About Sonke
Founded in 2006, Sonke is a women’s rights organisation that is committed to feminist principles, using a rights-based and gender transformative approach to achieve human rights and gender justice. Our vision is a poverty free world in which women, children, men, and gender non-conforming individuals enjoy equitable, caring, healthy and happy relationships that contribute to the development of gender just and democratic societies. Sonke strengthens governments, civil society and citizen’s capacity to advance gender justice and women’s rights, prevent gender-based violence, and reduce the spread of HIV and the impact of AIDS, and in this way contributing to social justice and the elimination of poverty.
About the position
The Communications and Strategic Information (CSI) Manager has direct responsibility for working with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to define, implement and manage Sonke’s overall communication strategy in South Africa and the region. The CSI Manager will play a strong role in helping to guide and develop Sonke’s advocacy campaigns, manage the organisation’s identity and image, media relations, including mass media, community and social media, support materials development, provide training to staff and partners on media advocacy, and contribute to developing the national, regional and global advocacy campaigns.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the organisation’s identity and image, including production of Annual Report, newsletter, social media and website management;
- Contribute actively to national, regional and global advocacy campaigns;
- Use communications as a tool to share news about Sonke’s Community Action Team members to inspire community activism locally and nationally;
- Develop media advocacy trainings and facilitate workshops when required;
- Project management of CSI donor funded projects;
- Planning of work and staff management;
- Management of media relations, including community media, social media, and mass media;
- Support materials development and dissemination;
- Manage internal communications; and
- Proactive fundraising for the CSI Unit.
Qualifications and skills
- Applicants must hold a minimum of a Master’s Degree in the social sciences, with a strong preference for Journalism, Public Health, or Human Rights degrees, and must be fluent in spoken and written English.
- At least 3 years’ experience in journalism (political journalism an advantage) and have active contacts amongst media institutions in South Africa and across the continent.
- Experience having worked in a complex human rights, public health and/or development environment.
- Proven ability to respond quickly to unexpected opportunities and challenges.
- Expertise in any of the following areas: gender equality, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, democracy, human rights; peace and conflict; men and masculinities, community mobilisation, local government.
- Experience convening media briefings.
- Ability to speak indigenous South African languages.
To Apply
- Interested applicants should submit their CV, a motivational letter that details your experience, the contact details of three referees via email to Sonke’s Human Resource Unit at hiring@genderjustice.org.za. closing date 27 May 2022.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- For non-South Africans, it is the responsibility of the applicant to attain a work permit from the Department of Home Affairs, and employment will depend on a valid work permit being in place.
- Sonke is committed to transformation and encourages previously disadvantaged communities and persons with disabilities to apply.
- If you do not hear from us by 30 June 2022, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- The organisation reserves the right not to make an appointment.
