Communications Assistant – East Africa (Maternity Cover)

Hivos is a global development organization focused on strengthening positioning, visibility, branding, and storytelling for various programs, including those promoting green economy, women's rights, and sustainable food systems.

The Communications Assistant for East Africa will provide essential support to Hivos' global communications team, working closely with senior colleagues to strengthen the organization's positioning, visibility, branding, and storytelling. This maternity cover position will allocate 30% of time to Corporate Communications Support and 70% to Program Communications Support. The role will directly assist two key programs: EU SWITCH Kenya Green – Tujenge Pamoja, which supports Kenya's transition to an inclusive and circular green economy by working with MSMEs led by women, youth, and marginalized groups; and Rural Women Cultivating Change (RWCC), which aims to strengthen the rights, leadership, and economic resilience of rural women through agroecology, sustainable food systems, and leadership initiatives.

1. Identify, document, and draft compelling impact and change stories from the RWCC and Tujenge Pamoja programs.
2. Support the creation of engaging communication assets for various platforms, including digital, print, and multimedia.
3. Assist in coordinating program events, field visits, campaigns, and learning activities, ensuring high-quality operational and communication support.
4. Collaborate with program teams and partners to ensure consistent donor and partner visibility across all communication materials.
5. Help implement Hivos’ global corporate communications strategy within the East African context.
6. Ensure all outgoing communication products and materials adhere to Hivos’ brand guidelines, tone of voice, and values.
7. Assist in coordinating communications around relevant regional events, campaigns, international days, and organizational milestones.
8. Maintain Hivos East Africa’s social media presence and foster community engagement.
9. Produce, edit, and publish multimedia content, including drafting social media copy, scheduling posts, and organizing photo stories for the website and social channels.
10. Translate complex technical program information into accessible, reader-friendly draft content.
11. Monitor relevant conversations, trends, and media mentions to enhance the visibility of Hivos’ work in East Africa.
12. Support the preparation and distribution of press releases, media briefs, talking points, and media kits.
13. Maintain and update a reliable database of journalists, editors, and media organizations in East Africa.
14. Assemble and format attractive communication products such as program briefs, fact sheets, and presentation slides.
15. Keep agreed editorial and communications calendars updated and on schedule.
16. Maintain highly organized communication files, including photographs, videos, publications, and digital assets.
17. Provide regular updates on tasks and ensure clear documentation of all ongoing workflows to facilitate a smooth handover at the end of the contract.

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
2. Possess a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in communications, digital media, or public relations, with internships or volunteer experience in an international NGO or development context being considered.
3. Demonstrate strong writing, editing, and formatting skills, with the ability to transform program updates into clear and engaging drafts.
4. Have practical experience managing professional social media profiles (Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) and utilizing content management tools.
5. Basic proficiency in graphic design tools like Canva or Photoshop, or basic photo/video editing software, is highly desirable.
6. Exhibit excellent organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
7. Professional fluency in English (written and spoken) is required, and proficiency in Swahili is highly desirable.
8. Show strong alignment with Hivos’ values regarding gender equality, diversity, inclusion, and human rights.