350.org Africa is looking for an experienced, skilled and energetic Regional Communications Coordinator. This position will be based in Johannesburg but may involve travel within the region and internationally as needed.
This role is about bringing 350.org’s work to life for audiences across Africa; working with the mainstream and digital media in various countries (with special focus on South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya) about our campaigns, to ultimately improve the lives of the poorest people who are often the worst affected by climate change.
We want to put massive pressure on governments and energy producers to stop fossil fuel projects and invest in sustainable energy. You will play an important role in this, by helping us raise awareness of the impacts of climate change across the African region; empowering, mobilising and building solidarity amongst people of different cultures and backgrounds; and ultimately by making sure that the voices of the poorest, most affected communities are heard by decision makers in their countries and across the world.
You would report to 350.org’s Global Communications Manager, and work closely with regional campaigners and organisers and country volunteer teams alongside partners in civil society in order to develop African campaigns to mobilise the people on the streets. You will be the team expert providing day-to-day advice on relationships with the media and public relations, and provide communications support to country and regional teams. You will be supported by the African team as well as the 350.org global communications team.
We are looking for someone who can brief pan-African media, handle press around major direct actions, write inspiring press releases and editorials, live and breathe traditional media, train activists and leaders across the network in communications, and create great content that will engage a variety of audiences with our campaigns. Above all, you should be a people person, able to build and maintain productive relationships with partner organisations and the media.
This is a fast-paced environment and you’ll be expected to cover a lot of issues across a lot of countries. From writing a press release in the middle of an action to coordinating media campaigns with dozens of partners, we need someone who is enthusiastic, dynamic, creative, can play for the team and keep a cool head when it gets busy.
- 3-5 years of experience in a communications position for an agency, NGO or political campaign including working in a press office.
- A good network of connections with journalists, especially those covering climate, energy, and the environment across Africa and with a focus on South Africa.
- An exceptional communicator in English with a passion for language and a flair for writing and editing content for various media and audiences.
- A people-person who can build relationships with members of the press and the350.org staff and volunteer network.
- An understanding of regional and country-level media landscapes, including key publications and outlets for environmental and climate change related news.
- Willingness to be available non-traditional hours as needed to ensure results.
- Willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice.
- Creative communicator and problem solver who can regularly generate news hooks and campaign ideas.
- Experience working with and managing projects, teams, and volunteers.
- Proficiency maintaining spreadsheets and databases, strong email communication, comfortable working remotely with colleagues in multiple time-zones via Skype, conference calls, and other online tools.
- Experience and competency working in multicultural groups.
Desired (but not required) skills and experience:
- Experience working on political campaigns or similarly fast-paced operations.
- Experience leading communication trainings and/or coaching spokespeople and media liaisons.
- Familiarity with running PR and communications for large-scale events or protests.
- Content development - tech & design skills (e.g. design, video editing) and/or the ability to manage developers of multimedia content.
- Proficiency in French / African languages.