisis communications
Ability to collaborate and build positive working relationships with multiple internal and external partners
Experience with the design and implementation of results-oriented communication strategies
Demonstrated experience managing and/or facilitating events, small convenings, and forums of experts (preferred)
Ability to inspire and support the team and give expression to Heifer’s mission through word, media, and public relations activities
Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the public
Ability to confidently give oral presentations and impromptu speeches to a wide range of audiences
Outstanding English writing and oral communication skills
Willingness and ability to travel as needed
Willingness and ability to work outside of normal business hours
Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality