Header

Communications Manager The Africa Governance Initiative

The Africa Governance Initiative (AGI)is working for a future in which Africa’s development is led by Africans, with governments that are capable of setting and achieving priorities that reflect the rising aspirations and expectations of their citizens. To achieve this vision, we provide practical advice and support to help African leaders to bridge the gap between their vision for a better future and the capacity of their governments to achieve it. We work with countries – currently Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda and Guinea but with plans for growth – that are at turning points and where we have had an invitation from the Head of Government to provide capacity development support.

AGI is now seeking exceptional individuals to join our organisation across a number of Africa- and UK-based roles. Salaryand package for each position will vary, but will be competitive within the international charitable sector.

London-based roles:

Communications Manager
As AGI grows, we are now are seeking an experienced, energetic Communications Manager to lead our communications work from London. This role requires an all-rounder with good media relations (preferably in a related field), exceptional writing skills, and digital communications experience. The successful candidate will need to be flexible and well-organised with a strong news sense and a keen eye for detail. Responsibilities will include:

• Developing and leading AGI’s multi-channel communications and media strategy
• Proactively building and coordinating strategic media relationships with key publications, broadcast media and key media influences
• Working with the media to explain AGI’s approach and respond to enquiries
• Creation of all digital content for AGI’s website and social media platforms
• Acting as a point of contact for staff on strategic media issues. Being available to all AGI’s staff to advise on the media impact of planned activities.
• To research, write and distribute timely media releases.
• Planning and executing major public-facing events, including those involving our Patron and the African leaders we partner
• Providing a media monitoring function, including a speedy and accurate news alerts service
• Acting as media spokesperson for AGI when required
• Providing out-of-hours press cover when required, including at weekends and public holidays
• Managing AGI’s part-time Design and Digital Manager
• Working closely with Africa-based AGI project teams to understand their work, successes, and the challenges they face

The role is a new one, and will report to the Director of Strategy and Development.

Experience and Competences
In addition to specific and relevant experience, all candidates will need to demonstrate the following:
• Leadership and awareness of organisational design
• Building and managing effective relationships, including the ability to navigate complex political environments
• Influencing and coaching and delivering change through others
• Management and delivery, including excellent project management skills
• Strategic planning and decision-making
• Analysis and use of evidence
• A creative and entrepreneurial approach to overcoming barriers and making change happen, and the ability to cope in emotionally demanding environments
• Above all, high levels of enthusiasm, resilience, and a can-do attitude
• Experience of living and working in developing countries is desirable but not essential.

How to apply
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to Peter Childs Ltd at pca@peterchilds.co.uk.
In your cover letter, please specifically highlight which project and/or role you have an interest in, and your suitability for the role against the requirements above. The deadline for applications is close of play on 10 February 2012.