Communications Consultant, Office of the MD, Africa and Global Partnerships
World Resources Institute
Marketing & Communications, Sales & Business Development
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted on Aug 22, 2024
Communications Consultant, Office of the MD, Africa and Global Partnerships
RFP DESCRIPTION:
The World Resources Institute intends to award a cost-reimbursable contract to a Communications Consultant. This is a 6-month, part-time contract. Your services will be required for 2 days every week. You will be based in Nairobi.
About the Program:
The World Resources Institute cannot achieve the changes we seek in the world, alone. This is why we work with partners who complement our perspectives and extend our reach. These partners can be individuals, organizations, multilateral institutions, businesses, academics and governments. We enter into partnerships as a way of growing our knowledge base and capacity, and we aim to support our partners with ideas, data and resources. We don’t just seek to make WRI stronger, we want to make the ecosystem better. By doing this, we expand the ecosystem for change.
Role Overview
In this new role, you will support one of the boldest voices in the environment and development community, Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships (MD), as communications strategist and writer. You will support the MD in all aspects of their external communications, building upon their existing global profile and relationships.
Your strong strategic communications and writing skills, global perspective and existing media connections will be crucial for this role. You should be familiar with issues in the environment, economics, and sustainable development. Your experience working in an international context and sensitivity to the values and behavior of people from different backgrounds and cultures will be essential. You will be held to the highest standard in representing and upholding WRI’s core values and always help to ensure that the MD’s communications align with our overall mission and goals.
Strategic Communications and Speechwriting (80%):
- Oversee external writing for the MD, including drafting and reviewing articles, commentaries and op-eds, press statements, quotes, and related products
- Develop compelling speeches and presentations for the MD’s external engagements, speaking events and meetings
- Evaluate and manage speaking opportunities and proactively seek out new speaking events to raise the profile of the MD and WRI broadly, while ensuring alignment between executives
- Develop strong relationships with members of the media, seek out new media opportunities and manage media requests for the MD. Oversee preparation and talking points for all media interviews
- Manage the MD’s social media presence to expand their thought leadership, global reach and influence. Oversee public content for the MD, including digital assets, videos, podcasts, photos, and other products
Stakeholder Engagement (20%):
- Develop and implement an influence strategy for the MD to engage with key decision makers and stakeholders
- Map influence targets for the MD to build relationships, maintain a working knowledge of the MD’s relationships with key decision makers and their staff, and set up meetings in line with the strategy
What will you need:
Education: You have completed a Bachelors degree
Experience:
- You have 10+ years of experience in a communications role, preferably at a non-profit or mission-based organizations
- Experience working in a global setting and understanding of work in global markets
- Proven leadership and track record of carrying out high-level communications strategies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including strong writing, editing, speechwriting and proofreading abilities
- Strong grasp of media relations strategy; understanding of print, broadcast, and online media; and proven track record of securing high level placement of stories and quotes in top media outlets
- Ability to understand and quickly synthesize complex ideas
- Familiarity with digital channels and strategies
- Ability to project a positive image for the MD and the organization
- Proven ability to ensure quality control of external information
- Ability to communicate in clear, persuasive, concise ways with team members and senior management
- Work well under pressure and handle stressful situations. Excellent, creative problem-solving skills
- Language: Proficiency in verbal and written English, with French as an added advantage
Evaluation and Selection:
For consideration, submit a cover letter indicating your fee, and resume demonstrating the extent to which your qualifications fulfil WRI’s stated requirements as set out above.
Compliance Requirements: WRI receives funding from a variety of sources, including governments and other non-governmental organisations. In addition to WRI’s standard contract terms, certain funder conditions may apply.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and a cover letter by 12th September 2024. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
WRI Overview
World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organisation that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.
We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills, and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyse change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect.
The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environmental and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.
We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years, and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries.
WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.
