Head of Communications at West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

About The Job
Position Summary:

• This position will manage the Communications Unit in delivering on the strategic objectives of the Unit towards the achievement of WACSI's overall vision. 
• The Communications Manager will develop and execute our communications strategy across a number of platforms. 
• The Communications Manager will manage the use of WACSI’s digital platforms, including the website, social media accounts, email, and other dissemination tools. 
• S/he will publish and promote information relating to WACSI’s work, marketing, editorial, and fundraising content/campaigns on WACSI’s website and across social media. 
• The ideal candidate will have strong aesthetic instincts for digital layouts and publishing and an exceptional eye for detail; show an in-depth understanding of social media platforms’ tools and their specific uses; and a passion for digital transformation and analytics.
• This position is also responsible for maintaining WACSI’s donor database, and the E-Directory and providing regular communications with the various stakeholders of WACSI. 
• The Communications Manager will work well in teams and bring ideas and initiative to the position. 
• This person must be exceedingly well organised, flexible, and fully supportive of the mission of WACSI. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Education and Experience:

• Applicants must have a Master's Degree in Communication or a related field and possess a minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience. 
• Experience working in the non-profit sector and fluency in English and French is a key requirement.

Job Role
Communications:

• Manage the WACSI brand, including brand integrity and visibility across the organisation, and West Africa.
• Facilitate learning and sharing through various electronic and social media tools.
• Manage, design, edit, and publish WACSI’s print and electronic communications including newsletters, annual reports, advocacy alerts, research reports, Op-Eds, and other publications.
• Manage strategy, design, and content development for WACSI website and digital media platforms. 
• Train staff on branding and messaging standards.
• Supervise the storytelling efforts of WACSI to tell the right stories to stakeholders.
• Serve as quality control and editor on print materials and website.
• Manage the promotion and marketing of WACSI’s capacity-building courses and TechSoup offerings.
• Manage, and strategize, and monitor all WACSI social media platforms including LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
• Track progress and effectiveness of communications-related activities and share results for continuous improvement.
• Lead in the coordination and support of various communications projects needed
• Public & Media Relations.
• Promote WACSI to the non-profit sector, the private sector, policymakers, and the public, particularly across West Africa.

Media and Public Relations:

• Develop and manage content, messaging, and storytelling about WACSI for internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and carry out media strategy, including developing and driving media calendar, media relations and tracking press coverage across West Africa.
• Act as a key liaison between WACSI and media contacts throughout West Africa.
• Promote WACSI and its staff in the media.
• Support and coordinate with key events and other programmes.
• Represent the organisation at events, which may include some travel throughout West Africa.

Must have skills:

• Experience working in the non-profit sector is preferred.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral).
• Good knowledge of English and French languages (oral and written).
• Strong project planning, critical thinking and problem-solving; self-motivated and self-directed.
• Good knowledge and interest in the use of technology for social change.
• Skilled in visual design.
• Experience with design software.
• Proficient in using social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Strong networking and relationship management skills.
• Good understanding of digital marketing concepts and best practices.
• Ability to lead teams and collaborate with other teams.

General Skills and Requirements for all WACSI Staff:

• Commitment to WACSI’s mission.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding verbal/written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook) is required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, projects, and priorities effectively and professionally.
• Ability to travel across West Africa.
• The job may occasionally require some moderate lifting (up to 10kgs).