Communications Officer

AWF - African Wildlife Foundation

Kigali, Rwanda

Position Summary

As a key member of the Strategic Communications and Marketing team, the Communications Officer will primarily support AWF’s communications needs in Rwanda. This role will enhance AWF's visibility and outreach in Rwanda and ensure the effective implementation of AWF’s communication strategy. The officer will collaborate with the HQ brand team and country teams to ensure strategic alignment and consistency in messaging. The position reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing, with a matrix reporting line to the Rwanda Country Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

Content Development

Support the HQ content lead in researching and pitching new stories aligned with AWF’s conservation work in Rwanda.
Plan and coordinate content collection trips in Rwanda, ensuring alignment with AWF’s Communications Field Guide.
Develop engaging, accurate, and brand-consistent content for various platforms, including website articles, reports, and digital media.

Branding and Marketing Materials Management

Conduct quarterly reviews and updates of AWF marketing materials relevant to Rwanda and supporting countries.
Ensure accuracy and alignment of communication materials with AWF’s strategic priorities.
Assess and address branding needs for country and landscape offices, capturing visuals as necessary.

Social Media Management

Develop and schedule weekly social media content focused on Rwanda’s conservation landscapes and activities.
Train country and landscape staff on social media best practices and content contribution.
Monitor social media trends and engagement to optimize AWF’s digital outreach.

Media Engagement

Support the HQ media team in research and preparation for media pitches and spokesperson interviews.
Monitor media coverage in Rwanda and provide insights to inform media engagement strategies.
Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and bloggers to amplify AWF’s impact.
Prepare monthly media reports on AWF’s outreach in Rwanda.

Conservation Impact Reporting

SDevelop impact stories highlighting the social, economic, and environmental outcomes of AWF's conservation initiatives in Rwanda.
Establish and maintain a repository of success stories, testimonials, and visual documentation of conservation impacts at the community and landscape level.
Support the creation of regular impact reports to showcase AWF's contribution to both conservation goals and sustainable development outcomes.

Grant Communication Activities

Conduct monthly reviews of communication deliverables related to Rwanda’s grant-funded projects.
Develop and execute communication plans aligned with AWF’s conservation goals and donor requirements.
Ensure proper documentation and reporting of grant communication activities to HQ.

Communications Training and Feedback

Organize internal communications training sessions to enhance staff capacity in storytelling, branding, and media engagement.
Ensure consistency in messaging and brand identity across all communication channels.
Act as a liaison for feedback on communication strategies and materials.

Event Management, Administration, and Logistics

Assist in the planning, logistics, and documentation of AWF events and field visits in Rwanda.
Collaborate with the brand team in managing budgets and financial tracking for communications activities.
Serve as the key liaison between the communications team and other departments, including finance, procurement, and logistics.

Requirements and skills

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
3-5 years of experience in a communications role, preferably in conservation, non-profit, or environmental sectors.
Strong proficiency in social media management and media monitoring tools.
Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to travel occasionally within Rwanda.
Experience in training and capacity building is an asset.
Knowledge of conservation issues in Rwanda and the broader region is a plus.
Proficiency in English is required; working knowledge of Kinyarwanda is strongly preferred to facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders.
Experience in basic photography, videography, and audio recording to capture field-based conservation work, community initiatives, and biodiversity.
Experience working with rural communities and translating technical conservation concepts into accessible, culturally relevant communications.