Communications and Immersion Development Lead - Aidlink

About Aidlink:

Aidlink is an Irish development organization working to achieve gender equality and end poverty in Africa, while also raising awareness of global inequality in Ireland.  We deliver life-changing programmes, strengthening the capacity of communities and delivering sustainable results. Aidlink targets the most isolated and marginalised in society, empowering communities to take greater control over their lives and livelihoods. In recent years, we have concentrated our work in three countries: Kenya, Uganda and Ghana, with a particular focus on the traditionally nomadic pastoralist communities, the Masai and Turkana in Kenya and the Karamajong in Uganda. 

Aidlink is particularly committed to supporting women and girls and tackling harmful cultural practices that impede on their education, agency, personal choices and basic human rights. We believe that by putting the furthest behind first – often girls – we can support entire communities’ growth. Education has always been at the heart of what we do. That involves working with communities to improve children’s chances of getting a good education and address the social and cultural barriers that cause children, especially young girls, to drop-out of school, working to promote gender equality and rights based education.

We supports families to achieve more sustainable livelihoods and to develop sustainable agricultural practices. We work with poor and disadvantaged communities that are susceptible to emergencies caused by climate change, drought and food insecurity. A strength of our partnership model is that our partners are on the ground, ready to respond in times of crisis. Our primary focus is responding to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. 

By listening to the voices of the community and through our partnerships we work to address the structural causes of inequality and poverty. We believe that by putting the furthest behind first – often girls – we can support an entire community’s growth. 

Aidlink, a highly respected international development organization with a proven track record of success Shortlisted for the Charities Institute of Ireland’s 2019 Charity Excellence Awards in the category for ‘Big Impact’. Our standards in corporate governance are recognised having been shortlisted for the Chartered Accountants Ireland Published Accounts Awards 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021 and won the small / medium not-for-profit category award 2017, 2018 and 2022.

We are seeking a passionate and results-oriented Strategic Planning and Execution Manager to lead the development and implementation of our strategic plan across four key areas: policy development and coordination, communications, donor relations and educational outreach.

Responsibilities:

• Policy Development and Coordination: 
  • Conduct research and analysis on policy issues affecting international development in education, gender, climate, and others relevant to our target countries and communities.
  • Develop evidence-based policy positions that align with Aidlink's mission and strategic goals.
  • Advocate for Aidlink's policy positions with policymakers, donors, and other stakeholders.
  • Coordinate policy efforts with our country programs to ensure program-policy coherence.
  • Collaborate with partner NGOs to develop joint advocacy initiatives.
  • Monitor and report on the impact of Aidlink's policy advocacy efforts.

• Communications: 
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to raise awareness about Aidlink's work, impact, and advocacy efforts.
  • Oversee the creation of engaging content (reports, articles, social media) for various audiences.
  • Manage Aidlink's website and social media presence.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets to secure positive coverage.
  • Coordinate communication efforts with program teams and partners.

• Donor Relations: 
  • Identify and research potential donors aligned with Aidlink's mission and programs.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with existing and prospective donors.
  • Manage the grant application process, including proposal writing and negotiation.
  • Steward ongoing donor relationships through effective communication and impact reporting.

• Educational Outreach:
  • Work with partner schools in Africa to develop and implement the program itinerary, ensuring educational value and cultural exchange opportunities.
  • Coordinate logistics, including travel arrangements, accommodation, meals, and in-country transportation for Irish students.
  • Organize pre-departure orientation sessions for students and their parents, covering cultural expectations, health precautions, and program guidelines.
  • Gather feedback from students, teachers, and partner schools to assess the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
  • Prepare reports for Aidlink management on the program's impact and achievements.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in International Development, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a relevant role within the international development sector.
• Proven experience in policy development, advocacy, and program-policy coordination.
• Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in managing and developing donor relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment.
• Fluency in English.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of underprivileged communities.
• Work in a dynamic and passionate team environment.
• Be part of an organization committed to long-term and sustainable development impact.