Communication and Information Lead

1.About FEMNET .

The African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) is a pan-African, feminist and membership-based network with over 800 individual and institutional members across 50 African countries and in the diaspora. FEMNET envisions a society where African women and girls thrive in dignity and well-being, free from patriarchal and neoliberal oppression and injustices.

FEMENT was established in 1988 to facilitate and coordinate the sharing of strategies, experiences, and information among African women’s rights organizations and activists as a strategy for collective organizing and policy influencing through networking, communication, institutional strengthening, and advocacy at regional and international levels.

In 2020, FEMNET embarked on a bold 10-year strategy aimed at amplifying African women and girls’ voices, fostering feminist solidarity, dismantling systemic and structural power structures and sustaining an organization with a soul deeply committed to well-being. Over its 36-year herstory, FEMNET has positioned itself as a key convener, movement builder, and facilitator of dialogues on critical issues on championing women’s economic justice, transformational feminist leadership, sexual and reproductive health rights and sexual reproductive justice; ending all forms of violence and harmful or discriminatory practices against women and girls and fighting for climate justice and natural resource governance.

FEMNET is seeking to engage a passionate, dynamic, and enthusiastic Communication and Information Lead, to work with a multi-cultural and multi- disciplinary team on a two (2) years renewable contract. This is a full-time position and will be based at FEMNET’s secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya with the option of working remotely within the African continent where you have the legal right to work.

2.About the Communication and Information Lead.

The Communication and Information Lead plays an essential role in advancing FEMNET’s Strategy 2020-2029, mission and vision through strategic communication initiatives. This position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies aimed at amplifying the voice of African women and girls in all their diversity, promoting feminist solidarity, and fostering engagement with our diverse members and partners. The Communication and Information Lead will lead efforts to effectively convey FEMNET’s values, goals, and achievements to various audiences and stakeholders, both internal and external.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and collaborating closely with the Program and Policy Manager, the Lead will supervise a team comprising 4 full-time staff and consultants, tasked with specific assignments within the communication, information, and knowledge management team.

The Lead will work on increasing FEMNET’s visibility and ensure that communication strategies are inclusive, encompass language and geographic equity and reach diverse audiences across different levels. Recognizing communication as the ‘heartbeat’ of FEMNET, the Lead will cultivate and sustain robust relationships with members, funding partners, strategic alliances, and other stakeholders, championing diversity and inclusion in all engagements.

This is a senior position that requires a deep commitment to feminist principles and a strong understanding of intersectional issues.

3.Duties and Responsibilities.

Communication, Information and Knowledge Management:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals to elevate FEMNET’s visibility, position and amplify the impact of the work of FEMNET and its members.
• Lead the content creation, repackaging and dissemination of compelling content across various platforms, including website, social media, newsletters, press releases, and other communication channels.
• Share current news, notices & opportunities for women’s rights and development thus ensuring our members and partners are kept abreast of relevant information on women’s issues regionally and globally.
• Proactively supports the editing, proof-reading, design, layout, production and dissemination of institutional reports and publications (including annual reports, policy briefs, newsletters, project related reports etc.
• As Associate Editor, ensures that articles for the African Women’s Journal, a bi-annual analytical publication on gender and development issues are compiled, produced and disseminated.
• Lead and drive the development and implementation of efficient operational processes and systems to support the organization’s communications program
• Lead in development of a content strategy for the organization in support of our African feminist narratives.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure coverage and raise awareness of our initiatives and campaigns.
• Oversee the production of multimedia content, including videos, infographics, and other visual assets, to effectively communicate key messages and engage diverse audiences.
• Manage crisis communication situations effectively, providing timely responses and proactive measures to protect the organization’s reputation and address any challenges.
• Conduct audience research and analysis to identify target demographics, preferences, and communication channels, informing ongoing strategy refinement.

Leadership, Management and Coordination

• As part of the Management Team, collaborate to set organizational goals, work plans, meetings, retreats, strategy, and calendaring for the communication department.
• Along with the rest of the management team, be a driver of organizational culture and a champion for organizational values.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to staff and partners on communication-related matters, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational messaging.
• Collaborate with program teams to develop communication plans for specific projects, events, and campaigns, integrating storytelling and advocacy messaging.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the annual work plan for Communications.
• Mobilize resources for the Communication programme – developing concept notes/ proposals, partnership management, including identifying and reaching out to potential partners.
• Supervise and work closely with the Communications team to maintain a vibrant social media presence, that asserts FEMNET’s influence as ‘the-go-to’ mobilizer for women’s rights online.
• Strengthen partnerships and collective advocacy within the digital and internet governance spaces.

