Communications Manager
Advert: Communications Manager
Do you want to be at the pulse of digital policy in Africa? Do you have ideas about how to leverage the reputation of a renowned global think tank to build our brand visibility and online presence? Are you a dynamic and enthusiastic communications professional who is excited at the prospect of taking full responsibility for designing and implementing our communications strategy across multiple channels worldwide? Do you want to contribute to an organisation that conducts innovative research as an evidence base for policymakers to ensure digital inclusion and contribute to sustainable development? We are looking for a Communications Manager to drive a new and elevated communications strategy. This is a great opportunity for an individual interested in creating a space for themselves with a dynamic and diverse team.
Organisation Profile
Research ICT Africa (RIA) conducts research on digital policy and regulation, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and global digital and data governance. Our mission is to facilitate evidence-based policymaking for improved access, use and application of digital technologies and data for sustainable development in Africa and the Global South.
Key Responsibilities:
Communications plays a central role in RIA’s theory of change, delivering research findings to key audiences to advance evidence-informed policy and decision-making. As our Communications Manager, you will design and implement communications strategies to extend the reach, visibility and impact of RIA and its research outputs. You will explore innovative approaches across multiple channels to reach existing and new audiences with engaging and compelling translations of our research, including through our monthly newsletter. It will also entail leveraging new and extensive existing networks to augment the national, regional and global presence of RIA and support the realisation of our strategic goals. This role requires strong communications skills, including knowledge of methods for effective communication with actual and potential research users in a public interest context. An understanding of research, particularly its role in policymaking, will be an advantage.
Main Duties:
- Work with the management committee to develop, validate and implement an organisational communications strategy in alignment with RIA’s overarching strategic plan.
- Develop and maintain detailed implementation plans for the communications strategy, including work plans, deliverables, key messages, and the delegation of activities where required.
- Collaborate with project leads and engage with related partners to develop and implement communications plans to promote and support projects.
- Support researchers to develop engaging and compelling research outputs in innovative formats.
- Manage the process of publishing RIA research outputs and organisational newsletter, including copyediting and proofreading.
- Track impact indicators for RIA and its projects, as established in the communications strategy.
- Oversee the virtual presence of RIA, including managing content development and dissemination on the RIA website and social media platforms.
- Organise and promote RIA in-person and online events.
- Manage the requisition of external suppliers of communications products and services.
- Act as RIA’s spokesperson with the media and at conferences, workshops and other meetings, as required.
- Track windows of opportunity for funding and policy influence.
Qualifications and Experience:
- A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Communications, Social Sciences, International Development Studies).
- Five years experience in a communications role.
- Prior experience in designing and implementing communications strategies.
- Experience in developing multimedia materials, managing social media platforms and creating interactive web content.
- Experience in promoting products, initiatives and events (large and small).
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proven experience in external organisational representation.
- Experience in developing global communications strategies would be an advantage.
- Copyediting and proofreading skills.
- Basic design, production and editing skills (written and audiovisual); advanced skills would be an advantage.
- Understanding of research and analytical skills for communications management.
- Knowledge of or experience using digital monitoring tools such as Google Analytics.
- Strong verbal/written communication skills, fluent in verbal and written English.
- Fluency in French or an African language would be advantageous.
RIA is an equal opportunity employer and all suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. We particularly encourage applications from women and Africans as we support positive discrimination on the grounds of race and gender to redress historical imbalances of the past and to achieve equity in the processes of recruitment.
RIA offers a competitive remuneration package depending on level of experience.
Send your letter of motivation and CV to info@researchictafrica.net
Location: Research ICT Africa, Cape Town Office
Closing date for applications: 19th April 2024
Start date: As soon as possible