JOB DESCRIPTION

Communications Lead – Girls In Rwanda Learn Program

FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. With collaborations in over 60 countries including Rwanda, we work directly with local leaders to advance social and economic equity, improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises and strengthen community resilience. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions.

The project

Girls in Rwanda Learn (GIRL) (2023 – 2030) is the FCDO’s new bilateral education program in Rwanda. GIRL will support marginalized girls and children with disabilities to return to school, stay in school and learn. GIRL will improve teaching pedagogy, which will in turn improve foundational learning outcomes in English and math for girls and boys. The program will reduce drop out and improve transition to lower secondary/other learning opportunities, particularly for girls and children with disabilities.

The opportunity

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Communications Lead. This position will be based in Kigali, Rwanda and is contingent upon award.

Job Summary:

The Communications Lead is a full-time position that will lead on the development and implementation of the project’s communications and policy influencing strategy, working closely with the GIRL Team Leader and team as well as GIRL implementing partners.

This position will also lead on external communications, creating and managing a program of project communication activities to showcase GIRL achievements using a range of communication channels and types of media.

Key responsibilities:

Strategy and strategic communications:

• Develop, implement and monitor implementation of a Communications and Policy Influencing Strategy for GIRL. The strategy will be used to influence policy reform, advocate for scaling of successful approaches, identify additional funding opportunities, and raise awareness of issues related to foundational learning, inclusive education, and girls and boys in and out of school along with evidence-based solutions.
• Identify strategic communications priorities and determine where strategic communications can contribute most to the work and impact of GIRL.
• Foster strong and effective working relationships to support communications and policy influencing activities with GIRL partners, government, and other stakeholders, using and further developing networks among relevant organizations in Rwanda and internationally.
• Work with MEL team to define targets, milestones and indicators of success to measure communications and influencing strategy effectiveness and impact.

Communication products and reporting:

• Lead on development of communications and influencing products to support GIRL activities and outcomes including a plan focused on external fundraising efforts for the Innovation Fund.
• Lead the collection of inputs from the GIRL team and partners to inform communications activities and product design.
• Provide communications inputs to the project quarterly and annual reports and work plans, supporting editing, and formatting and visual presentation of reports as needed.

External communications:

• Lead on planning GIRL team participation/representation in national and international conferences and events to learn from global best practice, showcase GIRL achievements, and share evidence and lessons learnt from the program.
• Manage all external communications activity for the project (including social media, website(s), online and other events).
• Lead on media relations, handling all inbound enquiries, media outreach including press releases and events.
• Support planning and management of high-level visits to the GIRL project by UK, Rwandan and other officials.

Internal knowledge management:

• Work with the MEL Lead on the project’s internal knowledge management strategy and sharing among GIRL team members and partners.
• Support GIRL Team Leader in responding to FCDO requests for information about GIRL.

Other responsibilities:

• Develop capacities of GIRL staff, partners, and other stakeholders (grantees) to integrate appropriate communications development work into implementation.
• Continuously review the development of communications’ best practices, innovations and evidence to inform project activities.
• Ensure compliance with FCDO and FHI 360 communications policies. principles, and strategies, and keep up to date with relevant project developments, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Ensure that FHI 360 GIRL team partners follow branding and marking guidelines and communications protocols.
• Ensure communications activity adheres to the GIRL gender and social inclusion strategy and is compliant with safeguarding requirements.
• Supervise any communications-related specialized consultants or vendors (e.g., graphic designers, internet webpage developers).
• Conduct and/or organize copy editing and formatting of project deliverables and studies.
• Maintain updated documents, photos, videos, photo release forms, and other project communications related files in SharePoint.
• Support development of and update project website as needed.
• Perform other complementary and job-related duties as required.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in development communications, journalism, media, or related areas. Master's preferred.
• At least eight years of experience working in a similar role (strategic communications, media, public outreach or behavior change communications programming in Rwanda). Education sector preferred.
• Understanding of how strategic communications can be effectively utilized to achieve policy change.
• Able to process and interpret complex information and turn difficult concepts into easy-to-understand and persuasive copy/messaging.
• Strong networks among education sector stakeholders in Rwanda including relevant ministries. Regional and international networks desirable.
• Ability to develop, foster, and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders including donors, implementing agencies, INGOs and CSOs.
• Strong facilitation skills, including an ability to deal with people at all levels with credibility, tact and diplomacy.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Strong computer skills (MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and internet applications), proficiency with virtual platforms.
• Proven experience and skills in writing, editing, and publications for a wide range of audiences.
• Experience in policy and practice analysis and implementing strategic advocacy initiatives aimed at bringing changes in these areas.
• Strategic thinker with meticulous attention to detail.
• Innovative, organized, and self-motivated.
• Experience working with FCDO or other international donor funded projects.
• Knowledge of the principles and best practices of media relations preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Experience and proficiency in graphic design and image editing programs (preferred, not required).

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Oral and written fluency in English and editing skills.

• Oral and written fluency in Kinyarwanda.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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