Senior Communications Officer, Africa at International Crisis Group

• Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the Senior Communications Officer coordinates and supports International Crisis Group’s communication outreach in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the aim of increasing coverage of Crisis Group’s analysis and policy recommendations on conflict-related issues. This includes, media, social media, events and the development of multimedia materials. Working with a highly professional team of conflict research analysts, the Communications Officer will be expected to use innovative approaches to promote and disseminate Crisis Group’s work.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement an Africa Program communications strategy, including targeted campaigns, in close coordination with the program director, Africa and liaising with Crisis Group’s communications team;
• In collaboration with the communications team in Brussels, lead in designing and implementing communication plans for the launch of Crisis Group reports and other publications, with a strong focus on English and French language audiences in Africa;
• Lead on the communications response to breaking events in the region;
• Build and cultivate a strong network of local and international journalists based in Africa; create and maintain a database of media contacts and manage media inquiries;
• Write op-eds, press statements and other external media materials;
• Produce or help with the production of audio-visual content in collaboration with the communications team in Brussels – e.g. videos, podcasts, photographs and photo essays;
• Collaborate with the communications team in Brussels to create and implement multi-channel social media campaigns; help develop the capacity of program staff to share social media content;
• Organise local media events, including around launches of Crisis Group publications, plan and coordinate press briefings and online/in-person webinars.

Requirements include:

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Politics, Economics, or a similar subject;
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the development and implementation of communications and media plans;
• Demonstrated experience of building relationships and effectively working with broadcast and print media;
• Demonstrated experience in the production and placement of audio-visual materials for a variety of media and social media channels;
• Excellent verbal and written fluency in English. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage;
• Knowledge of African conflict issues and contemporary political affairs is desirable;
• Experience of living or working in Africa is a plus;
• Excellent interpersonal relations and available for regular travel.