Overview

It's hard to believe that today 844 million people do not have clean water and 2.3 billion do not have a decent toilet - around one in three of the world's population. Every two minutes, a child under five dies from diarrheal diseases caused by poor water and sanitation.

WaterAid is looking for a Regional Communications Manager to play a vital role in our mission to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere by 2030.

Key responsibilities include:

The post holder will be responsible for creating and leading a regional communications strategy that focuses on and maximises key moments to influence and elevate attention to the water, sanitation and hygiene crisis in East Africa and internationally.

The role will identify which communications channels are most likely to reach the target audience and maximise impact through effective messaging and timing. The post holder will be responsible for driving higher profile and more effective media engagement and coordinating social media and digital work with the objective of building awareness of the issues of water, sanitation and hygiene and WaterAid's role in helping to deliver SDG6.

The person will also build relationships with influential journalists and media outlets and support colleagues in the region in strategic communications work.

To be successful, you'll need the following:

• Degree in relevant discipline, preferably a Master Degree in Communications
• Minimum of ten years working in a media and communications role with at least five managing other people.
• Ability to lead on the effective, strategic roll out of a communications strategy that is able to maximise opportunities and influence change
• Demonstrable experience of writing and leading communications strategies and using insight and analytics to determine priorities
• Strong, proven experience of working with journalists, preferably around development issues.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to empower and enable communications teams
• Proven experience of using multiple channels - print and digital - as tools for engagement, influencing and fundraising. Proven experience of acting as an organizational spokesperson, experience of giving media interviews and briefings
• Excellent written and editorial skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to write tailored, effective content for specific audiences
• Experience of delivering communications training to different groups of people
• Excellent command of English and a strong ability to work in spoken and written Swahili
• Good knowledge and understanding of development issues and WASH issues in particular

We started because no NGO like us existed. We'll end when no organisation like us is needed. In the meantime, we're making great progress - since 1981, we have reached 25 million people with clean water and, since 2004, 24 million people with sanitation.

We're looking for people who share a commitment to our vision. We're looking for people with an appreciation and respect for different people and ideas, and the energy and expertise to help tackle the most important challenges. In return, you can expect to get inspiration from the change you help make happen, a sense of belonging and the feeling of being part of a global community. You will also experience stimulation and fulfilment, the chance to grow, and space to be yourself at your best. This is our pledge to you.

Click on 'Apply' to download the job description.

How to apply:

If you are interested in the position and have the right skills and attributes, please send your CV and cover letter to EArecruitments@wateraid.org stating WAEAR RCM in the subject line. Important note: Please indicate in your cover letter (two pages maximum) your experience and what your actual role was in the following competency areas:

• Proven experience working in a media and communications role.
• Proven ability to develop, lead and manage a communications strategy to maximize opportunities and influence change.
• Proven experience of using multiple channels for advocacy & fundraising
• Strong, proven experience of working with journalists on development.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to build capacities of senior leaders in communications and public relationship building.

WaterAid is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We particularly encourage applications from women who are underrepresented at this level in the organisation.

WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff and volunteers are required to share in this commitment through our Global Code of Conduct. We will conduct the most appropriate preemployment references and checks to ensure high standards are maintained.

WaterAid is an equal opportunities, disability-confident employer and committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, fairness and equality.

Only candidates shortlisted for interviewing will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date for applications.

No recruitment agencies please.