Manager, Communications, Policy & Advocacy, Africa at The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation has a unique opportunity to play a central role in fixing food loss-an eminently fixable problem. Just as we deployed resources to increase production when there simply was not enough food to feed humanity, we now have an opportunity-and an imperative-to ensure that the food that is grown is consumed. This is why the Rockefeller Foundation launched the YieldWise Initiative in January 2016.

Job details

The Manager, Communications, Policy & Advocacy, Africa, is an integral member of the Africa Regional Office who works closely with regional team members to advance the Foundation initiative goals on the continent. Reporting to the Managing Director, Africa with a dotted line to the Managing Director, Communications in New York- this individual will develop and execute communication and influence approaches for the regional office. In addition, they will coordinate media relations, brand management and stakeholder engagement and coordinate with MD / ARO and Policy leaders in Communications, Policy & Advocacy to achieve alignment on any policy initiatives.

Key responsibilities include developing clear, compelling messages and content to be used across a variety of platforms, including digital channels, earned media, social media, external publications, and for events and convenings.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a regional communications plan and calendar that is aligned with the Foundation’s priorities and broad communications plan.


• Write, edit, and produce content (including articles, press releases, posts, memos etc.) under tight deadlines for various communications vehicles and audiences.


• Serve as the content partner for Regional Office campaigns and high level convenings.


• Develop and maintain strategic media and influencer relationships in Foundation focus countries.


• Manage all communications aspects for external engagements for senior management in the regional office (briefings, talking points, media).


• Collaborate with the New York Communications team on Foundation wide campaigns and high-level trips to the region by the Foundation’s Executive Leadership.


• Collaborate and partner with regional office colleagues to curate and share compelling stories about the Foundation and its grantees.


• Work with initiative teams where appropriate to develop and execute strategies to achieve policy changes that contribute to initiatives’ goals.


• Coordinate with MD / ARO and Policy leaders in CPA to achieve alignment on any policy initiatives.


• Map and navigate the policy landscape in the targeted countries as determined by Initiatives and ARO, gaining an in-depth understanding of the public policy and programmatic opportunities for Foundation engagement and partnership-building, including nurturing relationships with policy actors.


• Provide real-time intelligence to the team of the evolving political landscape, relevant policy research and policy reforms of relevance to the Foundation’s strategy.


• Work with the Managing Director ARO to apply policy direction and work with external partners and grantees to shape work to fit Foundation strategy.

Education, Experience and Skills

• BA or equivalent educational degree; Master’s preferred.


• 6-8 years of communications experience with a focus on communications for a global development organization.


• Experience in policy advocacy, international development, including program design and implementation.


• Experience developing communications strategies.


• Strong interpersonal skills and professional presence.


• Excellent writer, creative thinker, and collaborator.


• Experience working directly with executives.


• Track record of executing communications campaigns and planning high-level convenings.


• Partnership and Relationship-Building: Strong professional representation of The Rockefeller Foundation, interpersonal relationship abilities, intercultural knowledge and appreciation, strategic partnership building.


• Ability to leverage strategic relationships towards development of resources for new or existing initiatives.


• Strategic ability to see opportunities, design innovative approaches backed by strong analysis and planning. Strong sense for messaging, themes and techniques that resonate. Skilled strategist who can also dive in and personally bring projects to completion as needed.


• Ability to articulate a vision, lead and design the plan of action, and drive a team and process that support the goals of the organization.


• Commitment to The Rockefeller Foundation’s mission and core values – effectiveness, equity, integrity, innovation, and leadership.


• Must be authorized to work in Kenya.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Execution and Implementation: Strong project management skills, deadline management, sense of responsibility, accountability, and the ability to effectively multi-task. Ability to manage contractors to ensure timely, high-quality work product.


• Management: Strong manager of workload and ability to meet tight deadlines.


• Integration: Ability to demonstrate inclusiveness, collaboration, respect and broad organizational interests.


• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication abilities; exceptional listening, written, and oral skills. Accomplished at communicating and influencing both inside and outside the organization.


• Creative Thinker: High energy, Action oriented, Self-motivated individual.


• High Achievement: Pride in succeeding. Gives rather than takes credit.


• Sound, mature judgment and integrity.


• Personal qualities of humility and capacity for self-reflection.

The position is only open to candidates with valid working status in Kenya.

The Rockefeller Foundation is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the Foundation ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.

The Rockefeller Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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