Communications and Engagement Director

This position can be based out of the WRI Nairobi, WRI Ethiopia, WRI DC- US, WRI Mexico, WRI Colombia, WRI Brazil, WRI the Netherlands or WRI UK offices. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission for the country office designated. WRI is not able to sponsor work authorization for this position.

About the Program:

WRI in Africa works to bring about inclusive transformation so Africa’s people and landscapes flourish. We generate actionable knowledge across the three strategic pillars of vital landscapes, thriving and resilient cities, and institutional and economic transformation. Our work in Africa is guided by a region-wide strategy led by a vice president and regional director based in Nairobi, Kenya. We maintain a regional hub office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.

https://www.wri.org/wri-africa

Job Highlight:   As the Director of Communications and Engagement for WRI Africa, you will lead all engagement and communications work to increase WRI Africa's visibility and influence on environmental and development issues. You will work to enrich and implement the WRI Africa communications strategy, strengthen external stakeholder relationships, and provide strategic outreach guidance to program leadership and staff.

You will be supported by other program and communications staff working in Africa. You will also work closely with WRI’s Core Communications Team to coordinate outreach and identify opportunities.

You will report to the Managing Director, Africa and Global Partnerships.

What you will do:

Position WRI Africa as a thought leader

• Help elevate the profile of WRI’s Africa Director, leaders and experts and provide strategic communication guidance to WRI’s Africa Director and other staff.
• Use communications and engagement to contribute to the success of WRI’s strategy in Africa and advance the institute’s mission and strengthen its reputation.
• Strengthen the brand identity of WRI Africa with all stakeholders and increase the visibility of our work with government partners, knowledge and implementation partners, donors, peers, and other relevant audiences.

Manage media relations

• Build and nurture long-term relationships with media and other stakeholders in large media hubs in Africa.
• Connect African reporters with WRI experts and coordinate media opportunities with the communication team worldwide, distribute WRI reports and analyses, host media briefings, and respond to breaking news.

Enhance WRI Africa’s social media presence

• Write and edit content for social media
• Design campaigns around WRI Africa work to increase visibility and engagement
• Regularly track and evaluate metrics of success and adapt strategies to grow and improve

Write/edit content for various platforms

• Draft and edit communications materials including articles and web content.
• Work with WRI research, program, and communications teams within WRI Africa to ensure our research is communicated to our key audiences in a relevant, timely, and understandable manner.

What you will need:

• Education: You have a completed Masters's degree in communications, journalism, public policy, history, politics, economics, environmental studies or a related field, with experience or established interest in sustainable development and climate action.

• Experience: Minimum of 15+ years of full-time relevant professional experience working in public relations or communications on development, climate, energy, forests, or broader environmental issues; experience as a journalist is welcome.

• International experience or prior work in a global non-profit or multilateral organization with 5+ years in a leadership position is required.

• Understanding of African policy issues at the nexus of global development and environment, as well as the institutional dynamics and key players in African research, government, business, trade associations, and media.

• You have established media contacts in leading African media outlets and a good sense of the media landscape.

• You have an understanding of Africa’s development opportunities, the political economy of the African continent, and development partners.

• You have experience preparing written materials in English with a clear sense of how to communicate to diverse audiences.

• You have experience with coordination and delivery of communications strategies, messaging, audience targeting, media pitching, and other outreach.

• Experience in successfully managing social media profiles and integrated campaigns.

• Languages: You are proficient in English. Proficiency in French is desirable.

• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

Potential Salary:  Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

How to Apply:   Please submit a resume with a cover letter by the date of 27 October. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Long-term commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure

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About Us:**

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.