Communications Manager,  Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Are you passionate about making a difference in the fight against global poverty? We are looking for a dynamic and dedicated Communications Manager to join our team in Francophone West Africa (FWA). In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful communication efforts in both English and French to amplify our mission and reach across the region. This position is an integral part of our Global Communications Team but will be based in our FWA office, serving as a crucial liaison between the global team and regional operations. The Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in crafting strategic communications geared towards conveying IPA research to non-academic audiences, particularly focusing on engaging policy stakeholders. Furthermore, you will lead the development of communication materials and drive initiatives aimed at bolstering IPA's regional presence. 

Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include: 

Facilitating the translation and adaptation of global communication guidance, tools, and materials into French, tailored to the local context.

Creating communication materials, such as project summaries, briefs, presentations, and data visualizations, in both English and French, to make rigorous research accessible to non-academic audiences, especially policymakers.

Developing communication materials in French to showcase IPA FWA's work and impact in the region. This includes creating presentation decks for potential partners and stakeholders, crafting fundraising pitch materials, and producing various French-language materials highlighting IPA FWA's achievements.

Collaborating with the FWA team to maintain FWA-related website content and develop, write, update, and upload French content to IPA's website and social media channels.

Providing comprehensive support for planning, coordinating, and executing events, both virtual and in-person, to promote our organization's work and research.

Identifying and mapping media outlets to uncover potential partnerships and engagement prospects, while also overseeing the implementation of communication products for media placement.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position is a French speaker with strong written communication skills in both French and English. They possess a background in communications, preferably in an academic or international development nonprofit setting, and are enthusiastic about conveying research findings to policymakers. Familiarity with rigorous research methods, including randomized control trials, is desirable. Key qualifications include attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and hands-on experience in managing various communication products. 

• Undergraduate degree in Communications, Economics, Public Policy, or related fields; Master’s Degree preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in development communications, with a strong interest in research and data translation. Familiarity with RCTs is a plus. 
• Native French speaker with fluency in both written and oral English.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong understanding of the local cultural context in Francophone West Africa, enabling the adaptation of global communication strategies to resonate with regional audiences.
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and Google Workspace. 
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn).
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud programs (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop), Canva, or other design software is a plus.
• Ability to establish and nurture strong relationships with regional media outlets, journalists, and influencers to facilitate media partnerships, coverage, and engagement opportunities is a plus. 

Application Instructions 

Please include your resume and cover letter (in English) expressing your interest in the role along with your application. A cover letter is required for your candidacy to be considered.

Apply here

Reports To: 

Senior Policy Communications Manager, Global Communications 

Desired Start Date: 

As soon as possible

Location

Applicants must be able to work onsite based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire 

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence of which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to a tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 900 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide. 

IPA's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) 

As an organization, IPA is dedicated to improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable populations through evidence and policy. We also recognize how important it is for our staff to reflect the diversity of the places where we work and the communities we work with. As such, IPA is committed to hiring from a diverse pool of candidates, from a range of backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, and perspectives. We know that this makes our work stronger and more responsive to the challenges faced by those we work with and for and we encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Click here to learn more about IPA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Innovations for Poverty Action is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at jobs@poverty-action.org or via phone at 1-202-386-6200. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the specified position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs@poverty-action.org. Please note that only qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring manager.