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Communications Manager – Zizi Afrique Foundation
About Zizi Afrique Foundation
Zizi Afrique Foundation (ZAF), established in 2018 as a nonprofit operating in Kenya and East Africa, envisions a world where all children and youth thrive in education. ZAF’s mission centers on consolidating evidence, fostering innovative solutions, and influencing policy and practice to equip children and youth with essential competencies. Her accomplishments include benefiting 48,000 children with foundational literacy and numeracy, training over 20,000 youth through partnerships with TVETs, and engaging 45,000 adolescents in life skills research. Guided by the challenges of limited learning despite schooling, youth unemployment, and crowded interventions, ZAF’s 2025 strategy comprises three pillars: research and evidence, policy/advocacy, and innovations for improved practice. The research and evidence pillar focuses on compiling and utilizing evidence to inform policy, while the advocacy pillar engages stakeholders in prioritizing competencies and accountability.
Scope of work
The Manager – Communications will provide strategic leadership and oversight in positioning Zizi Afrique Foundation as a thought leader in education transformation, foundational learning, and youth skills development. The role will enhance the organization’s visibility, reputation, and influence through effective communication, brand management, storytelling, and digital engagement. Working closely with the team and in collaboration with all pillars, the Manager will ensure coherence, consistency, and quality in all corporate and program communications. The role will strengthen Zizi Afrique’s public voice, support policy influence, and drive evidence-based narratives that inspire action and partnerships for systems change.
Specific roles and responsibilities (Not limited to);
- Lead the development and implementation of Zizi Afrique’s Communication and Brand Strategy in alignment with its Strategic Plan and organizational values.
- Strengthen Zizi Afrique’s institutional identity, visibility, and brand positioning locally, regionally, and globally.
- Provide strategic communication advice to leadership and technical teams to ensure coherent messaging and positioning.
- Oversee the design and dissemination of communication assets that reflect Zizi Afrique’s purpose and professionalism.
- Ensure compliance with corporate brand guidelines and visual standards across all communication outputs.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to enhance media visibility and public dialogue.
- Coordinate media engagement plans and campaigns that promote Zizi Afrique’s work, learning outcomes, and policy messages.
- Draft and oversee the dissemination of press releases, media kits, opinion pieces, and feature articles.
- Represent Zizi Afrique at high-level public forums, conferences, and events to amplify organizational voice and influence.
- Lead media monitoring, analysis, and reporting to measure communication reach and impact.
- Oversee Zizi Afrique’s digital platforms (website, social media, and newsletters) to ensure timely and engaging content delivery.
- Lead digital storytelling initiatives that translate research, data, and learning outcomes into compelling multimedia formats.
- Ensure visibility and accessibility of Zizi Afrique’s knowledge products and thought leadership outputs.
- Use analytics and audience insights to refine digital strategies and increase engagement.
- Promote consistent use of digital tools to enhance organizational knowledge sharing and learning visibility
- Oversee development of high-quality communication and knowledge materials including reports, blogs, case studies, and videos.
- Guide internal communication to enhance organizational cohesion and staff engagement.
- Support documentation of program achievements, evidence, and learning for internal and external use.
- Provide editorial and quality assurance support for all organizational publications.
- Build team capacity in storytelling, documentation, and evidence-based communication.
- Supervise and mentor the Communications, Documentation and Digital Content officers.
- Manage relationships with creative agencies, designers, and consultants to deliver impactful communication outputs.
- Collaborate with advocacy and program teams to design joint campaigns, public dialogues, and media collaborations.
- Contribute to fundraising and resource mobilization through communication materials and donor engagement content.
- Strengthen cross-pillar communication integration and build systems that support efficient information flow and visibility.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, Marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in communications and marketing roles, preferably within the education, NGO, advocacy, or development sector.
- Proven expertise in brand management, media relations, digital communication, and strategic storytelling.
- Demonstrated experience in leading communication teams and managing diverse stakeholders.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills, with a strong ability to distill complex ideas into clear and compelling messages.
- Proficiency in digital communication tools, analytics, and design software.
- Sound understanding of best practices across major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and other data visualization or graphic design tools is an added advantage.
- Outstanding communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills across diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated integrity, transparency, and accountability in professional practice.
- Innovative thinker with an agile, future-oriented mindset and a passion for learning transformation.
- Strong alignment with Zizi Afrique’s mission, vision, and commitment to education transformation.
Work environment and compensation
- ZAF offers a very competitive package that includes a family medical cover, pension scheme, annual leave of 25 working days, and
other benefits. - The position will be based in Nairobi, with a physical office and flexible work-from-home possibilities and occasional travels to the
project areas. - The job is often not an 8 am – 5 pm job. The job has flexibility, and is also demanding, requiring high skills of work-life balance, and
a strong sense of responsibility. - Work hours – Minimum of 40 hours per week.
- Experience is needed to work in a self-driven and ambitious, fast – paced environment, carrying the heavy responsibility of
delivering the mission and vision of ZAF.
Applications for this role closed on Friday, 21st November 2025