Communications Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Associate

🔹 Company: One Acre Fund

🔹 Location: Kigali, Rwanda

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations

🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting executive communications and strategic initiatives
• Managing main communication channels for the CEO
• Ensuring CEO messaging aligns with organizational strategy
• Driving major organization-wide initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to work closely with senior leadership.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop strategic communication embodying the CEO voice for key channels

✅ Ensure messaging consistency, tone, and alignment with organizational strategy

✅ Establish feedback loops to refine key messaging

✅ Collaborate with Global Communications team to align on key messaging

✅ Conduct research and analysis to provide actionable insights

✅ Support key stakeholders with messages from the CEO

✅ Directly implement the organization's strategic priorities through change management initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong project management skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, Public Relations, or a related field.

Experience: 3 or more years in corporate communications, consulting, or a similar strategic role.

Required Skills:

• Experience working in an executive office
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement and corporate governance best practices
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills
• Excellent research and analytical skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a non-profit or international development organization
• Fluency in French or Kinyarwanda

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience in a non-profit or international development organization may be beneficial for understanding the context and nuances of this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is not provided. However, based on industry standards for a Communications Associate in Rwanda, the estimated range is RWF 3,000,000 - RWF 5,000,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Housing
• Comprehensive benefits

Working Hours: Full-time, with a standard workweek of 40 hours.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: One Acre Fund operates in the non-profit sector, focusing on international development, agriculture innovation, and social enterprise.

Company Size: One Acre Fund has 5,001-10,000 employees globally, providing a large and diverse work environment.

Founded: One Acre Fund was founded in 2006 and has since grown to support over 5.5 million smallholder farmers across nine countries.

Company Description:

• One Acre Fund supplies smallholder farmers with financing, training, and other agricultural services to increase their farm income and productivity.
• The organization focuses on making farmers more prosperous and improving their resilience.
• One Acre Fund has a strong culture of constant learning and invests in developing its people.

Company Specialties:

• International development
• Agriculture innovation
• Social enterprise
• Hunger relief
• Agriculture and finance

Company Website: http://www.oneacrefund.org

ASSUMPTION: One Acre Fund's mission and values are deeply connected to its work, and applicants should be passionate about the organization's cause.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring relevant experience and a strong skill set.

Reporting Structure: The Communications Associate will report directly to the Senior Manager in the Office of the CEO.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, based in Kigali, Rwanda.

Growth Opportunities:

• Weekly check-ins with the manager
• Access to mentorship and training programs
• Regular feedback on performance
• Career reviews every six months

ASSUMPTION: Growth opportunities are tailored to the individual's aspirations and career goals, providing a clear path for professional development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: One Acre Fund's office in Kigali is a collaborative and dynamic workspace, reflecting the organization's mission and values.

Office Location(s): Kigali, Rwanda

Geographic Context:

• Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, with a population of over 1 million.
• The city is known for its cleanliness, safety, and vibrant culture.
• Kigali has a tropical highland climate, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) throughout the year.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with flexible hours and remote work options not explicitly stated.

ASSUMPTION: While the work schedule is not explicitly stated, it is assumed that One Acre Fund offers a flexible and supportive work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the team
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills
• Strategic thinking
• Problem-solving abilities
• Cultural fit with One Acre Fund's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of One Acre Fund's mission and values in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills

ATS Keywords: CEO, executive communications, strategic initiatives, stakeholder engagement, research, analysis, change management, organizational strategy, messaging, corporate governance, writing, editing, presentation skills

ASSUMPTION: The interview process may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the organization's needs.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) for creating visual content

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the team's preferences and the organization's standards.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Farmers First
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Ownership
• Constant Learning

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Dynamic
• Adaptable
• Results-driven

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody the 'Farmers First' value in your work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated integrity in a challenging situation?
• How do you approach working collaboratively with a diverse team?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with One Acre Fund's values and work style throughout the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with competing priorities
• Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day tactical tasks
• Navigating a large and diverse organization with a complex reporting structure
• Adapting to cultural differences and working in a cross-functional team

ASSUMPTION: These potential challenges are common in a mid-level role within a large non-profit organization and can be overcome with strong communication, adaptability, and a results-driven approach.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to a Communications Manager role, this position has a more strategic focus and less day-to-day tactical responsibilities
• In contrast to a Communications Specialist role, this role requires a higher level of strategic thinking and experience working with senior leadership
• Career progression from this role could lead to a Senior Communications Manager or a similar strategic communications position within One Acre Fund or another organization

ASSUMPTION: The specific career path and progression opportunities will depend on the individual's skills, experiences, and the organization's needs.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communication plan for a major organizational initiative
• Crafting key messaging for the CEO's townhall addressing a significant organizational change
• Conducting research and analysis to inform the CEO's strategic priorities and decision-making

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role and may vary depending on the organization's specific needs and priorities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the organization's strategic priorities for the next 1-2 years, and how this role supports them?
• How does the Office of the CEO collaborate with other departments, such as Global Communications and Business Development?
• What are the key challenges facing the organization, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does One Acre Fund support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for growth and advancement within the organization?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the organization's strategic priorities, team dynamics, and career growth opportunities, allowing candidates to make an informed decision about the role and the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.