Communications Manager, Francophone West Africa

Are you passionate about making a difference in the fight against global poverty? We are looking for a dynamic and dedicated Communications Manager to join our team in Francophone West Africa (FWA). In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful communication efforts in both English and French to amplify our mission and reach across the region. This position is an integral part of our Global Communications Team but will be based in our FWA office, serving as a crucial liaison between the global team and regional operations. The Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in crafting strategic communications geared towards conveying IPA research to non-academic audiences, particularly focusing on engaging policy stakeholders. Furthermore, you will lead the development of communication materials and drive initiatives aimed at bolstering IPA's regional presence. 

Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include: 

• Facilitating the translation and adaptation of global communication guidance, tools, and materials into French, tailored to the local context.
• Creating communication materials, such as project summaries, briefs, presentations, and data visualizations, in both English and French, to make rigorous research accessible to non-academic audiences, especially policymakers.
• Developing communication materials in French to showcase IPA FWA's work and impact in the region. This includes creating presentation decks for potential partners and stakeholders, crafting fundraising pitch materials, and producing various French-language materials highlighting IPA FWA's achievements.
• Collaborating with the FWA team to maintain FWA-related website content and develop, write, update, and upload French content to IPA's website and social media channels.
• Providing comprehensive support for planning, coordinating, and executing events, both virtual and in-person, to promote our organization's work and research.
• Identifying and mapping media outlets to uncover potential partnerships and engagement prospects, while also overseeing the implementation of communication products for media placement.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate for this position is a French speaker with strong written communication skills in both French and English.
• They possess a background in communications, preferably in an academic or international development nonprofit setting, and are enthusiastic about conveying research findings to policymakers.
• Familiarity with rigorous research methods, including randomized control trials, is desirable.
• Key qualifications include attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and hands-on experience in managing various communication products. 
• Undergraduate degree in Communications, Economics, Public Policy, or related fields; Master’s Degree preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in development communications, with a strong interest in research and data translation.
• Familiarity with RCTs is a plus. 
• Native French speaker with fluency in both written and oral English.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong understanding of the local cultural context in Francophone West Africa, enabling the adaptation of global communication strategies to resonate with regional audiences.
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and Google Workspace. 
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn).
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud programs (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop), Canva, or other design software is a plus.
• The ability to establish and nurture strong relationships with regional media outlets, journalists, and influencers to facilitate media partnerships, coverage, and engagement opportunities is a plus. 

Reports To: Senior Policy Communications Manager, Global Communications Desired 

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: Applicants must be able to work onsite based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire