Senior Communications Officer (Francophone)

Background
The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is the first and only African-led climate change re-granting organisation on the continent. Through a combination of grant making, fellowships, transformational research, technical assistance, coalition building and advocacy the ACF seeks to support interventions at the nexus of climate change, and development that have the greatest potential to deliver long-term socio-economic transformation and inclusive development.

Purpose

The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is a strategic grant-maker and platform for catalytic climate action across the African continent. Our work supports African-led responses to climate change that advance inclusive development and climate resilience. We are seeking a Senior Communications Officer to help enhance our visibility and support the strategic goals of our Communications department. For this role, strong communication skills in both French and English are essential, along with a solid understanding of and strong network within local and Francophone media. A commitment to amplifying the impact of our partners and ACF’s work through the creation of compelling content is also key.

About the role

The Senior Communications Officer will support our overall communications strategy, enhance the Foundation’s visibility, and fulfil communications and outreach activities with our local partners. This role is pivotal in showcasing our impact and supporting programme alignment through strategic communications. This is a remote position; however, regular in-person meetings and /or engagements with partners will be necessary and crucial to the role.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Communications:

• Support the rollout of the ACF’s communications strategy in line with organisational objectives to highlight its impact and support its partners.
• Promote the ACF as a leading organisation in Africa by identifying media engagements and thought leadership opportunities.
• Produce compelling content to amplify the work of the ACF and that of our grantees.

Media and Public Relations:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with both Francophone and regional media outlets.
• Draft (or translate) and distribute press releases, manage media inquiries (French where necessary), and coordinate press briefings where relevant.
• Work with our partners on ACF-supported events, especially those where media is present.

Content Development:

• Work closely with the communications and programmes team to create and publish compelling impact stories, case studies or multimedia.
• Oversee digital content development (including social media, website, newsletters when needed), ensuring alignment with the team’s strategic goals.
• Produce communications materials for external audiences, under the guidance and direction of the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Communications.

Partner Engagement and Support:

• Provide communications support to partners (in some cases, including training or coaching where needed).
• Contribute to outreach and advocacy efforts through targeted communications.

Requirements include but are not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, Journalism, PR, Media Studies, or related fields.
  
• A minimum of 7- 10 years of experience in communications, preferably in the non-profit, development, or climate/environment sectors.
• Based in Africa, with a preference of West Africa
• Strong networks and experience engaging with Francophone media.
• Proven experience in writing, editing, and producing content for diverse platforms (portfolio will be advantageous – English and French).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English.
• Experience working with digital tools (Canva, Mailchimp, etc.) and basic graphic design is an asset.
• Track record of working with civil society organisations or related organisations is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to engage in-person with partners, sometimes after hours for events.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and regionally when needed.
• Strategic thinking and storytelling ability
• Cultural and political sensitivity
• Initiative and self-motivation
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Adaptability and attention to detail
• Ability to work within a team and support the overall department’s goals.

Start date: Position available immediately

Contract duration: 12 months (renewable based on mutual agreement)

Location: ACF’s operational hub is in Cape Town, South Africa. Remote working will be considered for candidates based on the African continent.
Closing date: 27 November 2025

For further information about the ACF, visit www.africanclimatefoundation.org.

Should you not hear back from us by 28 February 2026, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

The ACF strives to be an equitable organisation with a team which reflects the diversity of Africa.

In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), The ACF assures all applicants that any personal information provided during the recruitment process will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for recruitment purposes. Your privacy and data security are of paramount importance to us. By applying for this position, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal information for recruitment-related activities only. The ACF is committed to safeguarding your privacy and maintaining the trust you place in us.