Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Position description

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Communications & Public Affairs for our Partner, to lead and elevate their organisation’s global communications and influence.

This is a Senior Executive Team role, reporting directly to executive leadership and accountable for shaping organisational positioning, reputation, and external engagement at the highest level.

This role requires a proactive, forward-thinking leader who anticipates opportunities, drives the narrative, and positions the organisation ahead of the curve in a complex, fast-evolving global environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Define and lead a forward-looking communications, advocacy, and public affairs strategy, aligned to organisational priorities.
2. Proactively shape and drive a compelling strategic narrative, positioning the organisation as a leading voice in global public health.
3. Act as a senior advisor to executive leadership, providing guidance on high-profile, sensitive, and complex communications and diplomatic matters.
4. Lead crisis communications and reputation management, ensuring preparedness and decisive response.
5. Build and maintain high-level relationships with governments, multilateral institutions, partners, donors, media, and key influencers.
6. Drive visibility, influence, and positioning to support strategic priorities and resource mobilisation.
7. Identify and leverage strategic opportunities for external engagement, thought leadership, and global positioning.
8. Oversee media engagement, content strategy, and digital communications, ensuring consistency and impact.
9. Lead and develop a high-performing, multicultural communications function, setting a culture of excellence and accountability.
10. Ensure alignment across the organisation, embedding communications as a strategic enabler of organisational impact.
11. Define clear outcomes and measurable indicators to assess achievements using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Qualifications

- We are seeking a senior leader who:

- Has extensive experience in strategic communications, public affairs, and reputation management at a senior level

- Demonstrates a proactive, strategic mindset, with the ability to anticipate and shape external narratives

- Has a proven track record in crisis communications in complex, high-stakes environments

- Has operated in politically sensitive and multi-stakeholder environments, including government and multilateral contexts

- Brings the gravitas and credibility to engage and influence senior leaders, ministers, and partners

- Has experience positioning organisations at a regional or global level

- Understands and supports resource mobilisation and donor engagement environments

- Has strong leadership experience managing and developing diverse, high-performing teams

- Has worked across Africa and in multicultural, international environments

- Demonstrates high levels of cultural intelligence, diplomacy, and adaptability

Qualifications & Experience:

- Advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, public affairs, international relations, or related field

- Significant senior-level experience (15+ years, including leadership roles)

- Strong understanding of Africa’s political, socio-economic, and public health landscape

Languages:

- Fluency in English required

- French, Arabic, or Portuguese would be a strong advantage

Additional Requirements:

- Willingness to relocate to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure, and complex environment

- Experience working in multicultural and international teams

Application instructions

All applications (CV & Cover Letter) must be emailed by applying below. 

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