ABOUT US:
Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is the umbrella network organization representing Fairtrade certified producers and workers in Africa. It has four (4) regional networks – Eastern Africa; Southern Africa; West Africa; and Middle East and North Africa. Established in 2005, FTA aims to effectively represent producers and workers within the International Fairtrade System and provide services to them that contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods. The FTA Board directs policy and strategic development of the organization.
FAIRTRADE AFRICA PURPOSE: To improve the socio-economic conditions of African producers through increased access to better trading conditions.
ABOUT THE JOB:
The Regional Communications Officer – WACP will lead and coordinate communications for the West Africa Cocoa Programme across Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone.
The role aims to position Fairtrade Africa and WACP as leaders in promoting sustainable cocoa production, decent livelihoods and responsible business practices, while ensuring strong donor visibility, stakeholder engagement and regional coherence of messaging.
The post holder will develop and implement communication strategies that support programme objectives, advocacy efforts, donor requirements and knowledge sharing across the three countries.
LOCATION: Based in Côte d’Ivoire or Ghana – with regional coverage of Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone
REPORTING LINES:
Post-holder reports to: Operations Manager – WAN
Staff reporting to this post: None
SCALE LEVEL: Officer 1
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: Yes
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key Performance Areas
Regional Communication Strategy – WACP
- Develop, implement and regularly update the regional communications strategy for WACP in coordination with programme teams and the External Communications Coordinator.
- Ensure alignment of country-level communications with WACP objectives, donor requirements and Fairtrade Africa branding.
- Support advocacy initiatives with governments, NFOs, donors, service providers and regional media.
- Coordinate communication inputs across Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone to ensure consistent messaging and visibility.
External Relations and Media (Regional Scope)
- Develop press releases, media kits, fact sheets and donor-focused communication materials related to WACP.
- Build and maintain a strong regional media network across the three countries.
- Organise regional and country-level media briefings on WACP activities and milestones.
- Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews in collaboration with management.
- Support crisis communication processes and escalate sensitive issues appropriately.
- Track and analyse media coverage and communication metrics at regional level.
Content Production & Storytelling
- Analyse MEL reports and field data to produce compelling impact stories, case studies and learning briefs.
- Oversee production of WACP publications: newsletters, annual reports, project profiles, brochures and donor reports.
- Manage and coordinate content development for websites, social media and print.
- Ensure timely visibility of donor contributions and programme achievements.
- Strengthen internal communication flows between country teams and the regional office.
Events, Visibility & Branding
- Plan and coordinate regional events, workshops, donor visits and press conferences linked to WACP.
- Oversee production of branding and visibility materials.
- Conduct post-event evaluations and reporting against communication objectives.
- Ensure compliance with Fairtrade Africa and donor visibility guidelines.
Producer Communications
- Maintain producer and member communication databases across WACP countries.
- Design targeted communication products for members, donors and NFOs.
- Support membership promotion and recruitment campaigns.
- Build strong relationships with communication focal points in member organisations.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Communications, community management, media, journalism or related field
- Be a member of a professional PR or Communications body is an advantage
Experience and Knowledge
- At least 3 – 5years work experience in communications, writing and content creations
- Experience working with an NGO, development or sustainability context is an advantage
- Strong understanding of donor visibility requirements.
- Experience using social media strategically for programme communications.
- Knowledge of desktop publishing and digital production tools.
Skills
- Excellent writing and storytelling skills.
- Ability to translate technical programme data into accessible communications.
- Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Photography and multimedia production skills are an asset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CMS platforms and social media tools.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently across countries and cultures.
How to apply
APPLICATION DEADLINE is 8th May 2026
An application form (CVs will not be accepted) can be found on the jobs and volunteering page of our website: https://fairtradeafrica.net/vacancies-and-tenders/
If you have any queries, please e-mail recruitmentwestafrica@fairtradeafrica.net or call +254 202721930 or +254 704180169 and ask to speak to a member of the HR team.
Qualified applicants will be subjected to background checks as a pre-condition of employment. Completed applications should be saved in the applicant’s name and the position (Communications Officer – WACP) and be e-mailed to recruitmentwestafrica@fairtradeafrica.net
Fairtrade Africa is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are encouraged to apply
All applicants should state how they meet the essential requirements of the post and include their email address, telephone contacts and three referees with contact details on the application form.
ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.