Suitably qualified individuals are invited to apply for a vacancy that has arisen at TrustAfrica.

Job Title: Communications Officer

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: Web Development and Maintenance Team

Liaises with: All staff

Job Location: Dakar, with regular international travel

Deadline for application: 15 November 2014

About TrustAfrica: TrustAfrica is an independent foundation that works to secure the conditions for democratic governance and equitable development on the continent. We work principally through collaboration and partnership with like-minded institutions and donors. Led by Africans, we convene dialogues, catalyze ideas and provide grants and technical assistance to organizations working to advance these goals.

Purpose of the position: The Communications Officer plays an integral role by communicating the relevance of our mission, disseminating the results and significance of our work and engaging a diverse range of audiences and partners. Broadly, the purpose of the role is to strengthen TrustAfrica’s reputation, deepen its resources and amplify its contribution to African philanthropy, good governance and equitable development.

Responsibilities:

The Communications Officer will lead the development and implementation of TrustAfrica’s communications strategy, aiming to:

• Raise TrustAfrica’s profile and strengthen its reputation as a leader in its areas of focus.
• Mainstream a robust communications strategy across the organization’s programs.
• Integrate the different thematic databases into state-of-the-art electronic portals or knowledge hubs.
• Deploy new information and communication technologies to transform TrustAfrica’s databases.
• Develop a digital communications strategy that incorporates TrustAfrica’s website, intranet, and social media as tools for learning and engagement.
• Create a multiyear communications plan to support program implementation and institutional presence.

Qualifications:

• Passion for and expertise in how to use technology and innovation to further African agency and social justice.
• Big picture thinker with demonstrated practical experience in translating vision and strategy into coherent objectives and activities.
• An enabler, a connector, someone who is able to facilitate the communications process across the organization.
• A superb communicator. Strong writing and editing ability in English. Capacity to speak and write in French would be an added advantage.
• A team player, coach, a helper with ability to work sensitively and collaboratively in a collegial environment and with people based in various locations.
• A postgraduate degree in communication, media or related disciplines, preferably with a focus on one of TrustAfrica’s core program areas.
• Capacity to interact with new forms of media and audience engagement strategies as well as evaluation and analytics.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in communications, including experience in building, managing and setting the strategic direction of a team.
• Proven track record in developing high quality publications, articles, and different types of creative text related to TrustAfrica’s issue areas.
• Desired: Experience with a regional or international NGO or a knowledge-generating institution that works to influence policy.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following application materials in English: a cover letter, a detailed CV describing your professional experience, and contact information for three references. Only complete applications will be considered.

Applications can be submitted to: info@trustafrica.org

Please include your telephone number and Skype in your cover letter and indicate the job title in the subject of your email.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

TrustAfrica is an equal opportunity employer. Women and individuals from Africa and the diaspora are encouraged to apply.