The Graça Machel Trust works across the continent on three issues: women’s rights, children’s rights, and governance and leadership. They catalyse action, support local initiatives, lend solidarity and offer support where it is needed. They connect people and groups that should know each other and work together; and engage both publicly and behind the scenes with power brokers to strengthen, multiply, and amplify the voices of African women and children. Their work through networks and collaborations, and incubate and create new initiatives where there are gaps.

Their mission is to amplify women’s movements, influence governance, and promote women’s contributions and leadership in the economic, social, and political development of Africa; and advocate for the protection of children’s rights and dignity.

The Trust is currently looking for a creative and forward-thinking Communications Director to be part of a vibrant team that is committed to promoting the rights of women and children in Africa.

The Director of Communications will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and is expected to travel as required.

Culture

The Trust hires people who are passionate, smart, curious, and dedicated to carrying out the mission of the Trust established by the Founder and the Trustees. The culture is continually evolving, blending values from the past and present while infusing passion and a vision for the future. Their staff is committed to participate in something bigger than themselves in doing the work of the Trust—that means teamwork, collaboration, attention to detail and entrepreneurship are highly valued. In turn, the Trust provides employees with the independence they need to flourish, foster professional development, and that empowers Trust people to learn by undertaking new projects and learn by interacting with one another. Their staff does find themselves challenged and stretched; they also find themselves part of an organization that is working to enable women and children reach their full potential.

Reporting Relationship

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Communications drives the internal and external communication of the organisation. She/he oversees the communications activities of the Office of the Founder, programmes, and networks in all the countries where the Trust works. The Director will manage a small team and should be flexible to advise on or supervise other projects as needed. This individual is responsible for managing the public image of the Trust and aligns public activities in a manner that is consistent with the mission, and vision, of the Trust. This leader has frequent contact with Trust partners, staff and consultants. The Director will also have regular contact with public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic stakeholders.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of the communications strategy for 2014 to 2017.
Support the Trust’s programmes and networks to develop public messages that can be used for various audiences in business and public sectors.
Support the communications plans of the women’s networks in the targeted countries, particularly assist the networks with branding, media relations, and content dissemination.
Oversee the establishment and coordination of the network of Women in the Media and supervise the Network Coordinator.
Develop and drive media advocacy campaigns to promote the work of the Trust.
Develop effective working relationships with civil society, government officials, development partners, multilateral agencies, private sector, and other key stakeholders to promote the Trust.
Advise and support the Office of the Founder on media relations, including developing messages, writing and placing opinion pieces in the media, media planning, and monitoring.
Ensure that the Trust has a strong online presence, including the generation of content and measurement of its impact.
Manage development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, and e-newsletters.
Manage all media contacts.
Provide mentorship to the Trust’s communications internship programme.
Lead fundraising for communications activities.
Create, manage and regularly report on activities and budgets for different aspects of the Communications.

Profile

Requirements

The successful candidate will be a tested leader with a track record of success in a dynamic, mission driven environment with a history of leading communications and campaign development work.
A minimum of a Masters degree in the social sciences, marketing, public relations or related fields.
A good understanding of the multilateral environment and international organizations in general;
Strong experience in representing and influencing high-level decision-makers.
Solid experience working in the development and humanitarian sector in Africa, including experience that addresses policies and strategies in poverty eradication, education, health and/or women’s empowerment.
Experience networking and building partnerships with a range of individuals and organizations in the same field of work.
A forward-thinking, solutions-focused individual with a strong work ethic, as well as an energetic, imaginative, and passionate approach to work.
A strategic thinker, able to conceive, develop and implement new and existing strategies.
Strong planning, project and partnership management and diplomacy skills.
Familiarity with trends and reporting for public, private and philanthropic programmes and grants.
Strong communication and writing abilities in English with ability to produce clear precise and focused strategy documents, reports, policy notes, briefings, speeches for technical and policy settings.
Understanding of Portuguese or French would constitute an additional asset.

Note: This portfolio involves international travelling.

How to Apply

Since the Graca Machel Trust has requested KM Global Consulting with the recruitment for the Director of Communications, all applications must be sent directly to info@kmglobalconsult.com stating GMT-DC-RSA