The Senior Communications Officer coordinates and supports International Crisis Group’s media outreach in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the aim of increasing coverage – in English and French – of Crisis Group’s analysis and policy recommendations on conflict-related issues. Working with a highly professional team of conflict research analysts, the Communications Officer will be expected to use innovative approaches to promote and disseminate Crisis Group’s work.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an Africa Program communications strategy, including targeted campaigns, in close coordination with the program director, Africa and liaising with Crisis Group’s communications teams;

• In collaboration with the communications team in Brussels, lead in designing and implementing communication plans for the launch of Crisis Group reports and other publications, with a strong focus on English and French language audiences in Africa;

• Build and maintain a strong network of local and international journalists based in Africa;

• Write op-eds, press statements and other external media materials;

• Produce or help with the production of audio-visual content – e.g. videos, podcasts, photographs and photo essays;

• Create and implement multi-channel social media campaigns and help develop the capacity of program staff to enhance their own social media profiles;

• Organise local media events, including around launches of Crisis Group publications, looking after logistics as well as outreach to journalists.

Requirements include:

• University qualification in communications, journalism, international relations, politics, economics, or a similar subject;

• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in communications, including the development and implementation of communications and media plans;

• Demonstrated experience of building relationships and effectively working with broadcast and print media;

• Demonstrated experience in the production and placement of audio-visual materials for a variety of media and social media channels;

• Excellent verbal and written fluency in French and English;

• Knowledge of African conflict issues and contemporary political affairs is desirable;

• Experience of living or working in Africa is a plus;

• Excellent interpersonal relations and available for regular travel.