Communications Manager

• The Communications Manager will lead the development and implementation of the programme’s communications and visibility strategy.
• The role will ensure that programme achievements, lessons, and impact are effectively communicated to donors, government partners, private-sector stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the public through high-quality communication products and strategic engagement.
• Working closely with the Project Director, MERL team, technical specialists, State Teams, and partner organisations, the Communications Manager will strengthen programme visibility, promote knowledge sharing, and ensure compliance with donor branding and communication requirements.

Key Responsibilities
Communications Strategy and Programme Visibility:

• Develop and implement the programme’s communications and visibility strategy in line with donor and organisational requirements.
• Develop annual communications plans, campaigns, and content calendars to support programme objectives.
• Ensure consistent programme messaging, branding, and visibility across all communication channels and programme activities.
• Provide strategic communications advice to programme leadership and technical teams.
• Monitor implementation of communication activities and recommend improvements to increase programme visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Content Development and Knowledge Management:

• Lead the development of high-quality communication materials, including success stories, case studies, newsletters, factsheets, policy briefs, presentations, annual reports, and other knowledge products.
• Translate technical programme results into clear, engaging, and audience-friendly communication materials.
• Review and edit communication products prepared by state teams to ensure quality and consistency.
• Develop communication materials that highlight programme impact, innovation, partnerships, and lessons learned.
• Maintain a central repository of communication assets, publications, photographs, and programme documentation.

Media Relations and Digital Communications:

• Develop and maintain relationships with media organisations, journalists, government communication units, and strategic partners.
• Coordinate media engagement, press briefings, interviews, and public events to increase programme visibility.
• Manage programme digital communication platforms, including websites, newsletters, and social media channels.
• Develop digital campaigns that increase stakeholder awareness and promote programme achievements.
• Monitor media coverage and digital engagement and prepare periodic communications performance reports.

Internal Communications and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Support effective communication between programme management, state teams, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with the MERL team to communicate programme results, evidence, and lessons learned.
• Support the planning and communication of workshops, learning events, stakeholder consultations, and programme launches.
• Build the capacity of programme staff and partners on effective communication, branding, and visibility requirements.
• Ensure compliance with donor branding, visibility, safeguarding, and communication guidelines across all programme activities.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Communication, English, Marketing, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in strategic communications, public relations, knowledge management, or communications for development programmes.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies for donor-funded or international development programmes.
• Excellent writing, editing, storytelling, and content development skills.
• Experience managing digital communications, websites, newsletters, and social media platforms.
• Experience producing communication products for diverse audiences, including donors, government institutions, private-sector partners, and development organisations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital communication tools.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting agricultural development, market systems, enterprise development, or rural livelihoods programmes.
• Experience coordinating media engagement and public events.
• Familiarity with graphic design, photography, or multimedia content management will be an added advantage.