The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network has announced opportunities for experienced communications and knowledge management professionals to join its Regional Secretariat. The organisation is recruiting for two full-time positions: Regional Communications Officer and Regional Editorial & Knowledge Management Officer.
Both positions are designed for professionals with strong experience in communications, writing, advocacy, publishing, research, and knowledge management who are committed to advancing women’s rights, gender equality, peace, security, and social justice across the Greater Horn of Africa.
Regional Communications Officer
The Regional Communications Officer will support the implementation of SIHA’s regional communications strategy and strengthen the organisation’s visibility, public engagement, advocacy influence, and digital presence.
The position is available on a virtual or in-person basis, with regional and international travel required, and reports to the Regional Director.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Regional Secretariat, programme teams, country offices, and communications and advocacy colleagues to develop high-quality communications materials and campaigns.
Key responsibilities include:
- Implementing SIHA’s regional communications strategy and annual communications plans.
- Developing publications, newsletters, reports, policy briefs, press releases, blogs, opinion pieces, speeches, and impact stories.
- Managing website and social media content while maintaining consistent organisational branding.
- Supporting country teams with communications planning, editorial guidance, translations, and content development.
- Strengthening media engagement, advocacy campaigns, and public communications.
- Amplifying the experiences, leadership, and voices of women and girls across the region.
- Supporting digital advocacy, online safety, and communications responses to technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
- Coordinating external communications consultants, photographers, designers, translators, and other service providers.
- Maintaining organised repositories of photographs, videos, publications, branding materials, and other communications assets.
Qualifications for Regional Communications Officer
Applicants should preferably hold a Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, Marketing, International Development, or a related field. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
Applicants are expected to have:
- At least five years of progressively responsible communications experience.
- Experience in civil society, NGOs, international development, media, or related organisations.
- Strong writing, editing, storytelling, publishing, and campaign development skills.
- Knowledge of digital communications, social media, website management, and branding.
- Understanding of the Greater Horn of Africa and issues affecting women and girls.
- Experience with gender equality, women’s rights, social justice, or feminist advocacy is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of digital safety and technology-facilitated gender-based violence is an advantage.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant digital communications platforms.
Regional Editorial & Knowledge Management Officer
SIHA is also recruiting a Regional Editorial & Knowledge Management Officer to strengthen the quality, consistency, and impact of its research, publications, advocacy materials, and institutional knowledge.
The position is available virtually or in person, with travel required, and reports to the Regional Director.
The successful candidate will work with communications, advocacy, research, programme, and country teams to transform complex research and programme evidence into clear, compelling, and accessible content.
Core responsibilities include:
- Leading editorial review, copy-editing, proofreading, and quality assurance.
- Reviewing research reports, policy papers, advocacy briefs, training materials, donor publications, and institutional documents.
- Developing stories, case studies, opinion pieces, speeches, and impact-focused content.
- Translating research findings and programme evidence into audience-specific knowledge products.
- Maintaining SIHA’s editorial style guide, templates, and writing standards.
- Supporting website, newsletter, social media, and digital content development.
- Providing editorial guidance and mentoring to staff, researchers, consultants, and country teams.
- Strengthening institutional documentation, knowledge management, and organisational learning.
Qualifications for Editorial & Knowledge Management Officer
Candidates should preferably hold a Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, International Development, Gender Studies, Political Science, Social Sciences, Law, or a related discipline. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- At least five years of relevant professional experience in editorial work, content development, publishing, research communications, or knowledge management.
- Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, analytical, and storytelling skills.
- Experience working on women’s rights, gender equality, governance, human rights, or social justice.
- Knowledge of research writing, policy communications, publication development, and knowledge management.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, WordPress, Mailchimp, and digital publishing platforms.
- Experience with data visualisation, infographics, graphic design, or multimedia is an advantage.
Application Information
SIHA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, feminist principles, and women’s rights. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply, while preference will be given to candidates residing in Africa with demonstrated knowledge of the Greater Horn of Africa.
For both positions, applicants must submit a cover letter explaining their suitability and a detailed CV combined into one PDF.
The application deadline for both opportunities is 21 August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Interested applicants should review the respective vacancy and submit their applications through the designated SIHA application links.
