Marketing and Communications Operations Manager

About ForAfrika
ForAfrika is an African-rooted, globally connected organisation dedicated to empowering communities across the continent through sustainable development and humanitarian aid. With over 40 years of operational experience, ForAfrika works in environments that vary from emergency relief settings to long-term development, ensuring that every initiative is contextually aligned with the needs of the people it serves. Through a deep love for Africa and unwavering commitment, ForAfrika delivers programmes that transform lives by embracing an integrated approach to development. This includes enhancing education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, food security and livelihoods, economic empowerment, and more, building environments where all Africans can thrive.

Position Summary
The Marketing and Communications Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in enhancing the operational dynamics within the Marketing and Communications Division at ForAfrika. This role involves acting as a liaison between Marcoms and various organisational divisions, interpreting and managing project briefs, and ensuring seamless execution of communications and marketing initiatives. The Marketing and Communications Operations Manager will also play a key role in contributing to and enhancing ForAfrika’s overall marketing strategies, actively participating in the development and execution of marketing initiatives, ensuring they align with and support the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a meticulous planner and a people person who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. With a background in marketing and a robust understanding of the developmental challenges in Africa, you bring a unique perspective that enhances our Marketing and Communication division’s operations. Your expertise in marketing and familiarity with various sectors within the humanitarian and development field allow you to effectively align strategies with the complex realities on the ground. You have an innate ability to connect with people and understand their needs, facilitating effective teamwork to meet and exceed those expectations. With a proactive mindset and a keen eye for improvement, you are always on the lookout for ways to advance our mission and impact.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Liaison and Project Management:
-Act as the primary contact for all marketing and communications needs across the organisation.
-Take detailed briefs from various divisions and ensure effective coordination with Marketing and Communications Operations team members for timely project execution.

Marketing Execution:
-Manage the execution of integrated marketing campaigns from conception to completion.
-Ensure all marketing initiatives align with organisational objectives and respond effectively to the needs and challenges within programme countries.

Team Collaboration and Growth:
-Facilitate a collaborative culture within the team, encouraging knowledge sharing, professional development, and collective success.

Innovative Practice Implementation:
-Identify and implement innovative marketing practices and technologies to enhance project effectiveness.
-Drive the adoption of advanced digital marketing tools and techniques to increase engagement and expand reach.

Performance and Outcome Monitoring:
-Oversee the monitoring of all projects, ensuring timely adjustments and optimisations based on performance data.
-Maintain rigorous control over project timelines and deliverables, ensuring all marketing efforts are executed flawlessly and achieve desired impacts.

Leadership Readiness:
-The candidate should be prepared to stand in for the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager when needed, ensuring continuity and leadership in our strategic operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
-A bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field is essential. A post-graduate degree is advantageous and may offer deeper insights into advanced marketing practices.
-Demonstrated hands-on experience in implementing marketing campaigns from start to finish. Experience in coordinating marketing operations and acting as a liaison across diverse teams is crucial.
-Exceptional attention to detail with a strong ability to oversee multiple ongoing projects. Proficiency in managing timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful project completions.
-Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of motivating and leading teams.
-A strategic thinker with a proactive approach to identifying challenges, offering solutions, and improving processes throughout the marketing implementation lifecycle.
-Willingness to travel as needed to engage directly with our teams and initiatives within the countries where our programmes operate.
-Deeply resonate with ForAfrika’s core values and have a genuine passion for supporting sustainable development across Africa.