Communications Specialist (Consultant)

Purpose of the Assignment m2m is seeking an experienced Communications Specialist Consultant to provide additional implementation capacity to the External Communications team. The Communications Specialist Consultant is a delivery-focused role responsible for translating strategic priorities into compelling content, strategic organisational publications and integrated communications that strengthen m2m's visibility, reputation and stakeholder engagement across print and digital channels. Reporting to the Senior Communications Lead: External Communications, the consultant will provide hands-on implementation support across priority communications activities, taking assigned communications products from brief and content development through production, review, approval and final delivery. This role is suited to an experienced communications professional who is a strong writer and editor, can coordinate multiple projects and production processes, and is comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment. Scope of Work 2.1. Strategic Content Development and Storytelling Develop high-quality communications content that brings m2m's work and impact to life and supports organisational priorities. Responsibilities: Research, write, and edit communications content, including stories, blogs, website copy, fact sheets, newsletters, donor communications, executive messaging, and media materials. Translate technical, programme, and organisational information into clear, compelling, and audience-focused content. Conduct interviews and gather content from programme teams, partners, clients, and other stakeholders. Repurpose content across print and digital channels to maximise its use, reach, and value. Edit and quality assure content to ensure consistency with m2m's messaging, editorial, and brand standards. 2.2. Strategic Publications and Digital Communications Support the end-to-end production and delivery of strategic communications products across print and digital channels. Responsibilities: Coordinate and contribute to the production of assigned strategic publications, including Quarterly Reports, Annual Reports, impact reports, organisational fact sheets, presentations, and other communications products. Coordinate content inputs, editing, design, review, and approval processes for assigned publications. Work with designers and internal stakeholders to ensure communications products progress according to agreed production schedules. Review designed materials for editorial accuracy, content integrity, and brand consistency before finalisation. Develop and adapt content for m2m's website, social media, email communications, and digital campaigns. Prepare and, where required, publish approved digital content across agreed platforms. Contribute content to the editorial calendar and support delivery against agreed publishing schedules. Apply relevant search engine optimisation (SEO), accessibility and digital content best practices. Monitor basic content performance, where required, and identify opportunities to strengthen engagement. 2.3. Communications Project Coordination and Creative Production Coordinate assigned communications projects and production processes from approved brief through to final delivery. Responsibilities Manage assigned communications products and projects from briefing through production, review, approval, and final delivery. Develop and maintain production schedules, ensuring deadlines, dependencies, and approvals are tracked. Prepare clear creative briefs for designers and other service providers. Coordinate designers, photographers, videographers, printers, and other external suppliers where required. Consolidate stakeholder feedback and coordinate review and approval cycles. Review proofs and final assets for content accuracy, editorial quality, and brand compliance. Support the production and delivery of communications assets for campaigns, events, and other strategic organisational initiatives. Ensure final approved assets are appropriately prepared, filed, and shared for their intended use. Maintain accurate project and production trackers for assigned activities. 2.4. Planning, Coordination and Team Support Contribute to effective communications planning and coordination to support timely delivery across the External Communications team. Responsibilities Participate in communications and editorial planning meetings as required. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to obtain the content, information, approvals, and other inputs required for assigned deliverables. Maintain visibility of progress, deadlines, dependencies, and risks across assigned projects. Provide regular progress updates and flag potential delays or bottlenecks early. Contribute to practical improvements to communications templates, production workflows and processes. Expected Deliverables Specific deliverables will be agreed and prioritised with the Senior Communications Lead: External Communications in line with the External Communications workplan. These are expected to include: Completed written communications products ready for publication or distribution. Assigned organisational publications coordinated from content development through design, review, approval, and final production. Approved digital content developed, adapted and/or published across relevant m2m channels. Communications assets for campaigns, events, stakeholder engagement, and organisational priorities delivered according to agreed briefs and timelines. Creative briefs and production schedules developed, and review processes coordinated for assigned projects. Up-to-date project and production trackers providing visibility of deliverables, deadlines, dependencies, and status. Monthly progress updates covering completed deliverables, work in progress, upcoming priorities, and any risks or dependencies. All deliverables must meet agreed timelines and m2m's editorial, messaging and brand standards. The consultant will be expected to manage assigned work independently, communicate risks or delays early, and respond flexibly to changing communications priorities. Duration and Level of Effort The consultancy will be for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension subject to organisational requirements, funding availability, and satisfactory performance. The consultant will provide services for approximately three to four days per week. Working days, priorities, and deliverables will be agreed with the Senior Communications Lead: External Communications based on the External Communications workplan and production requirements. The role will be based at m2m's Global Support Hub in Cape Town, with hybrid and remote working arrangements considered in accordance with organisational policies and operational requirements. Ideal Consultant Profile The ideal consultant will bring: At least seven years' professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, corporate communications or a related field. Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Demonstrated experience producing high-quality communications products across print and digital channels. Experience coordinating organisational publications such as annual reports, impact reports, quarterly reports or donor communications from content development through to final production. Strong communications project management and production coordination experience. Experience working with designers, photographers, videographers, printers, and other creative service providers. Experience developing and adapting content for websites, social media, and email communications. Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to coordinate inputs and approvals across multiple teams. The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines. Experience within the non-profit, international development, public health, or related sectors will be advantageous. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and familiarity with content management systems, Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite. Submission of Expressions of Interest Interested consultants are invited to submit: A brief cover letter outlining their suitability for the assignment. A recent CV or professional profile. Two to three examples of communications products they have personally written, edited or managed through production, such as publications, reports, campaigns, writing samples or portfolio work. A proposed daily consultancy rate, indicating whether this is inclusive or exclusive of VAT, where applicable. Availability to commence the assignment. Expressions of interest should be submitted to Shanaaz Ebrahim by Friday, 28 August 2026.