ROLE TYPE: 12-month FTC (Renewable)
REPORTING TO: Head of Communications
DEPARTMENT: Communications
LOCATION: UK (remote)
DIRECT REPORTS JOB TITLE(S): N/A
CLOSING DATE: 22nd September 2024
ABOUT ARK
ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future.
We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.
Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact
About the Role
The Strategic Communications Manager will be a key player in advancing ARK's brand and communications strategy, with a significant focus on providing strategic support to project delivery teams. This role involves a dual responsibility: driving the strategic delivery of ARK’s overall brand and communications efforts, while also offering hands-on support and leadership in project-specific roles, including account management, to ensure the successful implementation of strategic communications across various initiatives. The successful candidate will bring expertise in international development, particularly in strategic communications and social and behavioural change communications.
What you'll be doing
Strategic Brand and Communications Delivery:
- Assist in developing and implementing ARK's brand and communications strategy to enhance brand visibility and impact.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging across all channels and materials.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
Project Support and Strategic Leadership:
- Provide strategic communications support to project delivery teams, ensuring alignment with ARK and our donor’s overarching communication goals and strategies.
- Act as a team resource, offering guidance on integrating strategic communications into project plans.
- Where necessary, assume project-specific roles, including leading account management efforts to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic objectives.
Account Management:
- Take on account management responsibilities for specific strategic communications projects, overseeing all aspects from inception to delivery.
- Work closely with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to ensure clarity of objectives and expectations.
- Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively to achieve desired outcomes.
Content Development and Management:
- Develop, review, and edit content for various communications channels, including reports, newsletters, and social media.
- Ensure all content aligns with ARK’s brand voice and strategic objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, donors, and the media.
- Represent ARK at events, conferences, and in communications with external stakeholders as needed.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Establish metrics for measuring the success of communication initiatives and regularly report on progress.
- Conduct regular assessments of communication needs and propose adjustments to strategies as required.
Requirements
About You
We are looking for someone who is not only highly skilled in strategic communications but also passionate about making a real impact in the world. The ideal candidate will have 4-5 years of hands-on experience in shaping and executing communications strategies, particularly in the international development space, with a focus on social and behavioural change. A background in Communications, International Development, or a related field is essential, and while a Master’s degree would be a bonus, we value experience and insight just as much as formal qualifications.
Beyond the technical skills, we are seeking someone who is a natural leader, capable of inspiring and guiding teams, while also being a great listener and collaborator. You’ll be someone who thrives in multicultural environments, easily building relationships with diverse stakeholders and partners. Fluency in English is a must, and if you also speak Arabic, that’s a big plus!
But more than anything, we’re looking for someone who is adaptable, who can think strategically yet roll up their sleeves when needed. You should be someone who can engage with communities, clients, and colleagues in a way that reflects ARK’s values of humility, accountability, and collaboration. If you are driven by a desire to create positive, sustainable change and can bring both your expertise and your humanity to the role, we’d love to hear from you!
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, International Development, or a related field.
- Experience: 4-5 years of experience in strategic communications, with a focus on international development and social behavioural change communications.
- Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.
- Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in communication tools and platforms, including social media, content management systems, and project management software.
- Project Management: Proven experience in managing complex communications projects from inception to completion.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced Degree: Master’s degree in strategic communications, International Relations, or a related field.
- Experience: Prior experience working in an international or multicultural environment.
- Language Skills: Additional language skills beyond English and Arabic are an asset.
Soft Skills:
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and develop long-term communication plans.
- Leadership: Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to guide and inspire teams.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits
Why join ARK?
- Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.
- Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.
- Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.
- Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.
Our People
Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organizations, journalism and the private sector.
Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.
Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognize out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.
Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.
Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.
Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions, and we want to hear those of others too.
ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.
