Communications Manager – Rwanda

Report to: Project Director

Location: Rwanda

Status: Full-time; Term contract

Who We Are:

Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), is an International Non-profit Organization headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, which fosters digital inclusion for leadership, economic empowerment, and climate action among young women and men in Africa and the Middle East.  DOT is a vibrant youth-driven community of trailblazing social pioneers equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to create opportunities and drive transformation within their communities. We strive to foster youth potential, bridge digital gaps across communities, and inspire young individuals to partake in an all-inclusive digital economy.  As catalysts of development for over 23 years, our impact extends to over 25 countries.  

Established in 2010, DOT Rwanda is a registered branch of DOT. As a youth-serving and locally-staffed organization, DOT Rwanda has long-standing operations and networks of local and international partners across Government, higher educational institutions, foundations, civil society, and the private sector that extend across diverse urban and rural communities. For 14 years, DOT Rwanda has nurtured the 21st-century skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial mindset of young women and men, including those in marginalized communities. This has led to the creation of a powerful ripple effect, impacting over 120,000 people, expanding their enterprises, spurring employment, and cultivating community leaders.

In an upcoming, youth-focused project, DOT Rwanda is leading a consortium with 4 youth-serving organizations to build the digital skills of Rwandan youth for their inclusion in the digital economy.

The Opportunity:

DOT Rwanda seeks a highly experienced and dynamic Communication Manager to play a pivotal role in promoting the organization and upcoming project visibility, amplifying youth voices, and ensuring effective communication across all stakeholders.

As the Communication Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy, creating compelling content, engaging with media, and fostering a vibrant online presence for the project. You will also contribute to raising public awareness about DOT’s efforts in youth development, social innovation, and bridging the digital divide in Rwanda.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communication plans for the Project, encompassing both online and offline strategies tailored to specific audiences (youth, partners, government, employers, funders, and the general public).
• Collaborate with project teams across DOT Rwanda to ensure consistent messaging and branding, and provide communication support for specific initiatives.
• Create and manage a content calendar that aligns with project milestones and communication objectives.
• Ensure consistent messaging, branding, and adherence to DOT and the Partner’s communication guidelines.
• Foster strong relationships with consortium partners, ensuring collaborative content development and alignment with the overall Project communication strategy.
• Produce compelling and high-quality content, including success stories, blog posts, articles, social media updates, newsletters, press releases, and multimedia materials (photos, videos, infographics).

• Oversee the creation of marketing materials (brochures, videos, presentations) that effectively communicate the Project’s vision and achievements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, national, and international media outlets to secure positive coverage of the project.
• Disseminate content through appropriate channels, including DOT Rwanda’s website, social media platforms, email marketing, and media outreach.
• Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and support the designated project spokesperson.

• Organize and facilitate events, workshops, and webinars to engage stakeholders and promote the organization’s work
• Develop and implement effective internal communication strategies to keep DOT staff informed and engaged.

• Develop internal newsletters, updates, and other communication materials.

Your Talent

• Passion for communicating about social impact and youth empowerment.
• Creative and innovative thinker with a proactive approach to communication.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications:

• A resident of Rwanda, legally able to hold employment in the country.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in communications, preferably in the not-for-profit sector or youth-focused initiatives.
• Proficiency in using graphic design tools, including Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (photoshop, illustrator, etc..), or other relevant software
• Demonstrated experience with a youth empowerment focus of communications in media relations (print and electronic), content creation, and digital communications.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and confidently engage high-ranking officials from the government, non-profit, academic and private sectors as well as donors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Kinyarwanda.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and communication tools (e.g., social media platforms, content management systems, graphic design software).
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Creativity, adaptability, and a passion for storytelling

What DOT Offers:

• DOT compensation is competitive with local markets, and rates for this position recognize the importance of the role to both DOT’s operations and its global purpose-driven mission.
• The privilege to collaborate with an energetic team dedicated to youth empowerment and systemic change.
• The chance to make a significant difference for youth.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your application through this Google form (https://forms.gle/djhkhS5McVuFgy1A7) (A Gmail account is required to view this form and upload documents) by 15th September 2024, at 12 PM GMT+2. 

DOT celebrates diversity and is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that values cross-cultural understanding. We strongly encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, those from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or those with intersectional identities. DOT ensures accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. Please indicate any need for accommodations in your application.