Job Title: Communications Officer
Organisation: ForAfrika
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About Organisation:
ForAfrika is an African-led humanitarian and development organisation, originally established as Joint Aid Management (JAM) in 1984. ForAfrika was founded by Peter and Ann Pretorius in response to a severe famine in Mozambique. The organisation initially provided emergency food relief and has since expanded to include broader community development initiatives.
Job Summary: This is a dynamic and field-focused role, ideally suited to a self-motivated communications professional with a strong background in humanitarian or development storytelling. The Communications Officer must have a deep understanding of the East African context, excellent writing skills, and a sharp eye for ethical, authentic storytelling.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Content Development
- Lead the creation of compelling, evidence-based narratives that reflect programme impact across East Africa.
- Translate technical programme reports and field data into accessible stories that resonate with external audiences, including donors and media.
- Identify strategic communications opportunities that align with ForAfrika’s mission and advocacy goals.
Field Communications and Deployment
- Coordinate field deployments, including research, planning, and logistics, to ensure efficient and safe content gathering trips.
- Travel regularly to country offices and programme sites to gather high-quality content (stories, interviews, photography, and videography).
- Uphold ethical storytelling standards, ensuring community voices are represented respectfully and accurately.
Media Engagement and Brand Visibility
- Cultivate relationships with local and international journalists and media outlets.
- Support the placement of stories and articles that highlight ForAfrika’s impact in the East Africa region.
- Ensure alignment with ForAfrika’s branding and messaging in all external communications.
Capacity Building and Support
- Mentor and coach field-based staff in content gathering and ethical storytelling best practices.
- Support country teams with communication tools, templates, and guidance for consistent messaging and content quality.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in communications roles within humanitarian or development organizations.
- Graduate degree in journalism, communications, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills in English are essential.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in fast-paced, field-based environments.
- Strong understanding of development and humanitarian issues across East Africa.
- High level of creativity, initiative, and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in photography and videography, with experience using Adobe Creative Suite or similar content creation tools preferred.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently to programme sites in challenging environments.
- High level of cultural sensitivity, integrity, and commitment to ForAfrika’s mission.
Special Requirements
- This position is open to nationals or legal residents of East African countries where ForAfrika operates, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic.
- Shortlisted candidates will be expected to provide written samples of their work.
How to Apply:
All applicants should apply online at the link below
Deadline: 11th April 2025
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