Communications Officer – GAHAYA LINKS LTD

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB DETAILS

JOB TITLE: Communications Officer

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

JOB REF: GLL/HR005

DEPARTMENT/UNIT: Programs

Job / Role Purpose:

The Communications Officer will lead the development and implementation of communication strategies that promote the mission, brand, and impact of Gahaya Links Ltd. This role focuses on strategic storytelling, media engagement, digital marketing, and visibility of the organization’s work especially under the Rwanda Creative Program. The role holder is a creative communicator, passionate about women’s empowerment, and experienced in managing brand identity and digital presence.

Key duties and responsibilities 

Strategic Communication & Branding

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with Gahaya Links’ mission and programs.
• Develop consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms and materials.
• Work collaboratively with the design and marketing teams to enhance brand visibility locally and internationally.

Content Creation and Visual Storytelling

• • Collect and curate stories from weavers and beneficiaries to highlight impact.
  • Produce and manage engaging content for digital and print channels including newsletters, social media posts, brochures, and promotional materials (including videos).
  • Work closely with the design and production teams to align messaging with product storytelling.
  • Lead production of photography, videography, and written stories showcasing artisan journeys, products, and program milestones.

• Oversee the development of product catalogues, lookbooks, and branded assets to support domestic and international sales.

Digital and Social Media Management

• Maintain and grow Gahaya Links’ and program’s online presence (website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) through engaging, and high-quality content.
• Run targeted digital campaigns to promote the creative arts, cooperative products, exhibitions, or e-commerce platforms.
• Organise and schedule multimedia content that drives engagement and brand awareness
• Monitor and report on engagement analytics and adjust strategies to maximize reach and conversion.

Stakeholder and Public Relations

• Serve as the primary communications liaison between Gahaya Links, media outlets, consortium members, and key stakeholders.
• Develop press releases, speeches, talking points, and media kits aligned with the funding partner branding requirements.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, design platforms, and buyers to drive exposure.
• Collaborate with Inzira Creative Partners, Pink Mango and Mass Design on product launches and client engagement strategies.

Program Communications (Rwanda Creative Program)

• Coordinate and lead all communication-related aspects of the Rwanda Creative Program.
• Develop visibility reports, case studies, and impact stories for donors and partners.
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure accurate documentation of activities and outcomes.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

• Maintain a communications calendar aligned with program implementation and reporting timelines.
• Prepare quarterly communications reports for internal use and donor submission.
• Ensure compliance with the related communication and branding guidelines.

Ad hoc

• Perform other work-related ad hoc duties as may be requested by the line manager from time to time.

Expected Outputs/ Deliverables

• Dynamic communications strategy
• Good content for digital and print channels
• Relevant photography, videography, and written stories
• Developed online presence
• Digital campaigns running
• Press releases, speeches, talking points, and media kits
• Aligned communications calendar
• Research on relevant topics

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, Public Relations, Media Studies entrepreneurship, or a related field from a reputable university.
• Relevant training in digital marketing is an added advantage.
• Being Bilingual (English and French) is an added advantage.

Related Job Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in branding, or communications — ideally in creative, nonprofit, or SME sectors.
• Proven experience in social media strategy, visual storytelling, and customer-facing communications.
• Experience in developing creative and engaging content to influence the market.
• Experience working with artisan brands or women-led enterprises is a plus.
• Familiarity with the creative and arts sector, economic development, and social impact initiatives in Africa is a plus.

Required Technical Knowledge/Skills

• Strong understanding of brand positioning and consumer engagement strategies.
• Development and implementation of creative communication strategies.
• Development of compelling content, including reports, articles, and multimedia materials.
• Proficiency in graphic design, photography, and digital marketing tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Hootsuite, Mailchimp).
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, partners, and funders.

Required Behavioural Skills 

• Excellent writing, editing, and content creation skills
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Creative thinker with a strong aesthetic sensibility
• Adaptable and responsive to evolving program needs and trends
• Collaborative team player and client-oriented communicator
• Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership
• Strong interpersonal and storytelling skills.
• Attention to detail.
• High level of integrity and professional accountability

What we offer

• The opportunity to work across departments and with external partners.
• A collaborative, dynamic environment committed to women’s economic empowerment.
• The chance to shape the future of arts and creatives development in Rwanda, and beyond.