The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) is an international nonprofit organization specializing in the field of transitional justice. ICTJ works across society and borders to challenge the causes and address the consequences of massive human rights violations. We affirm victims’ dignity, fight impunity, and promote responsive institutions.
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Communications Consultantwill develop a new communications strategy for the European Union (EU) funded project “Initiative for Transitional Justice in Africa” and will define the communications activities related to the project following the EU requirements.
The Initiative for Transitional Justice in Africa (ITJA) is a joint project of the EU and the African Union (AU) to assist AU member states as they incorporate the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) at the national level. The project is implemented by a consortium of three organizations led by ICTJ and includes the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF) and the Center for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR).
The three-year initiative seeks to facilitate the domestic application of the AUTJP and its accompanying action plan by providing technical assistance, fostering knowledge production and management, and strengthening the capacity of civil society and victims’ groups. In doing so, the ITJA will help promote redress for victims and prevent future conflict and recurrence of abuses, particularly in countries undertaking or about to initiate transitional justice processes. Ultimately, it aims to help societies across the African continent become more peaceful, just, and accountable. The communications plan will seek to spotlight the impact of the ITJA, position the initiative as a key component of transitional justice in the continent and raise awareness about the project among the African public. The consultant will closely follow the implementation of ICTJ’s Strategic Plan and ITJA workplan to develop new innovative and effective approaches to disseminate the Initiative’s key messages, as well as the milestones reached throughout the project. This consultancy will be remote.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of ICTJ’s Head of the Communications unit and in close coordination with the AU/EU Project Coordinator, and as part of a highly collaborative communications team, the Communications Consultant – Strategist will:
- Develop a communications strategy for the ITJA aligned with its core objectives, using new and traditional tools to raise the profile and public awareness of ICTJ and ITJA’s work and impact in Africa.
- Identify elements needed to raise the profile of the organization and its unique contributions to transitional justice in Africa, including through:
- Identifying target audiences and tailoring messages to effectively reach and engage these groups.
- Defining targeted, accurate, and strategic activities that highlight the ITJA’s achievements and disseminate its core messages in line with EU communications and visibility requirements.
- Developing new angles and language to engage new audiences in issues related to transitional justice in Africa.
- Creating mid and long-term strategies for the ITJA products.
- Provide strategic guidance to ICTJ staff on messaging around the ITJA to ensure that their communications advance the goals of the Initiative and are consistent with ICTJ’s messaging and image.
- Provide strategic advice to ICTJ staff on effective communication practices for ITJA events including developing promotional and visibility materials for the event, media engagement, and post event reporting.
- Develop the digital communication strategy around the ITJA and define new creative and innovative strategies that increase ITJA’s visibility.
- In collaboration with the communications team, develop new strategies for print and digital release, distribution, and dissemination of publications and design long-term strategies that help ensure their future use and long-term relevance.
Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
Education: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or another related field or the equivalent. Relevant master’s degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum of seven years’ relevant professional work experience in journalism or nonprofit communications. Project management experience required, ideally in a global nonprofit setting. Demonstrated experience with developing and implementing communications strategies. Knowledge of international human rights or transitional justice issues preferred.
Related Skills or Knowledge
- Interest in human rights, transitional justice, and/or international justice.
- A highly motivated and innovative team player with a demonstrated ability to craft and implement effective communication strategies.
- Well versed in navigating the fast-changing global communications environment, with a proven track record of building and sustaining engaged international audiences across multiple channels.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Substantial international media relationships and experience.
- Demonstrated record of designing and implementing effective communication strategies.
- Significant experience as a member of a highly collaborative team, including experience coordinating with staff members in multiple offices in different time zones and collaboratively planning and implementing projects.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, including time management and prioritization skills.
- The ability to work quickly, creatively, and effectively under pressure and as part of a globally diverse team.
- Fluent spoken and written English and French is required. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Arabic is a strong advantage.
How to apply
Please complete the application form for the position HERE.
Selected candidates may be required to complete a short, written test at the end of their interview.
Online or in person interviews will take place in September 2024.
The foreseen start date is 1 October 2024. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.