Institution: National Fund for Environment (FONERWA).
Job Title: Communications Specialist
Administrative Unit: Office of the Chief Strategy Officer
Job Level and Grade: 3.III
IV: 500
Index: 1369
Report to: Communication and Strategic Partnerships Analyst
Functions
Tasks
Strategic Communications Leadership and Positioning
- Implement the corporate communications strategy and annual communications plans.
- Develop key institutional messaging, positioning statements, speeches and communication briefs.
- Ensure consistency of messaging across all communication channels.
- Provide communications advice to Executive Management.
- Coordinate internal communications across departments.
Media Relations & Public Affairs
- Build and maintain relationships with local and international media.
- Develop press releases, media advisories and media kits.
- Coordinate interviews, press conferences and media engagements.
- Prepare spokesperson briefing notes and Q&A documents.
- Monitor media coverage and manage media inquiries.
- Coordinate crisis and issues communication
Corporate Publications & Knowledge Management
- Lead the development of high-quality, evidence-based content that translates complex technical projects into compelling communication products demonstrating impact, scalability, and sustainability.
- Lead the production of Annual Reports, Impact Reports, Investment Reports, Newsletters, Knowledge Products, CEO forewords, articles, case studies, project stories, investor presentations and partner publications.
- Draft Speeches, talking points, opinion pieces, opening remarks, and event remarks.
- Develop digital storytelling, data visualization and immersive media methods to enhance stakeholder engagement and knowledge dissemination.
- Maintain editorial quality and consistency.
- Build capacity of staff with respect to institutionalizing knowledge management and developing appropriate communication products that feed into learning, reporting, and policy influence.
Strategic Events & Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead the communications planning for Rwanda Green Fund’s flagship events, conferences, investment forums, project launches and stakeholder engagements
- Develop event communication plans, key messages, concept notes, moderator guides, speeches and event scripts.
- Coordinate media engagement before, during, and after events.
- Oversee event branding and ensure consistency with Rwanda Green Fund’s visual identity.
- Coordinate speakers, moderators, panelists and communications materials.
- Work closely with procurement, logistics, and external event management firms to ensure successful event delivery.
- Produce post-event reports, highlights, impact stories, photography and video content.
- Support sponsorship visibility and partnership activation during events.
Programme Communications
- Lead the development and implementation of communications strategies for strategic programmes, including the Ngaruyinka Update Project and other priority Rwanda Green Fund Initiatives.
- Develop integrated communication campaigns that increase awareness, stakeholder participation, and public understanding of programme objectives and impact.
- Coordinate storytelling, media engagement, documentation, and community visibility activities for strategic programmes.
- Work closely with programme teams and implementing partners to translate technical information into compelling communication products.
- Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and visibility across all programme communication materials.
- Monitor communication performance and recommend improvements to maximize programme visibility and stakeholder engagement
Reputation & Crisis Communications
- Lead crisis communication planning and response, ensuring timely, transparent, and ethical communication in high-risk scenarios.
- Embed ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity into all communication practices and across the organisation through capacitating staff.
Job Specifications/Profile
Relevant Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or Environmental Science and Conservation.
Required Experience
- 5 years of experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, content development, and public outreach
Required Competencies
- Strategic thinking and sound judgment.
- Strong interpersonal, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and accountability.
- Strong negotiation, communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
- Excellent writing, editing, storytelling, and strategic messaging capabilities.
- Knowledge of corporate communications, media relations, public affairs, reputation management, and brand management.
- Experience in communication planning, campaign management, event coordination, and executive communications.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to measure performance and drive continuous improvement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital communication tools and platforms.
- Creative, proactive, and results-oriented approach to work.
