Communications Manager

Playing a key role supporting different departments and as an effective member of the Senior Management team, the Communications Manager will be responsible for developing and delivering a highly effective communication strategy for British Council Senegal. The post holder will be proactive and creative, working collaboratively with colleagues across business areas to define and implement communications strategies, plans and campaigns in support of our work across Teaching Centre, Exams, Projects and Programmes.  

Context and Environment

 In Sub Saharan Africa, we bring people together to learn, create and work together to build long term relationships of trust with the UK.  We provide opportunities for people to connect with international experience, to fulfil their education, career and professional development aspirations and to add value to organisations and institutions which support the participation of people in the social, civic and economic life of their communities.

British Council Senegal and Francophone West Africa has been working in the sub region since the early 1970s. Without a dedicated position responsible for the communications and marketing of our work to customers, stakeholders and clients (both external and internal), British Council Senegal’s marcomms has been inconsistent and piecemeal. Consolidated efforts were made in 2015 to create a more strategic framework for this crucial aspect of British Council Senegal’s work and lots of progress has been made. Through these efforts, it became clear that the directorate needs a communications expert who can provide the leadership and hands on support for all departments to ensure that the ambitions and goals of the country are met.

Senegal and Francophone Africa is a unique and dynamic British Council directorate in Sub Saharan Africa. Based in the capital city Dakar and with a diverse portfolio of activity, British Council Senegal operates in a region of great opportunity and potential, covering a sub region of countries where there is no physical British Council presence. Our digital and face to face work in Teaching, Exams, English, Arts, Education and Society, offer many possibilities for a far reaching and impactful communications strategy which can meaningfully contribute to the 2020 regional vision.  

Qualifications and Experience

 Essential Criteria:

Bi-lingual English and French (equivalent to C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference); Excellent writing skills, and the ability to produce compelling media products such as press releases, key messages/speaking points and Q&As; Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills in both French and English producing materials for a wide range of different audiences including donors, journalists and the ‘general public’; University degree in a relevant subject or equivalent field experience. 

Desirable criteria:

Proven success in application of social media for business use; At least 3 years’ experience as a journalist or equivalent experience as a Communications Manager; Experience of delivering training, presentations and other capacity building activities to varied audiences, ideally within a country programme; Post-graduate courses in areas of Marketing, Digital or Social Media.  

Important Equal Opportunities and Diversity Information: The British Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and is keen to reflect diversity of UK society at every level within the organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. British Council appointments are contingent on thorough checks. In the UK, and where appropriate systems exist overseas, these include Criminal Records checks.

 To apply, please visit the British Council Jobs portal. Please note that applications will only be accepted via the British Council jobs portal. Any other method of application cannot be considered. 

 You application must clearly explain how your experience matches the criteria in role profile and include names and contact details of 3 referees.

 Please note that this position is being advertised internally and externally at the same time.