Ilifa Labantwana has announced a vacancy for a Communication Specialist: Systems Change, offering communications professionals an opportunity to contribute to strengthening South Africa’s early childhood development (ECD) sector through strategic content creation and stakeholder engagement.
The organisation is recruiting for a full-time, one-year consultancy contract based on a hybrid work model in either Gauteng or Cape Town. Applications close on 8 July 2026.
The mid-level position will support Ilifa Labantwana’s Systems Change team by translating complex government policies, technical guidance, and research into accessible communication materials that improve the implementation of early childhood development programmes across South Africa.
Role Supports National Early Childhood Development Reform
Ilifa Labantwana works to ensure quality early childhood development services are accessible to all children while supporting caregivers, creating sustainable livelihoods for women, and contributing to a more equitable South Africa.
The Communication Specialist will play a central role in advancing these objectives by developing communication products that support collaboration with key government institutions, including:
- Department of Basic Education
- Department of Health
- National Treasury
- Local government authorities
The successful candidate will help simplify technical public administration processes and policy documents, enabling government officials and ECD programme managers to implement services more effectively.
Position Focuses on High-Impact Technical Communication
The organisation is seeking an experienced communications professional capable of transforming complex policy and research into practical, user-friendly content.
Key responsibilities include:
- Producing brochures, newsletters, reports, articles, speeches, press releases, website content, and social media materials.
- Developing instructional manuals, implementation guides, and training resources.
- Creating communication materials across print, digital, video, infographic, and presentation formats.
- Translating complex policy, regulatory, and technical information into accessible language.
- Producing content tailored for second-language English speakers and lower Living Standards Measure (LSM) communities.
- Supporting behaviour change through clear, audience-focused messaging.
- Advising project teams on the most effective communication formats for different stakeholder groups.
The role requires strong editorial judgment and the ability to ensure messaging remains accurate while being easy to understand for diverse audiences.
Video Production and Visual Storytelling Form Part of the Role
Beyond written communication, the successful candidate will be expected to create engaging multimedia content that supports training and public awareness initiatives.
Responsibilities include:
- Scripting, filming, and editing short-form videos.
- Producing instructional videos using digital platforms.
- Designing graphics and infographics.
- Creating visual communication assets using Canva and similar design tools.
- Ensuring content remains accessible and suitable for low-bandwidth environments where necessary.
The organisation is looking for someone who can combine technical accuracy with compelling visual communication.
Collaboration Across Government and Development Partners
The Communication Specialist will work closely with several Systems Change programme teams responsible for:
- ECD subsidy and infrastructure support
- Finance and economics
- Management information systems
- Government implementation processes
The successful consultant will also collaborate with senior government stakeholders and institutional partners to promote the effective use of communication materials throughout the early childhood development ecosystem.
In addition, the role involves:
- Supporting communication planning and project reviews.
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Maintaining consistency in messaging across all communication outputs.
- Identifying innovative approaches to communicating technical information.
Required Experience and Skills
Applicants should have significant experience producing information-rich communication materials for public audiences.
Essential qualifications and experience include:
- Proven experience creating instructional, technical, or training content.
- Ability to simplify complex policy, regulatory, or technical information.
- Experience developing communication materials for second-language English speakers.
- Knowledge of behaviour change communication.
- Video scripting, filming, and editing skills.
- Graphic design experience using Canva.
- Familiarity with artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and Claude to support content production.
- Experience working within government, public administration, or social development sectors is considered an advantage.
Digital Skills Required
Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in several communication and productivity platforms.
Required tools include:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Microsoft Teams
- SharePoint
- Canva
- CapCut
- Loom
- WordPress
- Google Analytics
- Mailchimp
Additional experience with Adobe Creative Suite, webinar management platforms, and AI-powered productivity tools will be considered beneficial.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Ilifa Labantwana is seeking a communications professional who can thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
Preferred personal attributes include:
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to navigate complex projects
- Strategic communication and messaging skills
- Collaborative approach to teamwork
- High levels of accountability and self-management
- Confidence working within a hybrid consultancy arrangement
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications by 8 July 2026 via email using the subject line “Communication Specialist: System Change.”
Applications should include:
- A current curriculum vitae (maximum four pages)
- A one-page cover letter explaining suitability for the position and approach to simplifying complex content
- Three portfolio samples, including:
- At least one instructional communication piece
- At least one example developed for a non-expert audience
The organisation notes that applications submitted without a portfolio will not be considered.
The Communication Specialist role presents an opportunity for experienced communicators to contribute directly to strengthening South Africa’s early childhood development systems by making essential government information more accessible, practical, and impactful.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
