Job Opening: Communication Officer

The Communication Officer will play a pivotal role in amplifying AfaLab's visibility and advancing its mission through impactful communication strategies. This role offers an exciting opportunity to implement a communication strategy designed to raise awareness about AfaLab and its work, particularly as 2025 has been named the year for “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, making it a critical year for racial justice advocacy.

Core Responsibilities:

I)   Analytical Abilities 

•  Review research reports and distilling key insights into accessible, visually appealing and impactful messaging.
• Track traditional and social media to identify relevant articles, events, or reports, analyse their impact on the organization, and inform strategy.

II)   Content Creation & Graphic Design 

• Develop and implement an editorial calendar for the organization's regular communications, including managing and updating the organization's website and social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Newsletter).
• Plan and ensure the communication coverage of the organization’s events, reports/projects in collaboration with the team.
• Measure, analyse and report on effectiveness of social media content and strategy to improve the organization social media presence and engagement. 
• Create cross-platform content outputs which achieve the organization’s advocacy and campaign's goals.

III)  Media Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists to increase media coverage of AfaLab’s activities and advocacy efforts.
• Develop and update a press/media database.
• Draft press releases and manage a press rollout from start to finish.

• Education: Master's degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, political science, or a related area.
•  Experience: 3 to 5 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, or a related field.
•  Languages: Excellent command of English (C1 spoken and written) with a good command of French (writing and speaking proficiency required).
•  Knowledge: Familiarity with racial justice topics and current global advocacy trends.

  Technical Skills:

• Exceptional writing skills with the ability to craft clear and impactful content.
• Strong sense of aesthetics and design.
• Proficiency with software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite(InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Canva.
• Basic video and photo editing skills. 

  Organizational Competencies:

• Effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Adapt to shifting priorities and organizational needs with strong self-organization skills
• Ability to work independently in remote locations while collaborating in occasional team meetings.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse partners.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace.
• Travel Requirements: Willing to attend events and meetings, with travel up to 20%. 

What We Are Looking For:

We seek a colleague who:

• Thrives in a small, dynamic team environment, embracing adaptability and collaboration.
• Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to foster collaboration.
• Embodies a commitment to justice, integrity, creativity, reliability, and optimism, reflecting core organizational values.
• Is passionate about racial justice and dedicated to advancing AfaLab’s mission.