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ABOUT SPARK MICROGRANTS

Spark Microgrants believes in a world where everyone lives with dignity and determines their own positive future. Decades of prescriptive aid have sidelined the poor from the very programs meant to uplift them. We believe in local solutions and catalyzing rural villages facing poverty into action.

Founded in Rwanda in 2010, Spark has codified a unique Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP) providing facilitation and funding to over 800 villages and reaching more than 500,000 people. The Spark FCAP is a series of ‘town-hall’ style weekly meetings, in which women, men, young, old, plan together for their community’s future. Each village elects a leadership committee, establishes a village savings account, and launches a project of their choice. Members receive training on financial management, transparency, leadership, village planning, and advocacy. Each village then receives US$8,000 - US$15,000 in seed funds and additional management support to turn their project ideas into reality.

Spark works in collaboration with government and civil society to scale the FCAP as the model of choice to advance social and economic development, improve lives, and secure lasting change. Spark is now active in 800+ villages across six countries, improving the lives of over 560,000 people.

As a team, we share a set of common values that shape how we work. These are:

1. Facilitators. We don’t impose; we enable others to generate impact.
2. Community-driven. We are motivated by what is best for the community.
3. Process-centered. The how of what we do is just as important as the what.
4. Authentic. Our vision and values live in everything we do.
5. Dynamic. We seek opportunities and are willing to take risks to serve our community partners better

ABOUT THE ROLE

Spark is seeking a Communications Manager skilled in written language to lead external communications and inspire partners to collaborate with Spark. The Communications Manager will work closely with the Director of Development & Communications and co-CEOs to define and execute key strategic communications goals. They will produce high-quality content that engages our stakeholder community and builds relevant brand recognition as well as oversee Spark’s social media and website presence. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with exceptional writing, presentation, and organizational skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage Spark’s brand.

Year One Goal: Complete Spark’s rebranding project and design and launch rebrand strategy.

• All materials shared externally and internally are consistent in structure, language approach, and visual identity.
• Audiences experience consistency in engagements across the organization in how team members explain the work.

• Develop external communication materials.

Year One Goal: become fluent in Spark language, develop and disseminate written and visual collateral that improves Spark’s market position.

• Develop quarterly reports, annual reports, impact reports, and other internal reports, as needed. Engage with team members to gain up-to-date information.
• Write, edit, and keep updated documents about Spark, our programs, the communities we work in, and community member testimonies.
• Design fundraising documents, including concept notes, proposals, reports, and other documents in Canva or in a similar tool.
• Collect and develop compelling impact stories with photos/videos and conduct community member interviews.
• Manage Spark’s e-newsletters and dissemination.
• Draft op-eds in collaboration with co-CEOs and partners when opportunities arise.
• Support development and design of presentation decks.
• Ensure all materials are aligned with our brand, are compelling, and visually appealing.

• Manage website and social media platforms.

Year One Goal: Complete website redesign, develop and implement a minimal strategy for Spark’s presence on social media platforms.

• Ensure all online platforms engagements are aligned with brand strategy.
• Keep the website updated and fresh with new content. Track and monitor website traffic.
• Strengthen Spark’s social media presence and engagement across platforms. Monitor key performance metrics.

• Conduct ad-hoc duties, as requested.

• Help identify opportunities that raise awareness, engage followers, and build support for the organization.
• Respond to communication-related issues in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 3-5 years of work experience in communications, PR, and/or marketing. Nonprofit / NGO experience preferred.
• Excellent written communication and editing skills are required along with an ability to break down complex arguments and present them in a clear and succinct manner to various stakeholders.
• Basic graphic design skills and familiarity with design tools like Canva and Adobe.
• Familiarity with WordPress, MailChimp, and other content management systems.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and proactive, with an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A self-starter who can take ownership of their work.
• Experience working with Google Workspace, Google Analytics, Slack; open to learning other digital and web-based platforms.
• Ability to succeed in a collaborative community environment with a diverse group of staff.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Experience working in East, West, or Southern Africa preferred.

OTHER INFORMATION

Job Location: Kigali, Rwanda; Kampala, Uganda; Nairobi, Kenya; Lilongwe, Malawi; Accra, Ghana; East Coast USA; or remote

Start Date: As soon as possible

Probation period: Three months probation period with learning and performance objectives

Application closing Date: TBD

Follow the link to apply: https://sparkmicrogrants.bamboohr.com/careers/75

WHY WORK WITH US?​​

• You will be joining a dynamic team that hails from ten countries around the world and is committed to our vision.
• You will have the freedom and autonomy to make your role your own. We want to hear your innovative ideas, your vision for the future, and your critical questions.
• We respect and value work-life balance, and your need for downtime and reflection.
• You will join a dynamic and growing organization.
• In addition to salary, Spark offers other benefits, including generous paid time off and family leave, monthly communications and professional development stipends.

SAFEGUARDING

Our safeguarding follows a do no harm principle. All Spark staff are expected to respect and uphold the safeguarding procedures and principles to minimize harm to stakeholders, program participants, and the environment, in compliance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework and Rwandan Legislation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Spark Microgrants provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions at Spark are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Spark does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Spark will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship to daily operations.