Recruitment of a Communication and Awareness Officer
Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Reporting to: Project Manager
Closing date: March 28, 2026
Status: Full-time. Twelve-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funding and a performance evaluation.
Important: This position is reserved for people authorized to work in Ivory Coast.
About IMPACT
IMPACT transforms natural resource management in regions where security and human rights are threatened. We work to analyze and design approaches to natural resource management with a triple focus on strengthening security, development, and equity. As an independent, non-profit organization, IMPACT collaborates with local partners to bring about lasting change.
IMPACT is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zimbabwe. Learn more at www.impacttransform.org
Overview
IMPACT is seeking a communications officer to be based in Ivory Coast who will be responsible for implementing the communication, awareness and visibility strategy for the organization’s portfolio of projects in the country.
The Communications and Outreach Officer contributes to effective communication with stakeholders regarding project activities and outcomes. The Communications Officer will produce website articles, social media posts, and printed materials, and will liaise with the media to promote projects and ensure their success. In addition, working closely with the local team and specialists, the Communications Officer participates in the preparation of a wide range of outreach materials for national and local beneficiaries. They work under the supervision of the Project Manager, collaborating with project staff and other members of the communications team based abroad.
Main responsibilities
In coordination with the Director of Communications and project staff, the Communications Officer develops and implements outreach and communication activities for IMPACT projects in Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The incumbent liaises with members of the communications and project teams to produce and deliver content for IMPACT’s editorial calendar. Working with project team members, they promote activities in the country to achieve strategic objectives and contribute to the development of outreach materials.
External communications
- In collaboration with project team members, identify the activities, results, and beneficiary stories that deserve to be told.
- Gathering information through interviews, photos and videos in order to write high-quality and engaging content for various stakeholders (local, national and international).
- Collaborating with project implementation partners for communication needs and support for their communication plans on IMPACT projects.
- Liaise with the communications team to contribute to the editorial calendar, and produce content for social media accounts, local radio stations and the website.
- Manage local contract staff responsible for creative work, including photographers and videographers, in liaison with the project team to prepare creative briefs that meet expectations.
- Mobilize the media to attend events organized as part of the projects and inform them of the results.
- To orchestrate the placement of advertisements in the media.
- Coordinate the production of printed materials, and liaise with graphic designers and printers.
Raising awareness among beneficiaries
- In collaboration with the project team, identify relevant methods and tools to raise awareness among target audiences.
- Participate in the development of key messages.
- Coordinate the production of quality awareness-raising materials, including, among other things, brochures, posters, radio messages, advertisements, banners.
- Participate in the preparation of awareness-raising strategies.
Strategy, reporting and knowledge sharing
- In coordination with the Director of Communications, the Country Representative and the projects team, develop and implement the communication strategy for Côte d’Ivoire and projects implemented in the country, taking into account in particular the country strategy.
- Reporting on project communication activities in accordance with donor expectations.
- Monitor media coverage of projects and report on it to staff and donors.
- Conduct a brand image audit of IMPACT and implement the related guidelines in all activities carried out in the country.
- Liaise with the communications team to regularly exchange knowledge and coordinate activities.
- Coordinate with team members in Ivory Coast to seize opportunities for communication and promotion of projects.
Qualifications and skills required
You are requested to prepare an application file clearly demonstrating that your profile meets the requirements of the position.
Qualifications, expertise, and essential skills:
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in a communications role, preferably within an international non-profit organization or in the development sector.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in French, and skills in writing high-quality texts for diverse audiences.
- Proven experience in media relations in Ivory Coast and skills in writing press releases and articles published in local and national media.
- Proven experience in writing articles for a website.
- Proven experience in creating content to showcase a brand (preferably an NGO) on social media — including Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.
- Proven experience in developing awareness or training tools for different audiences.
- Experience collaborating with creative consultants, such as photographers or videographers.
- Experience in implementing brand guidelines.
- Strong computer skills, preferably with experience in graphic design programs such as Canva or Adobe.
- English language skills would be considered an asset.
SKILLS :
- Commit to ensuring communications based on respect and dignity when working with vulnerable populations.
- Creativity and a sense of innovation.
- Excellent attention to detail, ability to solve problems and demonstrate sound judgment.
- Initiative, autonomy and respect for deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Strong sense of organization, planning and time management, and able to multitask.
- Team spirit and ability to work with colleagues at all hierarchical levels in multicultural environments.
- Intuition and proactivity: the ability to identify potential problems, needs, threats, or opportunities and bring them to the attention of senior management or relevant personnel.
- Ability to adapt and effectively handle complex issues in a rapidly changing environment.
Benefits :
- Competitive salary.
- We are a fast-paced organization with a close-knit, dynamic, and diverse team working in six countries, including Canada. Get ready to thrive in a dynamic environment where things move quickly and collaboration is key. You will work with people from diverse backgrounds and with varied perspectives, which makes our work all the more innovative. We take our mission very seriously and are committed to making a positive impact on the world.
How to apply
To apply, please send the documents below to jobs@impacttransform.org:
- A cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position
- Your curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
- Share a link to a portfolio OR attach 3 samples of your written work (maximum 2 pages each). These can include blog posts, press releases, posters, training materials, or other documents intended for the public. Please do not include academic work.
In the subject line of the email, please indicate the position you are applying for and your name.
We thank all applicants, but we will only contact those selected for an interview. Due to the high volume of applications received, we ask that you do not follow up.
Failure to comply with the above-mentioned requirements will automatically result in the rejection of the application. Please note that IMPACT has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.