Senior Communications Associate, Innovation Practice

Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents around the world — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — to create strong systems that support healthy, educated people. We help our partners move from knowing their goal to knowing how to reach it. We combine global expertise in health, education and nutrition with analytic rigor, practical support for decision-making and implementation and access to peer problem-solving networks. Together with our partners, we build self-sustaining systems that serve everyone and deliver lasting results. Then we share what we learn so others can achieve results for development, too.

We have a unique and vibrant culture at R4D. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our work environment and help advance our mission. Diversity—of ideas, identities, perspectives and backgrounds—is vital to who we are and what we do. We seek people who embrace these values and will help reinforce them. Our work culture is collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial. We operate based on trust and respect. Teams across the organization frequently collaborate on programmatic work and support each other in continuously building a better R4D.

About the Scaling Innovation practice

Finding innovative solutions to complex development challenges is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and enable billions to overcome hardship. Innovations in health, education, agriculture, finance, and other sectors have been vital in the life-saving and life-improving breakthroughs of recent times. Where inadequate practices slow progress, more effective approaches need to be found.

Through R4D’s wider programming, our Scaling Innovation practice connects with a wide diversity of actors at global, regional and country levels committed to doing development differently. In partnership, we facilitate the design, testing and scaling of new solutions to complex challenges. We also provide thought leadership through our unique position managing highly respected global innovation initiatives such as the International Development Innovation Alliance, a platform bringing together senior leadership from the innovation teams of leading development agencies.

Overview

The Senior Communications Associate, (SCA) will support the development and implementation of R4D’s Innovation Practice communication strategies and activities. This role requires a creative, detail-oriented and proactive individual who is passionate about international development and committed to designing and executing strategic and impactful communications that further our Practice objectives.

As an integral member of the Innovation Team, the SCA will work with colleagues across the Innovation Practice Portfolio, providing support and management of Innovation Practice communications, content development and amplification of our initiatives. In addition, the SCA will help contribute to capturing and amplifying the work and impact of the Innovation Practice internally and externally.

The SCA will report to the Senior Programme Manager, Innovation, and ideally be based out of the London office with a hybrid remote work environment. Applicants may also be considered if able to work out of the R4D office in Accra, Ghana or Abuja, Nigeria.

Responsibilities

• Indicative responsibilities for the Senior Communications Associate across the Scaling Innovations Practice portfolio, include but are not limited to:
• Development and implementation of communication strategies for internal and external audiences.
• Synthesizing learnings from programs and projects to produce engaging, accessible content, updates and newsletters.
• Supporting the design and delivery of meeting and event agendas, slide decks, and content.
• Content creation for the Innovation Practice site as well as management of updates for Practice-owned program sites, social media, and internal and external communications.
• Contributing communications expertise to the design and implementation of program activities.
• Engage in multi-channel promotion of programmes and research dissemination, including via channels previously mentioned (social media, website) and also events, webinars and conferences.
• Providing basic design and layout support on graphics, publications, and other materials ( e.g. using Canva or working with a professional designer)
• Writing and editing blogs, promotional materials, and supporting the production of newsletters, and other learning and amplification media materials.
• Supporting the development of promotional videos for projects and programmes.
• Coordinating with partners’ communication teams to amplify external reach.
• Collaborating with R4D’s global communications team to amplify the work of the Innovation Practice across the organisation and through external R4D-brand channels such as the website, social media, blogs, earned media, and beyond.
• Synthesizing learnings from IDIA activities to produce quarterly learning postcard updates and quarterly newsletters.
• Supporting the design of the agendas, slide decks, content and delivery of Hub member meetings.
• Coordinating the development of IDIA Hub meeting Summary Records and reports.
• Managing the IDIA website and LinkedIn, including content development and community engagement.
• Contributing to the design of key initiatives within the Training Portfolio, such as the appearance of the e-learning platform, Training+, and the Training Research reporting and findings.
• Managing marketing communications to drive applications for the IDIA Training program.
• Supporting graphic and web design for flagship training materials.
• Content creation for alumni networks and supporting coordination and organisation of training orientation webinars and participant blogs.
• Supporting the MLC East Africa Regional Hub communications efforts.
• Developing and distributing the MLC quarterly newsletter.
• Maintaining and updating the MLC website, LinkedIn and Twitter channels, developing new ideas and content to increase outreach and followers.
• Outreach to MLC members to keep their profiles up to date and to profile / feature their milestones on the MLC website / newsletter.
• Developing blog posts with content from MLC Members.
• Developing a page on the MLC website to host external opportunities, including funding and networking opportunities.
• Contributing to Innovation Practice communication strategy development and implementation.
• Sourcing opportunities for the communication of innovation team impact through external communications on R4D website, social media, through journal articles, external blogs and beyond.
• Driving the generation of content for Innovation Practice social media and online channels including the co-development of blog posts on innovation written by R4D innovation team members.
• Updating the R4D Innovation web pages, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• A least 3 years’ experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or minimum 1 year’s experience with a Master’s Degree.
• Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in communications or public relations within international development, non-profit, NGO or related sectors.
• Excellent written and multimedia storytelling and communication skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives, and analyze and synthesize complex information, as well as write reports, blogs, newsletters, and create content for various platforms are essential.
• Strong attention to detail is essential.
• Proficiency using Squarespace, Mailchimp, and LinkedIn for community building and management..
• Skills in graphic design and familiarity with graphic design and editing software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other graphic software) will be beneficial.
• Basic skills in photo and video editing and production are desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Experience working in low/middle-income countries and proficiency in another language is an asset.

Indicative Salary

• Potential salary for a UK-based staff: GBP £34,000-42,000 based on a full-time role (40 hours / week). Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. International hiring ranges will differ based on location.

Results for Development is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering and nurturing an energetic, collaborative and diverse workforce. R4D provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.