Short-term Expert, Strategic Communications SADC Countries

Short-term consulting opportunity

Position: Short-term expert, Strategic Communications

Location: SADC countries (notably Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Angola)

Type of contract:  Part-time, sub-contractor

About us

Africa Practice is a mission-led strategic consulting firm advising investors and development partners across the continent. Our mission is to shape a prosperous Africa that inspires the world. For over 20 years, we have partnered with global investors, policy-makers, development partners and other changemakers to drive transformation on the continent. 

Our insights and advocacy solutions are rooted in detailed systems and stakeholder understanding. We identify, generate, and analyse human-centred systems data to design impactful advocacy interventions. We deliver our world-class insights and advocacy solutions through our local presence.

We operate as one company, with a diverse team working on a hybrid basis in Abuja, Cape Town, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Gaborone, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and London. We are risk analysts, development economists, advocates, storytellers, data scientists, policy experts,  systems thinkers and creative minds. Over 80% of our staff are African, and over 50% are women. We have been a signatory to the UN Global Compact since 2021, and we are actively working to achieve B-Corp status.

About the assignment

We are part of a consortium supporting a regional intergovernmental body with strategic communications support. This work typically involves:

• Planning and producing high-quality thought leadership and  communications content for online and offline formats (including but not limited to communications templates, advisory notes, presentations, opinion pieces, press releases, FAQs, web content, scripting and storyboarding videos and animations, conceptualising data visualisation and producing social media posts)
• Documenting event proceedings to enhance media visibility through photography and videography.
• Leveraging strong relationships with top-tier journalists to deliver effective media relations.
• Reviewing, editing and formatting of documents to the highest standards.
• Developing persuasive pitches, tailoring media lists, pitching feature stories and interviews, distributing press releases and following up for coverage.
• Working with a graphic designer to produce compelling creative content.
• Developing long-term media strategy and conceptual frameworks.

Role requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in communications or related fields such as journalism, public affairs, public relations, marketing, international relations, development studies, or public administration would be an advantage.

• A Master’s degree would be an advantage.

• Proven track record in high-quality multimedia production, marketing collateral development and planning and execution of results-driven digital campaigns

• At least 10 years’ experience carrying out similar assignments, including with the SADC Secretariat and Member States

• At least 5 years’ experience in the development sector, preferably in organisational development, structure development and/or SADC advisory

• Knowledge of SADC institutional structures, strategies, and policy processes

• Outstanding verbal and written presentation skills in English

Skills: 

• Proven ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder processes and to prioritise effectively to meet deadlines across multiple deliverables

• Ability to express complex ideas and concepts clearly and concisely in written form, as well as technical report writing and editing skills

• Proven ability to conceptualise, plan and execute creative campaigns.

• Proven experience in the design and layout, packaging, production, and dissemination of high quality communication products to target audiences through their preferred channels.

• Proven ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team.

• Proven ability to manage relationships with donor partners and potential donor groups.

• Fluency in Portuguese or French is an added advantage

Application process:

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are much less likely to apply for a position unless they meet every single qualification. So this notwithstanding, if you are excited about this role, we would love to hear from you. At Africa Practice, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse and authentic workplace. You might just be the new team member we are looking for - for this or other roles. 

Do you want to contribute to an influential and prosperous Africa, inspiring the world? We’re looking for Africa’s changemakers – smart people with strong analytical, advocacy, digital and problem-solving skills who can reconcile diverse perspectives to deliver sustainable change. 

Please send in your application by clicking on the “apply” button. 

Do include a cover letter explaining why you think you are suited to this position and indicating your availability. Your documents must be entitled with “your name Short-term expert, Strategic Communications.