KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regional communication work

• In close collaboration with the Girls Not Brides Communication Team and Africa Team, support the development and implementation of a regional communications strategy for the region – including digital, media, publications etc and support to members – with the objective of positioning child marriage in the region and highlight the work of Girls Not Brides and its member organisations.
• In collaboration with the Africa Team, develop, design and edit regional communications materials, including, but not limited to, publications, newsletters, mail-outs, infographics, fact-sheets etc.
• In collaboration with the Girls Not Brides Africa Team and our cross-regional Communications Team, develop and deliver strategic communications advice and deliver communication plans for Africa team related workplan activities to increase the reach and impact of our work, ensuring key messages reach the right audiences and influence outcomes.
• Work with the Girls Not Brides Communications and Africa Teams to identify, develop and produce compelling stories and informative content from the region in a variety of formats (e.g. written, audio-visual) – including through engagement with member organisations – that influence target audiences, position ending child marriage and showcase the impact of Girls Not Brides and our members
• Work closely with the Girls Not Brides Communications and Africa Teams to ensure the region is represented in a context-specific way across our communications channels (e.g. website, traditional media, social media etc) including the update and translation of key documents in English and French.
• Provide technical support to Girls Not Brides members, National Partnerships and coalitions as needed in their communications as well as support any communications training and capacity building sessions, if needed.
• Provide strategic advice and support to diverse teams, fostering open communication and proactively supporting colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Contribute to campaigns and other influencing and advocacy initiatives in the region and active engagement countries.
• Monitor and analyse the success of communications campaigns in supporting the achievement of organisational objectives.

Wider Organisational Responsibilities

• Commit to the mission and vision of Girls Not Brides, putting these at the forefront of all planning, work and actions.
• Uphold the core values of Girls Not Brides in all areas of work and interactions with colleagues, members, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Comply with Girls Not Brides’ policies and processes, with note for safeguarding, diversity and inclusion, the code of conduct and data protection.
• Ensure that internal databases and monitoring information are kept fully up-to-date.
• Commit to ongoing personal development and learning.
• Fulfil any other reasonable requests for the advancement of Girls Not Brides.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience

• A minimum of 7 years professional experience in a similar role in the not-for-profit sector, an international/intergovernmental organisation, a social movement or social enterprise.
• Experience developing and delivering successful communications plans and campaigns that support organisational objectives.
• Experience in working on sensitive issues in a balanced way, rooted in strong ethical communications and safeguarding protocols and the ‘do no harm’ principle, with a focus on solutions-driven messaging rather than sensationalism.
• Experience in developing and producing stories and creative communications concepts.
• Experience developing and delivery content for a variety of channels (e.g. media, website, publications, social media etc).
• Experience in supporting non-specialists to develop relevant communications technical skills and materials.
• Proven experience of applying human rights-based and feminist approaches and experience of working with young people and adults at risk through ethical communications.
• Experience in supporting the development and delivery of communications strategies.

Skills and knowledge

• A good understanding of civil society organisations and their operational contexts in East and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa.
• A good understanding of how to tailor messaging and content to target specific audiences to achieve objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and French with proven ability to write for different audiences.
• Proficiency in photography/film making/video editing/graphic design.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage communications platforms, relationships with consultants and suppliers, including photographers, designers, translators, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams, build strong relationships, and proactively support colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure, prioritise and juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines, and to deliver time-sensitive high-quality work.

Essential values and attributes 

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Girls Not Brides and our vision in relation to addressing child marriage and the empowerment of girls and women.
• Willingness to work flexibly and regularly travel internationally, as necessary.
• Willingness to work in a collaborative team and with diverse stakeholders, including an ability to work in different cultural environments, and work sensitively with member organisations and people from a wide range of backgrounds. 

Desirable

• Relevant higher academic qualification/s or equivalent professional experience. 
• Proficiency in other official languages as identified by the Africa Union is highly desirable (Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish or Kiswahili).