Communications & PR Manager

Communications and PR Manager

ABOUT SPARK MICROGRANTS

Spark Microgrants believes in a world where everyone lives with dignity and determines their own positive future. Decades of prescriptive aid have sidelined the poor from the very programs meant to uplift them. We believe families in every village should have the opportunity to design and launch local projects of their own. Founded in Rwanda in 2010, Spark has codified a unique Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP) providing facilitation and funding to over 800 villages and reaching more than 500,000 people. The Spark FCAP is a series of ‘town-hall’ style weekly meetings, in which women, men, young, and old, plan together for their community’s future. Each village elects a leadership committee, establishes a village savings account, and launches a project of their choice. Members receive training on financial management, transparency, leadership, village planning, and advocacy. Each village then receives US$8,000 - US$15,000 in seed funds and additional management support to turn their project ideas into reality. Spark works in collaboration with government and civil society to scale the FCAP as the model of choice to advance social and economic development, improve lives, and secure lasting change. Spark is now active in 800+ villages across six countries, improving the lives of over 560,000 people. 

As a team, we share a set of common values that shape how we work. These are:

1. Facilitators. We don’t impose; we enable others to generate impact.

2. Community-driven. We are motivated by what is best for the community.

3. Process-centered. The how of what we do is just as important as the what.

4. Authentic. Our vision and values live in everything we do.

5. Dynamic. We seek opportunities and are willing to take risks to serve our community partners better

ABOUT THE ROLE

Spark is seeking a Communications and PR Manager skilled to create, implement and oversee internal and external communications programs that effectively educate and promote the organization and the FCAP process. As a Communications and PR Manager, you will play a crucial role in enhancing our company's reputation and image through effective communication strategies and targeted public relations efforts. You will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication plans that align with our business objectives and engage our target audience across various platforms.The Communications and PR Manager will work closely with the Country Directors and department heads to communicate success stories, program outcomes and learning. The Communications and PR Manager will coordinate closely with the Growth Team to ensure roll out of communication products that support the fundraising strategy. The Communication and PR Manager will produce high-quality content that engages our stakeholder community and builds relevant brand recognition as well as oversee Spark’s social media and website presence. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with exceptional writing, presentation, and organizational skills. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead the organization's upcoming rebrand pre-launch and launch roll out, including all external and internal communication and press and staff coordination

• Develop and execute a strategic communication plan to enhance Spark’s brand image and reputation.

• Write, edit, and keep updated documents about Spark, our programs and the communities we work in.

• Collect and develop compelling impact stories with photos/videos and conduct community member interviews.

• Manage and maintain positive relationships with media contacts, government partners and key stakeholders to secure media coverage and maximize brand exposure.

• Plan and coordinate media events, press conferences, and project related events to generate media interest and coverage.

• Manage communication vendors including videographers and photographers to ensure quality on-time deliverables within budget.

• Ensure the organizations’ use of professional and ethical images.

• Ensure all materials are aligned with our brand, are compelling, and visually appealing.

• Keep the website updated and fresh with new content. Track and monitor website traffic.

• Roll out social media risk management policy and action plan to address security breaches, emergencies or PR crises.

• Strengthen Spark’s social media presence and engagement across platforms.

• Monitor media coverage and social media conversations to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks, and develop appropriate responses.

• Promote internal staff engagement and learning by serving as an information hub for the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience in developing and executing successful communications strategies within the nonprofit sector.

• Experience building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media professionals.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities; able to communicate and present information in a clear and succinct manner to a wide range of stakeholders.

• Diplomatic, analytical, trustworthy, and of the highest personal and professional integrity.

• Experience with website design and management and ensuring security of communication channels.

• Experience developing a social media strategy.

• Proficient in using analytics tools to measure and analyze the effectiveness of communication efforts and make data-driven decisions.

• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and proactive, with an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• A self-starter who takes ownership of their work.

• Experience working with Google Workspace, Google Analytics, Slack; open to learning other digital and web-based platforms.

• Adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic and changing environment.

• Ability to travel as needed.

OTHER INFORMATION

Job Location: Based in one of the following Spark office locations: Kigali, Rwanda; Kampala, Uganda; Lilongwe, Malawi

Reporting to: Growth Director

Start Date: As soon as possible

Probation period: Three months probation period with learning and performance objectives

Follow the link to apply: https://sparkmicrogrants.bamboohr.com/careers/108

WHY WORK WITH US?​​

• You will play a critical role in shifting the way global development works, opening opportunities for thousands of villages to drive local change.

• You will be joining a dynamic team that hails from ten countries around the world and is committed to our vision.

• You will have the freedom and autonomy to make your role your own. We want to hear your innovative ideas, your vision for the future, and your critical questions.

• You will join an entrepreneurial organization that is in a growth spurt.

• In addition to salary, Spark offers other benefits, including generous paid time off and family leave, monthly communications and professional development stipends.

SAFEGUARDING

Our safeguarding follows a do no harm principle. All Spark staff are expected to respect and uphold the safeguarding procedures and principles to minimize harm to stakeholders, program participants, and the environment, in compliance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework and Rwandan Legislation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Spark Microgrants provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions at Spark are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Spark does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Spark will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship to daily operations