Communications and Advocacy Officer

Job Summary

School for Life (SfL) is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to improving access to quality basic education for underserved communities in Ghana. As the Communications and Advocacy Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and policy around complementary basic education. Reporting to the Deputy Manager for Advocacy and Gender, you will develop and implement strategic communications, manage media relations, and support advocacy initiatives that drive systemic change. This is a unique opportunity to combine your communications expertise with a passion for child rights, gender equity, and universal education. Based in Tamale, you will work at the heart of Ghana's educational transformation, collaborating with partners, government bodies, and civil society to amplify the voices of out-of-school children and advocate for inclusive policies. If you are a skilled communicator with a commitment to social justice, this role offers meaningful impact and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive advocacy and communications strategy aligned with the Education for Learning (E4L) framework and the SfL Strategic Plan.
• Support the Pedagogical Research Officer in conducting advocacy-based research, translating findings into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Manage the SfL website, creating and curating content, including articles, success stories, and program updates to enhance digital presence.
• Strengthen and maintain relationships with media outlets, including print, radio, television, and online platforms, to promote pro-poor education policies.
• Organize and coordinate capacity-building workshops on advocacy for SfL field staff, ensuring they are equipped to champion the cause at the grassroots level.
• Monitor and support local-level advocacy efforts, providing guidance and resources to community-based advocates.
• Coordinate the production of the SfL newsletter, ensuring timely and engaging content that highlights organizational achievements and lessons learned.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports, documenting progress and impact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate coordination with partner organizations, including the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) Alliance, to strengthen joint advocacy initiatives.
• Ensure transparent and regular communication with all partners, fostering trust and collaboration across the network.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, international development, education, or a related field.
• Proven experience in advocacy and strategic communications, preferably within the development sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive messages for different audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and networking abilities, with a knack for building and sustaining relationships.
• Full computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, email, and content management systems.
• Hands-on experience in developing and uploading materials for websites and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to child rights, gender equity, and universal education.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, managing multiple priorities.

Skills Inventory

Essential Skills:

• Strategic communications planning and execution
• Advocacy campaign design and implementation
• Media relations and press release writing
• Content creation for web and social media
• Research and data interpretation
• Report writing and documentation
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
• Event coordination and workshop facilitation

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Ghana's education policy landscape
• Experience with mother tongue-based education programs
• Proficiency in local languages spoken in Northern Ghana
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Photography or graphic design for storytelling