JOB PURPOSE
Reporting to the Group Chief Executive Officer, the Group Director, Communications and Advocacy will be responsible for developing and implementing Amref’s narrative and global communications strategy and also developing Amref’s advocacy agenda. S/He will serve as a
global communications strategist helping to build and proactively advance our corporate brand, increase visibility and raise awareness of the organization.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications
- Lead the development and implementation of a global communication strategy with clear priorities to promote Africa’s health development issues globally. In collaboration with related HQ, Africa/Europe/North American offices, establish priorities and provide overall guidance and direction for the implementation of Amref’s global communication plans.
- Advise and assist the Group CEO and Group Leadership Team on the global positioning of Amref Health Africa and its Subsidiaries, through effective communications, messaging, advocacy and brand management.
- Lead all aspects of communications and branding of Amref’s thought leadership and visibility priorities, including developing a global editorial calendar and related messaging frameworks, communication toolkits and media engagement.
- Work in collaboration with the International Fundraising Division and local fundraising communications staff on fundraising storytelling and content production.
- Ensure the effective communication and visibility of Amref through the use of integrated communication plans (media relations, Good Will Ambassadors, publications, digital and social media), and innovative communication platforms.
- Establish systematic monitoring systems to inform and strengthen Amref’s global communication efforts.
- Provide oversight and quality assurance of all communication products and services produced by communications offices across the organization.
- Ensure a systematic approach to anticipate and manage reputational risks to the organisation and its leadership.
- Act as the organization’s senior spokesperson.
- As member of the Group Leadership Team, participate in key meetings and represent global communications in external events and bodies as relevant.
- Direct and manage Global Communications resources (including human, information technology, financial) in accordance with Amref’s policies, procedures and standards.
- Oversee production of communications materials and publications including the Corporate Annual Report, provide budgetary oversight and work closely with communications agencies.
- Oversee global programmes of experience exchange, networking, and orientation/training of Amref’s technical staff in communication and advocacy.
- Create communication and media partnerships with regional and international media outlets to advocate for and enhance international understanding of health development issues in Africa.
- Work closely with counterparts in other Amref offices (E/NA/Africa/Subsidiaries) and identify opportunities for collaboration on joint communication and advocacy initiatives. Provide general policy advice on public information and communication matters of common interest and jointly plan Amref public information operations, as warranted.
- Develop and execute strategy around issues management, draft relevant communications and counsel Amref leadership on appropriate engagement with relevant stakeholders.
- Foster a conducive working environment, ensuring a coherent, motivated global team.
Advocacy
- Responsible for the development and implementation of aggressive, coordinated media advocacy communications strategies in support of Amref Health Africa’s regional and global advocacy priorities. Targets are external audiences including the media, governments and policymakers with the goal of advancing Amref’s advocacy priorities and positioning the organization as a leader in health development policy.
- Devise and lead strategies to elevate advocacy communications capabilities across the region and globally. Provide expert counsel and assistance in support of regional and global advocacy communications efforts.
- Work closely with the Group Director of ICT to create and implement strategies that utilize the Amref website and social media channels as communications tools that advance Amref’s advocacy priorities and elevate Amref’s profile as the leading international NGO in Africa on health development.
- Develop ongoing relationships with key media stakeholders, expand the universe of reporters who are familiar with Amref and its advocacy priorities, and elevate Amref’s “expert” presence in national, regional and global coverage of health as a leader in Africa’s health development advocacy.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate must be a strong communicator, intellectually curious and open to new ideas and ways of doing things. S/he will be a strategic leader with extensive experience and technical background in the delivery of large public health/development portfolios as well as have strong analytical, influencing, and collaboration skills.
Education and Professional Qualifications
- An Advanced University Degree in Communication, International Relations, Journalism or a related field of study is required
- Training and broad knowledge of mass media and interpersonal communication is an asset
Required Qualifications and Experience
- At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in, strategic communications, international relations, or journalism of which at least five years in a leadership position in a large multicultural institution is required
- Experience in leading a large team of diverse staff is required. Experience in leading and designing strategic communication programmes, initiatives and advocacy campaigns at global level is required
Competencies and Skills
- Recognized management skills in a multicultural setting, combined with ability to achieve results through motivating people and influencing partners.
- Results-oriented decision-making ability with an aptitude to address operational challenges and for developing practical solutions.
- Innovator with risk management ability and a proven track record as a successful agent of change.
- Rigorous analytical and conceptual thinking.
- High sense of integrity, trust and confidence.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to set out a coherent analysis in presentations.
- Strong diplomatic and communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships with clients and counterparts at the appropriate levels.
- Ability to represent Amref in national and international convenings.
Languages
- Fluency in English is required. In addition, fluency in French is desired.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested? Kindly send your application to [email protected] quoting Group Director, Communications and Advocacy/05/23 in the subject line. Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this position and your CV with relevant skills and experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Closing date will be May 16, 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Duly note that Amref Health Africa does not require applicants to pay any money at whatever stage of the recruitment and selection process. Although Amref may use different job boards from time to time to further spread its reach for applicants, all open vacancies are published on our website under the Vacancies page and on our official social media pages. Kindly also note that official emails from Amref Health Africa will arrive from an @amref.org address.
Amref Health Africa is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Amref Health Africa is an equal opportunity employer and has a non-smoking environment policy.