Title: Communications & Marketing Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

The African Crane Conservation Programme (ACCP) is a cooperation between the International Crane Foundation (ICF) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). This partnership works across sub-Saharan Africa to maintain stable or growing wild populations of the four threatened crane species: Wattled, Blue, Grey Crowned, and Black Crowned Cranes. We achieve this through conservation actions that effectively reduce threats to the species and their habitats, and through working closely with local communities and key local, national, and global stakeholders. We provide tools and support to empower individuals, community groups, and local partner organisations to manage catchments for the benefit of both people and cranes, ensuring that conservation is mainstreamed into local decision-making and practices for sustainable species and habitat conservation impacts. The ICF/EWT Partnership currently has three regional hubs across Africa, located in South Africa, Zambia, and Uganda, and will be expanding into West / Central Africa.

We are looking for an experienced, dynamic, committed and detail-orientated person to fill the position of Communications and Marketing Specialist who will guide and coordinate communication and marketing programmes across all regions that we work in Africa, under the guidance and support of the External Affairs Director.

Purpose of the Position

This position is responsible for assisting the Director of External Affairs to develop a communications/marketing/media relations strategy for the International Crane Foundation’s Africa Region, with a focus on Zambia, East Africa and South Africa. The position will also work closely with ICF’s partner, the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

Duties will include:

Assist the Director of External Affairs to implement the local media relations strategy at the International Crane Foundation’s Africa Region, working in Zambia, East Africa and South Africa.
Coordinate and manage media interviews, speaking engagements, press conferences, and press coverage as assigned, and assist and mentor the African Crane Conservation Program (ACCP) team in these areas.

• Work collaboratively with the Director of External Affairs to create external marketing materials and communications initiatives that support and enhance ICF’s brand message and image.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of External Affairs to establish and maintain editorial, graphic, and branding standards for all ICF communications/materials.
• Responsible for building relations with traditional/digital media outlets throughout Africa.
• Assist staff with local media interviews, media preparation and support internal communications.
• Support the Digital Communications Program Manager by providing stories and initiatives to be shared on social media and the ICF website.
• Working collaboratively with the ICF and EWT communications teams, support the Africa team with event communications.
• Work with the ACCP Team to coordinate needs for a photographer or videographer to take photos and videos as part of their program activities. Manage the contract with the photographer or videographer and ensure scheduling of photo/video shoots works with the ACCP Team.
• Mentor Communications/Marketing Intern as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field required.
• Three (3) to five (5) or more years of communication and organizational writing experience.
• Knowledge in public relations, marketing strategies, advertising, and internal communications. Experience in NGO’s a plus. Experience working for a conservation NGO a plus.
• Proficient in English grammar.
• Natural storyteller with excellent speaking, writing, and editing skills. Able to easily distill messages into believable, actionable content.
• Ability to quickly build trust and influence with leaders and collaborators at all levels.
• Experience designing digitized images, and other graphics; and/or working with a graphic designer to create ads.
• Ability to plan and organize multiple tasks while working as part of a team.
• Ability to relate well to people from diverse ethnic/cultural and educational backgrounds and to craft messages as such in an informative and innovative manner.
• Skilled use of Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Outlook; basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel, media relations and photo sharing sites.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to deal with the public, media, and staff in a courteous and professional manner.