Monitoring, Reporting and Learning.

• Coordinate and manage the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the Communication Programme in line with the strategic plan.
• Monitor media coverage, public discourse, and emerging trends related to feminist issues, and leverage insights to inform communication strategies.
• Lead trainer of FEMNET members and partners on digital and mainstream communication skills and approaches, including effective use of social media platforms for policy advocacy, networking, and movement building.
• Facilitate exchange of information, ideas, experiences and strategies among African women and girls using various communication and knowledge sharing platforms thereby enhancing FEMNET’s visibility and mandate.
• Track and evaluate the impact of communication efforts across all FEMNET social media platforms, using metrics and analytics to assess effectiveness, knowledge products to FEMNET members & partners in Africa and beyond, to ensure they are informed, are sharing learnings, and effectively contributing to the gender equality agenda. identify areas for improvement and optimize future strategies.

4.Required Skills, Expertise and Experience.

• A master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, information science, knowledge management or related field;
• At least 5 years’ experience in strategic communications and/or knowledge management preferably in a women’s rights/ feminist organization/ network, non-profit or advocacy organisation.

Knowledge and Skills.

1. Demonstrated commitment to feminist principles and understanding of gender equality, social justice, and intersectionality.
2. Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communication strategies that drive engagement, raise awareness, and influence public opinion.
3. Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives, press releases, articles, and other communication materials.
4. Strong media relations skills, including experience pitching stories, building relationships with journalists, and securing press coverage.
5. Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media management, email marketing, content management systems, and analytics tools.
6. Creative thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to generate innovative ideas and adapt strategies to changing circumstances and appropriate knowledge and use of Information technology, Information Systems, and other problem-solving tools e.g. artificial intelligence.
7. Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
8. Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines under pressure.
9. Knowledge of and interpretation of data and information for example on women’s rights, and ability to internalize, synthesize, process into high-quality shareable knowledge products that allows teams and expected target users to make effective decisions and take appropriate actions for meaningful strategic results in the organization.
10. Strong research and writing skills with knowledge of literature and interest searches and information repackaging and presentation targeting different audiences.
11. Experience in training on participatory approaches to communications for development.
12. Ability to communicate and work effectively in English. Competence in French will be added advantage.
13. Willing to travel frequently within Africa and beyond.

Attributes

This role offers a unique opportunity for seasoned African Feminists Communications professional. An individual who espouses:

• Integrity and ethics: High integrity and ethical behaviour in all dealings and ensure that own behaviour is consistent with FEMNET’s values and standards.
• Demonstrates commitment to gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates high standards and expertise in all areas of work.
• Result oriented: Consistently meets set goals, focused and goal oriented. Proactive and responsive to staff and stakeholder needs.
• Emotional intelligence/ Self-awareness.
• Analytical thinking and great attention to detail
• Team oriented / Interpersonal relations: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally to achieve the goals;
• Innovation/ creativity.
• Good communication and influencing.
• Values diversity and inclusion, embraces a supportive work environment which enable team members to realise their potential.
• Flexibility and agility in order to respond to changing priorities.
• Value alignment in relation to belief in the principles on Pan African feminism outlined in the African Feminist Charter.

How to apply

Application Process

The Communication and Information Lead will play a critical role in advancing our feminist network’s mission and vision, driving positive change and empowering marginalized communities through strategic communication efforts. If you are passionate about social justice and equality and possess the skills and experience to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Interested applicants should fill in the application form through the link below:

https://forms.gle/qvWxtR5auYTAaQ159

Deadline for submission of applications is 29th March 2024.

Please Note: FEMNET is committed to prevention of any type of unwanted behaviour including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, and lack of integrity as well as other ethical breaches. All staff and consultants are expected to share this commitment through our code of conduct and Safeguarding Policy. Offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and fraud.

We welcome people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, culture and experience. We will make any practical adjustments to enable people with disability participate fully in an inclusive working environment.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have given consent to the collection, use and/or disclosure of your data by us for the purposes set out in this job description.

The position is open to candidates who are legible to work in Kenya with the option of working remotely within the African continent where you have the legal right to work. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.