Communications Lead

Position Overview Job Title : Communication Lead Location: Remote within Africa and Europe. The successful candidate will be expected to attend periodic in-person team meetings and occasional travel for organizational events and partner engagement. Length of Contract : Full-time. Eighteen months with possibility of extension Preferred Start Date : As soon as possible Deadline: 15th August 2026 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis) Organizational Context Founded by two Black women in the aftermath of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests around the world, the African Futures Lab (AfaLab) works to advance demands for racial justice for Africans and Afro-descended people globally. We pursue the recognition and repair of global racial injustices through rigorous, empirically grounded knowledge exchange across Africa and Europe. Our work includes research, “Mobilization Labs” with partner organizations, and advocacy. Our work aims to bolster activists and policymakers in holding states and private actors accountable for the enduring effects of colonialism and slavery in Europe and Africa. Our current projects focus on the intersections of racial justice with gender rights, climate justice, and socio-economic inequalities. As the African Union Decade of Reparations (2026–2036) begins, AfaLab is working alongside partners across Africa and Europe to help shape evidence-informed dialogue, strengthen advocacy and contribute to advancing reparatory justice. This is a pivotal moment for the movement, and an exciting time to join our team! Learn more about AfaLab on our website or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn . About the Role We are looking for a strategic, creative, and highly collaborative Communications Lead to lead the implementation of AfaLab's new communications strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how a growing organization working at the forefront of racial and reparative justice communicates its work, influences public discourse, and strengthens its profile across Africa and Europe. This role combines strategic communications leadership with hands-on execution. Working closely with the Executive Director, program teams and external partners, the Communications Lead will translate AfaLab's communications strategy into action, embed it across the organization’s work, continuously refine it and ensure AfaLab’s communications advance its mission and advocacy objectives. What Impact You'll Make As Communications Lead, you will play a central role in shaping how African Futures Lab is seen, heard and understood. You will bring our new communications strategy to life, ensuring our research, advocacy, campaigns and partnerships reach and influence the right audiences. By translating complex ideas into compelling narratives, you will strengthen AfaLab's visibility, deepen our engagement with partners and policymakers, and contribute to changing the narrative on racial justice and reparations across Africa and Europe. Success in this role will be measured not only by the quality of communications outputs, but by their strategic impact, influence, and contribution to AfaLab's mission. Key Responsibilities The core responsibilities of the Communication Lead include: 1. Planning & Monitor ing Lead the implementation of AfaLab's communications strategy, monitoring progress, and continuously refining approaches in response to organizational learning, audience insights, and the evolving external landscape. Translate the communications strategy into annual and quarterly plans. Develop and implement an editorial calendar for the organization's regular communications, including managing and updating the organization's website and social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Newsletter). Steward AfaLab's organizational narrative and messaging across all communications. Provide strategic communications support for organizational priorities, ensuring communications is integrated into program planning, events and advocacy initiatives from the outset. Establish and monitor communications performance indicators, using qualitative and quantitative data and digital analytics to evaluate impact and continuously improve communications. Produce regular communications performance reports and recommendations for leadership and program teams. Monitor traditional and digital media to identify relevant articles, events and reports, assess their impact on the organization and propose relevant communications strategies Contribute a communications perspective to our programmatic work, organizational planning and strategic discussions. 2. Content Creation & D igital Communications Produce high-quality written and visual communications across multiple platforms (Linkedin, Instagram and website). Create cross-platform content outputs which achieve the organization’s advocacy campaign's goals. Maintain and strengthen AfaLab's visual identity and communications standards across all outputs. Lead communications planning and delivery for advocacy campaigns, reports, publications, podcasts, events, and other major organizational initiatives Lead AfaLab's digital communications across its website, newsletters, LinkedIn, Instagram and other relevant platforms with an adapted strategy to each platform Grow and engage AfaLab’s audiences through strategic storytelling and digital campaigns. Ensure all digital communications remain current, accessible and aligned with AfaLab's brand and strategic priorities. Explore innovative digital approaches and emerging communications tools to strengthen impact. 3. Media Engagement & Partnerships Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists to increase media coverage of AfaLab’s activities and advocacy efforts Develop and maintain a media and stakeholder contact database to support proactive outreach and engagement. Draft press releases, media briefings and key messaging. Monitor traditional and digital media to identify emerging opportunities, trends, and reputational risks. Identify proactive media opportunities for AfaLab's research, advocacy and leadership Identify and pursue opportunities for partnerships with advocacy organizations, focusing on shared messaging and strategic collaboration Support media engagement around organizational events and announcements. 4. Analytical Abilities Review, interpret, and synthesize research reports and program outputs, distilling key insights into accessible and impactful messaging Apply evidence and audience insights to strengthen communications approaches, messaging, and organizational influence. Required qualifications Master's degree in Ccommunications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations or another relevant field, or equivalent professional experience. At least 5 years of relevant, professional experience in communications Demonstrated experience implementing communications strategies and leading integrated communications campaigns. Experience communicating research, policy or advocacy work to diverse audiences. Experience working within civil society, philanthropy, international organizations or think tanks is an advantage. Languages Excellent written and spoken English Ability to independently develop, edit and deliver high-quality communications in French (full professional proficiency or equivalent). Knowledge Understanding of racial justice, reparations and broader social justice discourse. Familiarity with policy, advocacy and research communications and trends in social justice discourse. Technical Excellent writing and editing skills. Ability to translate complex and technical content into accessible language and clear, engaging visual assets. Strong visual communication skills using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop & Illustrator) Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe design softwares (Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Canva. Working knowledge of video editing tools. Experience managing digital communications, including websites, newsletters, and social media. Strong analytical, planning, and project management skills. Ways of Working Thrives in a small and dynamic team Pays attention to details especially for the visuals content creation Effectively manages multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Committed to AfaLab values: justice, integrity, creativity, reliability and optimism Exercises sound judgement and adapt to changing priorities. Works independently while taking initiative and ownership. Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to foster collaboration Passionate about racial justice and dedicated to advancing AfaLab’s mission. If you're excited by the opportunity to shape public narrative and amplify research and advocacy, we encourage you to apply by 15 August 2026. African Futures Lab is an Afro-feminist organisation committed to fostering an equitable, collaborative and inclusive workplace. We particularly encourage women to apply.