Strategic Communications and Advocacy Manager

Background

The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is the first and only African-led climate change re-granting organisation on the continent. Through its grant making and thought leadership, the ACF seeks to support interventions at the nexus of climate change and development that have the greatest potential to deliver long-term socio-economic transformation and inclusive development.

About the Role

Complex climate problems require Innovative African solutions. We believe that climate change interventions have immense potential to unlock new opportunities for social and economic development in Africa.

ACF is looking for a passionate communications and advocacy specialist that thrives in communicating in complex spaces, and who will help translate this vision into action.

If you are a collaborative, bold, and an innovative thinker, strategist and storyteller, we want to hear from you.  Drawing on ACF’s organisational strategy, research and grant-making, the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Manager will develop, identify and implement ambitious climate strategies capable of driving transformative change in Africa. The Strategic Communication and Advocacy Manager will work with ACF’s leadership and programme teams to develop and execute strategies and plans aligned with ACF’s mission and vision. They will support a team and work within the broader ACF team, peer networks, engage with government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities to drive climate ambition.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Conceptualize and oversee the implementation strategic communications strategy at both organisational and programme level.
• Identify strategic moments and tactics.
• Contribute to effective knowledge sharing and building capacity across the team to ensure there is appropriate integration of the programming theme(s) under the overall ACF strategy.
• Stay abreast of policy and political developments or current affairs at the nexus of climate and development relations and domains at a regional level.
• Working together with the wider communications team to create compelling content and communications across a range of platforms.
• Support advocacy campaigns and ensure ‘in the moment’ policy offerings are executed successfully in collaboration with team members.
• Expand on the Foundation’s existing media relationships by building further strategic relationships.
• Providing mentorship and support where necessary to the wider communications team.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities (relevant to the role) as required.
• Support engagement and fundraising, translating ACF’s programmatic objectives into compelling and concise narratives.
• Contribute to the development of novel ways to showcase ACF’s and its partners’ and grantees’ work.

Requirements:

• Degree in media studies, journalism, communication science or related fields.
• At least 8-10 years’ experience, with at least 5 years senior-level experience in strategic communications management, ideally in a sustainability-related field.
• Demonstrated experience working in the development sector.
• Diverse stakeholder engagement experience including, governments, CSOs, experts, policy makers and the media.
• Familiarity and overall interest in climate change, geopolitics, energy transition, climate justice and/or or agriculture will be an advantage.
• Preference will go to a candidate based in East or West Africa. The ACF has or is considering increased presence in Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya and Mauritius.
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills in both English and French preferred.
• Highly collaborative style of working.
• Proven experience developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Willingness to travel.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely across a range of formats and media (print/digital/video/radio).
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at a strategic level.

Start date: Position Available Immediately

Location: Remote work.

Closing date: 28 February 2023

Application Details:

Please submit your CV and a 600-800 word response to the question below. Please note that applicants who do not submit a written response to the question will not be considered for this position.

Question

Why are climate mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage important development considerations for Africa?

For further information about the ACF, visit  www.africanclimatefoundation.org .

Should you not hear back from us by 31 March 2023, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

The ACF strives to be  an equitable organisation with a team which reflects the diversity of Africa. We  offer a flexible and rewarding working environment as well as a competitive salary.