Communications Consultant, Refugees and Displaced Persons at MasterCard

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Director, Special Programs Communications, the Communications Consultant for Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDP) will work as an integral part of both the Programs and the Public Affairs & Communications (PAC) Teams. This role will provide PAC support to the RDP team, its programs, and partnerships and engage key stakeholders and work in collaboration with partners’ communications point persons to ensure alignment in all related communications. You will amplify the voices of young RDPs and Refugee-Led Organizations across the continent, and work towards communications that are in line with the Foundation’s work to improve access to dignified and fulling work for 2.5 million RDPs by 2030. It requires strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, media relationships, agency management, and policy and thought leadership integration into the program portfolio.

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Develop and implement the Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDP) communications strategy to contribute to program and Foundation objectives.
• From this strategy, build the capacity of Foundation staff to communicate effectively around the Foundation’s RDP inclusion work (i.e., conducting internal training, designing a Communications Guide, etc.).
• Develop the RDP communications portfolio and ensure effective implementation of same in support of program objectives including but not limited to key messaging, FAQs, position papers, backgrounders.
• Enable partner communications to drive understanding, create awareness, center the voice of young RDPs and Refugee-Led Organizations in service of program objectives. Additionally, support partners in their communications and events and build the capability of partner communication point persons to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s RDP communications approach.
• Lead in curating the Foundation’s approach to campaigns, convenings and events to raise awareness of RDP both internally and externally working with relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and manage a bank of RDP assets including videos, photos, and imagery from programs to elevate content and stories for various platforms and purposes including internal channels.
• Identify and harness opportunities to drive thought leadership within the RDP program portfolio and deliver opinion pieces, impact stories to elevate the RDP portfolio.
• Navigate complex communications, with appreciation of the nuances in communicating about RDP.
• Manage crisis communications, issues preparedness, and act as counsel/advisor to Programs Team, partners and the rest of the Public Affairs and Communications function.
• Craft messages and program communications strategies that are thoughtful and positioned to reach priority audiences including governments, private sector, other funders, and youth.
• Amplify the voices of young RDPs in a way that respects their agency, unique lived experiences, and changes mindsets by communicating with the goal of reducing stigma and discrimination. Collaborate with Teams to develop and strengthen innovative accessible and inclusive communications models and channels.
• Cultivate relationships with top journalists, bloggers, and other stakeholders of international influence. Work with youth ambassadors to elevate the voices and views of relevant stakeholders.
• Liaise closely with Program Communications colleagues, Internal Communications, People & Culture, Program Teams, and other internal stakeholders.

WHO YOU ARE

• Postgraduate degree in Communications or a related field; professional qualifications are an added advantage.
• 10+ years of experience in Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDP) and inclusive communications in Africa, with demonstrated high-level stakeholder engagement and management experience.
• A compelling storyteller with the ability to frame content for various audiences, including underrepresented populations like refugees and displaced persons, using inclusive and accessible communication formats across mainstream and social media.
• Bilingual skills, brand positioning, and management experience are added advantages.
• Extensive experience with social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, and direct experience working with digital, print, radio, and television journalists.
• Proven expertise in crisis management and communication, with the ability to edit and adapt materials to fast-changing situations, promoting creative thinking.
• Excellent verbal, written, editorial, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across cultures.
• A confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills, empathy, sensitivity to diverse cultures, and an inclusive mindset.
• A strategic thinker with sound problem-solving abilities, who is flexible, adaptable, and able to multitask and meet tight deadlines.
• Integrity and a strong commitment to the Foundation’s values, mission, and vision.