Call for Applications: Communications Officer

Background and Rationale
AfricTivistes is the network of changemakers from across the continent and its diaspora working to promote and defend democratic values, human rights and good governance through digital and new technologies. AfricTivistes was founded in November 2013 to connect changemakers across Africa and contribute to practical, appropriate solutions to the major problems holding back the continent’s development and unity.
AfricTivistes is committed to taking part, directly or indirectly, in processes of political and social change. It runs and leads development projects and initiatives that involve citizens in democratic processes. It develops strategies to monitor political leaders, and to have them monitored, in their actions and in the delivery of their promises, so as to encourage transparency and good governance. It is a showcase for augmented citizenship in Africa.
As a dynamic organisation spanning all African countries, AfricTivistes focuses on consolidating democracy, not only within each country but also, and above all, at continental level. By consolidating democracy, we mean any action that moves towards genuine democracy, participatory democracy, cyber-democracy, e-governance and a firmly rooted democratic culture in our respective countries.
This call for applications is issued to recruit a communications specialist, with particular expertise in digital communication. Web journalism skills are a strong advantage.
Objectives
Through this call for applications, AfricTivistes will recruit a Communications Officer to coordinate communication around the organisation’s activities and projects.
Contract Duration
The contract between the successful candidate and AfricTivistes will run for twelve (12) months, including a two-month probationary period. The contract is renewable.
Call for Applications
Eligibility
Any communications specialist, particularly in digital communication, who accepts the conditions set out below by AfricTivistes may apply.
Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience in communications and digital professions.
They must have a good knowledge and command of the issues related to AfricTivistes’ areas of work (consolidating democracy, good governance, etc.) and of its core areas of expertise, namely:
- Designing and delivering high-value, youth-focused projects
- Digital advocacy for rights and freedoms
- Leadership, civic engagement and social transformation
- Mobilisation on issues of public interest
- Promoting and developing digital content
- Developing and rolling out digital communication and advocacy strategies to strengthen freedom of expression and access to information
- Content production for web projects
Skills
The successful candidate must have a solid grounding in digital communication and journalism. They must:
- Have strong journalistic writing skills
- Have experience of writing for the web
- Be able to monitor social media and the media on the topics covered by AfricTivistes
- Have advanced web research skills
- Know how to use digital production tools (Canva, WordPress, Photoshop, etc.)
- Understand digital issues
- Have a thorough command of the web and social media
- Be familiar with web data research and processing software
Required Qualities
Applicants must have a proven interest in the issues AfricTivistes works on, as well as:
- Punctuality and good time management
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Availability
- Ability to work in a team
- Rigour and attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- A strong taste for in-depth work
- Good interpersonal skills
- Enjoyment of teamwork
- Excellent general knowledge, particularly of the African continent
- Command of French; English is an asset
- Initiative
- Ability to lead a team of professionals
Application File
The application file, to be submitted via the form, must include:
- A cover letter addressed to the President of AfricTivistes
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Three samples of written work, including multimedia work
- An example of a digital campaign you have led
- At least three referees and their contact details
Please complete the form to submit your application. Only applications submitted via the form will be considered.
Please send any questions to rh@africtivistes.org.
Selection Process
The call for applications opens on Thursday 1 June 2023. Interested candidates have until Tuesday 20 June 2023 at 23:59 GMT to apply. A panel made up of members of AfricTivistes’ Core Team and administrative office will screen the applications and carry out the selection and interviews.
The successful candidate will take up the post on 3 July 2023.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. AfricTivistes guarantees equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or marital status.


