Job title: Director of Communication and Public Information
Grade: AU/D1 equivalency
Department: Directorate of Communication and Public Information
Supervisor: Director General of Africa CDC
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Job purpose:
The Director of Communications and Public Information (DCPI) will enhance the Africa CDC reputation, brand management and awareness, strategic positioning status, corporate identity and impact, ensuring the organisation stands out among its competitors whilst positioning itself in the industry of its operations (public health). The DCPI will ensure outstanding relations with African Union member states, governments, international organisations, partners, funding organisations, relevant media and other stakeholders and partners by providing dynamic and inspirational strategic leadership for the Corporate and Strategic information and the Public Information and Social Mobilisation Divisions, setting a strategic direction coherent with the overall Africa CDC Strategic Plan and the New Public Health order.
He/She will drive high performance by developing and mentoring team members whilst holding them accountable for the delivery of the operating plan’s ambitious targets and encouraging cross-team working by driving the successful delivery of the Africa CDC strategic plan through strategic engagements and communication.
As a member of the Senior Executive Team (SET), the Director of CPI supports the Director General in setting the strategic direction of the Africa CDC and providing strategic leadership and management across the organisation, enabling the SET to drive and deliver the implementation of the Africa CDC ambitious strategic and operational plans.
He/She will lead long-term strategic planning, oversee daily operations, delegate tasks to staff and manage the general operations of the Directorate.
He/She will lead long-term strategic planning, oversee daily operations, delegate tasks to staff, manage the general operations of the Directorate, and be an ambassador and spokesperson for Africa CDC to drive broader awareness.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of Communications shall;
- Develop and lead a cutting-edge communication, advocacy, brand strategies, plan and policy, ensuring it is aligned with Africa CDC strategic Plan and mandate, addresses programmatic and strategic communication needs, including those of Member states, and influences partners and donors.
- In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, develop engaging narratives and storytelling around new initiatives, international expansion, and key trends within the public health and development sector.
- Supports the Director General and Senior Leadership Team messaging, providing technical and policy advice on highly complex public information, diplomatic and communications issues.
- Identify and pursue the appropriate high-level external audiences, including the media outlets and key influencers, to successfully showcase a unique value proposition in the global public health space.
- Experience in conceiving and executing crisis communications and reputation management.
- Commissioned, edited, and oversaw all content production across a range of platforms and outlets.
- Support network expansion efforts by developing a communications and social mobilisation strategy for each new region or country and executing quickly and efficiently.
- Leverage both earned and owned channels to ensure that Africa CDC is valued appropriately in the eyes of member states, partners, employees, funders, the media, and influencers as a sector leader.
- Optimise and advance the strategy and voice for all strategic communications and public information, including speaking engagements, media interviews, and internal communications.
- Consult and advise executives on communications matters, serving as the communications Advisor.
- Cultivate and manage a world-class and high-performing communications team that supports developing and implementing Africa CDC’s communications and social mobilisation framework and strategy.
- Maintains robust departmental monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Creates and maintains networks of high-level contacts with member states, partners, media and donors.
Qualification and work experience required:
- Proven experience in leading highly effective and successful strategic communication, public information and social mobilisation efforts.
- Proven experience in brand management, partner engagement, public affairs etc.
- Significant experience in developing senior-level external relationships and securing the highest-level advocacy, including developing and harnessing strong networks across multiple stakeholder groups.
- Extensive experience in leading, motivating and managing teams, coaching and mentoring, with the ability to promote a culture of high performance, continuous improvement and innovation.
- Experience and successful track record working in a diverse, complex fast, fast-paced environment and the ability to influence positive change.
- Knowledge and passion for data, research, and science communication.
- Senior-level experience in Corporate strategic policy, frameworks, project management and planning
- Knowledge of financial management
- Proven success in transformational change leadership and implementing process change.
- Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions.
- Ability to advise on and develop concrete solutions to high-profile and sensitive communication challenges.
- Ability to assess worldwide communication environments, develop communication strategies and manage the implementation of public information campaigns with various promotional and publicity techniques.
- Experience working in international affairs in an international organisation, NGO.
- Experience working with African Member states, government officials’ external partners, funders and media.
- An understanding of changing economic, political, and social environments affecting the Africa CDC.
- An understanding and analysis of Africa, geo-and global political space and atmosphere
- High level of diplomatic and communication etiquette.
- Identify regional and international events that offer opportunities for networking and external engagement.
- Asses the overall effectiveness of Africa CDC communication, stakeholder engagement and resource mobilisation strategy and programmes and ensures the success of needed changes in approach and technique.
- Have excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills.
Educational Qualifications and Skills:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent degree) or PhD in strategic/organisational communication, public relations, health communication or related field with at least Fifteen (15) years of progressive experience, out of which five (5) years minimum should be at managerial and supervisory level is required.
- Additional experience and training in international affairs, public policy, project management, marketing and advocacy efforts is an added advantage.
- Membership or an internationally recognised professional communication body (e.g., PR, MPR) is mandatory.
- Experience working in a global, multinational environment, managing multicultural and diverse teams with strong characters. We put a strong emphasis on inclusive leadership.
- Cool and calm demeanour under fire and experience with crisis communications.
- Strong and well-rounded digital prowess with a solid understanding of the transformational effect of digital and AI in the communication and media landscape.
- Open attitude toward emerging technologies and willingness to push new ideas within ethical boundaries.
- Foundational experience in journalism and media relations, or a combination of PR experience is an advantage.
- A business development mindset
Required Skills and Competencies
- Functional
Result Oriented:
- Entrepreneurial with the ability to input on strategic planning from a commercial standpoint.
- Ability to anticipate opportunities and problems, taking strategic and pre-emptive action.
- Ability to set and achieve comprehensive goals for performance and growth.
- Passion for working in the developing world and creating positive change.
Leadership:
- Managerial skills, visible leadership, strategic thinker who Inspires others, is visible, adaptive, authentic and engenders trust.
- Passion and commitment to continuous improvement
- Ambitious individual with a personal drive to succeed and support their teams to strive for excellence.
- Political, strategic and diplomatic prowess
Building and Managing Teams:
- Directs and coaches others throughout the organisation, enables people to perform at their best and can recognise and cultivate rising talent.
- Creates a positive team environment.
- Creates cohesion, developing synergies and achieves through shared goals.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Collaborative, supportive, calm under pressure, solution-focused and able to lead others effectively in such a way that encourages maximum performance and engagement.
- Exceptional communicator both in writing and in person to a range of audiences.
Relationship Management:
- Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
- The gravitas and credibility to influence both within and beyond the organisation.
- Conflict resolution skills
Analytical Skills:
- Conceptual thinker, innovative and capable of complex problem-solving.
Values:
- A strong commitment to the African Union and Africa CDC values.
- Personal
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- A positive attitude and go-getter.
- Resourceful, adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, pressurised emergency environment.
- Tactical, self-aware and exudes confidence.
- Pragmatic, original, and resilient with high emotional intelligence
- People management and result-driven
- Adaptability, flexibility and self-starter
- Attention to detail.
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Problem-solving and initiative
Language Requirement
Applicants must be proficient in at least one of the AU languages (Arabic, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese). Knowledge of one or more additional African Union working languages would be an added advantage.
Tenure of Appointment
The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance and fund availability.
Gender Mainstreaming
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Remuneration Indicative basic salary of US$78,138 (D1 Step 1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment 46% of basic salary (US$35,943.48), Housing allowance of US$ 26,208 per annum. Thus, a total of U$140,289.48 per annum plus Gratuity of 15% of Gross Salary per annum.