Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Communications Lead (MENAEE) – Maternity Cover to join our global team.
Team and Job Purpose
Create and deliver impactful communication strategies that align with the Global Engagement Framework, working with Country Offices across four regions (Africa, Asia, LAC, MENAEE) to drive income and influencing and manage crisis communications. Build an integrated and inclusive Global Communications and Media Network across Save the Children International, including a comprehensive training and support package, to maximise our impact for and with children. Deliver a Global Translations Unit, ensuring our communications are inclusive.
To lead the communications strategy for the MENAEE region, ensuring alignment with the global integrated plan and annual narrative to support the Global Engagement Framework. Leading across external engagement, communications packages and products and crisis communications, this role fosters an inclusive Global Communications and Media Network that enhances visibility and support for Country Offices, aiming for the greatest impact for and with children.
Job Title: Strategic Communications Lead (MENAEE) – Maternity Cover
Reports To: Global Head of Region Communications
Work Pattern: Hybrid/Remote with flexible working options available
Contract Length: Fixed Term Contract 6 months
Grade: P5
Location: MENAEE region. For a full list of locations that Save the Children International can hire in, please visit: Hiring Locations
Time Zone (that the role holder must be available to work in): Central (GMT + / - 3)
Right to Work: The successful candidate must possess the unrestricted right to work in their current or preferred location for the duration of employment.
International Travel Requirements: Yes, up to 20%
Budget Responsibility: None
People Management Responsibility:
Number of people managed in total: 1
Manager of a team: Yes
Team Manager (manager of multiple teams): No
Principle Accountabilities
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic communications approach for the MENAEE region, aligning with the Global Engagement Framework and the global integrated strategic plan.
• Drive the creation of high-impact messaging, communications and content products that maximises the visibility and support for Country Offices.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with Country Office teams to ensure consistency and coherence in communications efforts, promoting impact and shared learning.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of communications activities in the MENAEE region, using insights to continuously improve and adapt strategies for maximum impact on children's lives.
• Lead crisis communications for the MENAEE region – horizon scanning, supporting Country Offices, managing risk and escalating where necessary.
• Support the professional development of communications colleagues by providing necessary training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth, embedding a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
Experience and Skills
Essential
1. Strategic thinking and planning: significant experience in leading, developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies across multiple countries and contexts. Ability to provide clear senior decision making, prioritisation and strategic direction that aligns with Save the Children’s mission and Global Engagement Framework, to enable us to have the greatest impact for children across income and influencing.
2. A foundation of experience in leading communications efforts within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, with the ability to work collaboratively at all levels within the organisation across multiple countries, contexts and cultures, preferably within the non-profit or humanitarian sector.
3. Storytelling: demonstrable experience in driving impactful audience centric messaging that aligns to our brand and highlights children’s voices and stories.
4. Extensive experience in managing complex crisis communications and working with senior stakeholders to mitigate reputational risk.
5. Team co-ordination and development: ability to mentor and develop immediate team members and support country office communication colleagues, promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment.
6. Digital and brand literacy: experience in delivering executions across different channels through digital and content to reach a diverse range of audiences.
7. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information, generate insights, and advise on strategic direction. Proven ability to manage multiple projects, including the ability to meet deadlines, handle multiple demands concurrently, and maintain attention to detail.
8. Ability to navigate and thrive within a multicultural environment, respecting diversity and fostering inclusivity.
9. A foundation of experience in leading communications efforts within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, preferably within the non-profit or humanitarian sector.
Willingness to travel within the MENAEE region and occasionally internationally, as required.
Education and Qualifications
Essential
• A degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Media Studies, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations, Development Studies or a related field.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is essential.
Desirable
• Professional certifications in strategic communication are an advantage.
• Qualification or training in project management or a related field is desirable.
Working at Save the Children International
Save the Children is the world's leading organisation for children, employing ~25,000 staff. We save children's lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. Through our work in 116 countries, we put the most deprived and marginalised children first.
We know that great people make a great organisation, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
The work here is challenging but is also immensely rewarding. At Save the Children, you will be in good company, working with talented, like-minded individuals who are determined to ensure that all children survive, learn, and are protected. Your contribution will help ensure children's voices are heard at the highest levels, and that we achieve our global strategy, Ambition for Children 2030, and reach every last child.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
DEI is core to our vision, values and global strategy. Save the Children is committed to creating a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation, and one which will support us in our vision to ensure every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation.
We are committed to equal employment opportunities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, caring or parental responsibilities, age, or beliefs and religion. We are committed to diversifying our staff to better represent the communities we serve and actively welcome underrepresented groups to apply.
Reasonable adjustments will be made should any candidate invited to interview require this.
Application Information
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application. A full copy of the role profile can be found here via the job listing. It is recommended that you save a copy of the role profile as it will no longer be available after the advert closes.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the job advert may be closed earlier than advertised subject to the volume of suitable applicants. Please submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Our recruitment process:
- Application review by our recruiting team based on your CV and cover letter
- Two-stage competency-based interviews with the hiring team
- Some recruitment may include an additional assessment or case study stage, or a third stage interview
- If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment, followed by your contract subject to passing background checks
We need to keep children and adults safe so our selection process includes rigorous background checks and reflects our commitment to the protection of children and adults from abuse. All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our Code of Conduct and all policies and procedures relating to Anti-harassment, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and DEI and Equal Opportunities.
Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.