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We're Hiring: Communications Officer, Golden Baobab Prize

Date: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis

Location: Accra, Ghana

Program: The Golden Baobab Prize

About Golden Baobab:

Golden Baobab is an award-winning pan-African social enterprise committed to the development of the African children’s literature industry. Through our flagship program, the Golden Baobab Prize, we support talented African authors and illustrators to create winning African stories for children. We offer cash prizes, fellowship and workshop opportunities as well as publishing connections. We also advocate for the right of African children to see themselves represented in the books they read and media content they enjoy. We have a business arm, African Bureau Stories, that publishes children’s stories that reflect African experiences.

Responsibilities:

In the 7th year of the Golden Baobab Prize, the program is expanding its reach with more media and communications for prize submissions, corporate partnerships, annual award ceremonies and the offering of workshops and fellowship opportunities. The Communications Officer will be in charge of leading this new phase of growth for the Golden Baobab Prize program.

Prize Coordinator

  • Manage the evaluation process for the Golden Baobab Prize, which comprises of the recruiting and management of readers and judges and the organization of a 4-month story selection process. Ensure that this process is a smooth experience for all involved and all stories are evaluated in time for the announcement of the longlist, shortlist and prize winners.
  • Organize annual award ceremony for the Golden Baobab Prize bringing together prize winners, supporters of the prize, publishers, educators and children’s literature enthusiasts.

Communications

  • Increase annual submissions to the Golden Baobab Prize with effective publicity campaigns on various media platforms.
  • Develop and implement communications strategy to promote the Golden Baobab Prize winners, shortlisted writers and illustrators, and judges.
  • Coordinate the Prize’s media efforts including press releases, newsletters, blog, media pitches, interviews, and articles.
  • Produce content for and manage the social media outlets of the Golden Baobab Prize.
  • Initiate and supervise the production of publicity materials, promotional videos and photographs.
  • Initiate relationships with leading journalists in print, broadcast and digital media. Also, create and manage a database of local, regional and international media contacts.

Qualifications

This job requires a tough candidate who welcomes big challenges and is very results-oriented. The ideal person will be a detail-oriented and organized multi-tasker who loves bulldozing through complex issues and bringing visions to reality. The Golden Baobab Prize is entering into very exciting times and we cannot wait to hear from you if you believe you're the one we are looking for.

You’re an Ideal Fit for this Position if You:

  • Are a prolific writer able to churn out good material within short notice.
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Have demonstrated success in creating persuasive communications materials
  • Are a great team player who is committed to, and contributes to, the success of other members of the team.
  • Have the ability to meet close deadlines and perform in a highly results-oriented and challenging environment.
  • Are enterprising and resourceful and can make a lot happen with very little.
  • Are hungry to learn and grow and are looking for a challenging job that will stretch you in many ways.
  • Are passionate about Africa, Children, Literature, Media and/or Social Enterprises.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in any field, with a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience. General media, communications and/or social media experience preferred. Connections in the media world is a huge plus.

Salary and Benefits

Competitive salary, health insurance and the satisfaction of building something that can make a difference. Finally, all the children’s books you can read! Please understand - although Golden Baobab operates as a social enterprise, we are a nonprofit organization and while our salaries are in line with similar sized nonprofit organizations, we cannot compete with for-profit salaries.

Application Process

Submit a letter of interest, resume and a sample of your written work to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Work to begin as soon as possible.

Deadline

Applicants are advised to apply EARLY. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We thank all applicants.