We’re transforming Africa through innovative scientific training, technical advances, and breakthrough discoveries!
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centres of excellence for postgraduate training in mathematical sciences, research, and public engagement in STEM. Its mission is to enable Africa’s brightest students to flourish as independent thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators capable of propelling Africa’s future scientific, educational, and economic self-sufficiency. The first AIMS centre opened in Cape Town, South Africa in 2003; since 2011, AIMS has opened additional centres in Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, and Rwanda.
Each AIMS Centre provides expertly tailored academic and non-academic programs, training around 50 African students each year and preparing them for leadership in the domains of academia, government, and industry. The AIMS academic program relies on top international lecturers who teach in a 24-hour learning environment.
If you bring a collaborative spirit with a passion to effect change, consider this opportunity as the…
Director, Communications & Public Engagement
Based at the AIMS-NEI Secretariat, and reporting to the CEO, the Director, Communications & Public Engagement will champion strong public engagement initiatives, influencing change among a diverse group of professionals both internal and external to the organization. Additionally, the Director will manage AIMS interactions with the media and drive a dynamic social media strategy to bring the work of AIMS students, researchers, and trainers to the world. With a growing network, the Director will empower AIMS employees to deliver on their mandate with a cohesive and unified voice across the AIMS global network.
The Director, Communications & Public Engagement will lead the development and updating of all communication-related network policies, will develop a strong internal communication strategy and initiatives, oversee the integration of communications in all new and existing program design and implementation processes and provide communications in support of change management and will work closely with the Director of Partnerships to prepare all fundraising collateral and support active partnership opportunities. You will oversee all international and local media relations and maintain media lists and supervise the monitoring of the local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning AIMS programs, and monitor effectiveness of the communications strategy.
As an expert in communications, you will create/refine AIMS promotional literature and other materials to communicate AIMS vision, mission, and values to different target audiences, manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on the AIMS-NEI program for briefings and for distribution to the public and media, lawmakers, politicians, etc. You will lead the development and implementation of public engagement strategies for global campaigns using global best practices, particularly at AIMS centres & chapters, support the development and implementation an alumni engagement strategy, manage communications for major AIMS campaigns and report annually on how to improve AIMS public engagement.
As the ideal candidate, you will lead the AIMS network’s communications teams (Secretariat and Centers), provide trainings, and ensuring overall quality and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach materials and initiatives, you will also oversee and provide regular trainings to network staff and implementing partners where applicable on the appropriate use of branding and coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Network in collaboration with the Centers, Secretariat, and technical staff.
This is a full-time, open opportunity based at the Secretariat in Kigali, Rwanda.
Do you have what we need?
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (preferred) in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required along with 10+ years of relevant experience at a management level;
- Significant political and media network in Africa and globally;
- Must be a self-starter with natural leadership and team building abilities;
- Articulate communicator (written, verbal and visual) with exceptional English language skills; French language skills are a desired advantage;
- Flexible to adapt to a dynamic, evolving environment alongside a growing team of uniquely diverse professionals;
- Ability to understand and adapt behaviour to a decentralized governance structure working with local Communications expertise at centre level for harmonization and quality assurance across the network;
- Self-sufficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and savvy with web-based applications (Dropbox, Google, Skype, Social Media);
- Familiar with the political, social, economic, and cultural context of working in Africa;
- A genuine interest in STEM education and research.
Are you ready to be a part of the transformation?
Click on this link to apply. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2021.
Should no feedback be received from AIMS-NEI within four weeks of your submission, kindly accept that your application will not be further pursued. AIMS-NEI reserves the right not to make an appointment at its sole discretion.
AIMS-NEI is an equal opportunity employer. Visit www.nexteinstein.org to learn more about AIMS.
