The Afrobarometer is an independent, non-partisan research project that measures the social, political and economic atmosphere in Africa through a series of public attitude surveys. The Afrobarometer Network comprises more than 30 member organizations which conduct field research, analyze and publicize results to media and users in the policy-making community (both government and non-government).

Job Summary:

One central purpose of public attitude surveys is to give voice to ordinary Africans in policy-making processes on the continent. Communicating the findings of Afrobarometer surveys to a wide spectrum of users in the policy community and beyond is a therefore a core objective of the Afrobarometer Network. The successful candidate will take a leading role in developing and managing strategies to communicate Afrobarometer’s research and findings to external audiences via traditional, digital and social media, the Afrobarometer website, seminars, trainings, conferences and other events. The Communications Manager, reporting to the Afrobarometer Executive Director at Center for Democratic Development (CDD) in Ghana, will assist the Network in updating and upgrading its Communications Strategy and methods, and in working with Afrobarometer staff and National Partners to implement key components of the Strategy.

Essential Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Ensuring global coverage of Afrobarometer surveys and findings, especially African media outlets, by fostering and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and stakeholders around the world;
  • Providing advice on the content, style and management of the Afrobarometer website (hosted at Michigan State University in the US);
  • Developing and managing Afrobarometer’s new social networking accounts (e.g., Twitter, AB Blog) Supervise other Communications staff and oversee the planning and implementation of Afrobarometer communications events;
  • Working with Afrobarometer’s M&E Officer to develop guidelines for the implementation, monitoring, and expected outputs for Communications activities, and to assess the Afrobarometer’s “Policy Visibility”;
  • Report on all Communications activities and Communications Indicators to the Afrobarometer Project Management Unit;
  • Contribute to project outreach by making periodic presentations at public briefings, conferences, workshops, or press events;
  • Assist the Afrobarometer Senior Advisor, Executive Director and Deputy Director with other management tasks as needed.


Required Qualifications:

  • A Masters Degree, preferably in journalism, communications, information science, or the equivalent (strong experience – e.g., managing a significant communications program for another organization – can be considered in lieu of an advanced degree)
  • 7+ years of experience in media/journalism/communications with demonstrated success in communicating with wide and diverse audiences; experience with international media/communications outlets is preferred, ideally in an NGO setting;
  • Working knowledge of and contact base within media, research and stakeholder communities, especially in Africa, is a strong advantage.
  • Excellent planning, organizational and management skills, demonstrated ability to work independently, flexibility and willingness to work on a wide range of tasks;
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills and demonstrated ability to work in a multi-national environment are essential;
  • Strong writing and presentation skills;
  • Familiarity with survey research methods and/or quantitative analysis of survey data and a working knowledge of French are a strong advantage, but not required;
  • Willingness to travel in Africa, and occasionally beyond, on a regular basis;


Other information:

  • This position is a two-year, fixed term appointment, preferably based at CDD-Ghana’s offices in Accra, Ghana
  • Salary commensurate with skills and experience.


Application requirements:

To apply, please e-mail a CV and a letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position to Carolyn Logan at clogan@msu.edu by
28th September, 2012.