Head of Communications, Africa at Zipline

About You and The Role  

• Zipline is looking for a Head of Communications for Africa — a strategic leader who can set and drive an ambitious communications vision while also rolling up their sleeves to execute in a fast-paced, high-growth, resource-constrained environment.
• You will serve as a critical member of the Africa leadership team and a thought partner to senior executives.
• This role spans in-country marketing, external communications, internal communications, and executive communications, and requires someone who thrives as both a big-picture strategist and a hands-on operator.
• You will own Zipline’s narrative in Africa, strengthen our brand across markets, and help champion the impact Zipline creates for governments, partners, and communities.
• You understand what it takes to build trust with leaders, influence stakeholders, and guide decision-making during moments of opportunity and uncertainty.
• This role is open within Africa, preferably in one of the markets we have a presence in (Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Rwanda, Kenya), with frequent travel across the region.

What You’ll Do
External Communications & PR:

• Own Zipline Africa’s external communications strategy across all markets.
• Lead media relations, crisis communications, thought leadership, and proactive storytelling.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, industry groups, partners, and government stakeholders.
• Develop compelling narratives that communicate Zipline’s impact, innovation, and mission.
• Oversee press releases, media briefings, speaking engagements, conferences, and signature events.

Internal Communications:

• Drive internal communications for Africa, ensuring clarity, alignment, and visibility for key initiatives.
• Partner with Africa leadership to craft messages for All Hands, org-wide updates, and internal moments that build culture.
• Ensure communication systems scale across countries and teams.

Executive Communications:

• Prepare senior executives (including regional leadership) for key speeches, media opportunities, and strategic conversations.
• Develop messaging, presentations, briefing materials, and talking points.
• Ensure leaders communicate with clarity, alignment to global priorities, and cultural sensitivity across markets.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Africa leadership team.
• Partner closely with global communications while tailoring strategy to Africa’s unique context.
• Influence decision-making, challenge assumptions, and articulate the communications implications of business choices.
• Build and manage agency relationships (PR, digital, creative) and leverage them efficiently in a resource-constrained environment.
• Build and lead a small yet mighty in-house team.

What You’ll Bring
Must-Have Experience:

• 8 years of relevant professional experience and at least 2-3 years building/managing a team/function
• Significant leadership experience in communications, PR, crisis management, or strategic communications.
• Success working in high-growth, high-complexity environments and thriving with limited resources.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as both a strategic leader and hands-on executor.
• Experience navigating and communicating across multiple African markets.
• Strong judgment, narrative development skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to craft clear, compelling written and verbal communications for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing agencies and coordinating cross-functional partners.
• Professional polish and strong stakeholder presence.