Regional Communications Associate

Job Title: Regional Communications Associate

Department: Programmes

Location: Onsite in SIHA Countries of operation/Remote for candidates out of countries of operation

Duration and Type of contract: 12 months

Reports to: Regional Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

Line manager: Regional Director

Supervises: N/A

Job Summary:

The Regional Communications Associate will support the Regional Communications Coordinator in advancing SIHA’s communication and advocacy goals within the countries where SIHA operates. This role requires exceptional organizational, writing, editorial, and design skills, along with the ability to research and synthesize feminist issues and information at both the Greater Horn of Africa (GHOA) and international levels. The ideal candidate will contribute to developing impactful communications materials that align with SIHA’s mission and advocacy priorities.

Key responsibilities:

Communications related tasks

• Support the development of communication and knowledge products such as newsletters, press statements, and other publications, and ensure that they are aptly posted on appropriate platforms.
• Ensure quality standards for all written materials by assisting in research, proofreading, and editing.
• Highlight the impact of SIHA Network’s work through gathering of success and feature stories that are in tune with women and girls’ rights and other related contemporary issues in the region.
• Ensure all content aligns with SIHA’s feminist values and strategic goals.

Advocacy tasks

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of advocacy campaigns and events at the international, regional and country level.
• Support the overall coordination and effective implementation of SIHA Network’s advocacy and communications strategy

Digital and Online Marketing

• Responsible for creative writing and frequent posting of new and compelling content on all of SIHA Network’s social media platforms
• Support the development and execution of social media campaigns across all major platforms to increase engagement, drive traffic, and enhance brand visibility.
• Interact with SIHA Network’s followers (netizens) on all web platforms by answering questions, mediating conversations and fulfilling information requests in a prompt and timely manner.
• Contribute to the identification and adoption of emerging and innovative trends by keeping abreast with new digital technologies and communiqué trends.
• Support the organization of online events on platforms like Zoom and Teams, ensuring smooth execution from start to finish.

Logistical and Administrative Tasks

• Maintain an organized archive of all communication and advocacy related materials including publications, activity photos and media assets.
• Prepare and submit budget requests in the system, ensuring timely approval and tracking of status.
• Ensure service providers deliver as agreed and facilitate timely payments by coordinating with the projects and finance teams.
• Provide administrative support to the Regional Communications Coordinator as needed.

Membership Coordination Tasks

• Be an active member of SIHA Network’s Membership Coordinator Committee that functions as the liaison between the organisation and its members by attending committee meetings and working on delegated tasks.
• Devise and implement regular advocacy and communication initiatives that keep members informed about the SIHA Network’s work, members’ interventions/updates, and emerging resources and opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Educational background: Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Graphics design, and experience in gender equality and women’s rights advocacy as added advantages.
• Experience: At least 3-4 years of experience in communications, writing, or editorial work.
• Writing and editing: Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
• Design skills: Experience in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) is an added advantage.
• Research ability: Strong skills in researching and synthesizing feminist and advocacy-related information.
• Audio-visual production: Experience in capturing high-quality photos and video clips, including editing them, is a plus.
• Organizational skills: Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Feminist perspective: Knowledge of feminist discourse and gender advocacy at the regional and international levels.
• Technical proficiency: Proven experience in organizing and managing online events (Zoom, Teams, etc.) and familiarity with content management systems such as Microsoft 365 and WordPress.
• Digital Advocacy: Solid experience and familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) and other digital marketing tools.
• Language skills: Fluency in English (oral and written); additional regional languages such as Arabic, Somali and or Amharic are a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Creativity and a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to SIHA’s mission and feminist principles.