Project Communications Officer

Contract Duration: Ends December 2026

Introduction

OpenUp

OpenUp is first and foremost a civic technology organisation. We believe that technology, used  effectively, can increase transparency in government, promote an active citizenry and contribute to  achieving a more just society by empowering ordinary citizens to make informed decisions about their  lives. We are a mission-driven non-profit technology organisation working across multiple projects in the Global South, with a strong commitment to open-source solutions and data-driven social impact.

Project

The Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) Sub-Saharan Africa Support Mechanism is a groundbreaking programme supporting 100 digital democracy innovators across the region through financial grants and capacity-building resources. The project is currently a one year programme. Led by a consortium of OpenUp, the Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN), and Wits Enterprise, this CIVICUS-funded initiative aims to strengthen civic engagement and foster inclusive democracy through sustainable innovation.

Role and Expectation

We are looking for a creative and strategic Communications Officer to develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that promotes the project’s impact, supports beneficiary visibility, and strengthens the digital democracy ecosystem across Sub-Saharan Africa. This strategy will also need to support the visibility of the consortium partners to help build the overall project’s influence. 

This role requires a flexible, creative communicator who can help shape communications for a continental initiative, work with diverse stakeholders from grassroots organisations to international funders, and ultimately contribute to strengthening democratic spaces through digital innovation. 

An important area of our work is both demystifying technology in civil society and government environments, and promoting responsible and ethical technology practices through collaborative development. This informs how we approach our collaborating community (which is broad). 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement social media plans across multiple platforms (for instance LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky)
• Help design a communications strategy that coordinate across consortium partners (OpenUp, CTIN, Wits Enterprise) and aligns with CIVICUS DDI (the DDI project is a global project with other regional support mechanisms in place)
• Create quarterly newsletters for ecosystem stakeholders and monthly newsletters for project beneficiaries

Content Management & Distribution

• Manage content calendar across consortium partner channels
• Coordinate content gathering and generation across the implementing partners (OpenUp, CTIN, Wits Enterprise)
• Coordinate bi-weekly social media posts and monthly blog content
• Oversee microsite/Knowledge Hub content updates and Gitbook materials
• Ensure brand consistency across all consortium communications (OpenUp have a Brand Lead for additional support)

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop communications materials for diverse audiences: beneficiaries, funders/investors, policymakers, and civil society
• Help create compelling impact stories and case studies showcasing beneficiary work
• Support advocacy communications targeting regional policy forums (OGP, AU, etc.)
• Facilitate beneficiary-generated content (20% of newsletter content target)

Monitoring & Reporting

• Track communication metrics: audience growth, engagement rates, website traffic (targets will be designed jointly)
• Report monthly on communications performance against project targets
• Adapt strategies based on analytics and stakeholder feedback
• Coordinate with the MERL teams for content

Requirements

Essential

• 2-3 years experience in communications, digital marketing, or related field
• Demonstrated experience managing social media across multiple platforms
• Strong writing skills with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences
• Experience creating newsletters and digital content
• Understanding of data-constrained environments and English-as-a-Second-Language audiences
• Comfortable working remotely with diverse, distributed teams
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)

Desirable

• Experience with communications for multi-stakeholder projects or consortiums
• Knowledge of design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)
• Familiarity with website content management systems (ideally Webflow)
• Experience with email marketing platforms (Substack, Mailchimp, etc.)
• Additional African languages
• Understanding of civic technology, democracy, or digital rights issues
• Familiarity with Sub-Saharan African civil society or digital democracy contexts
• Experience working on donor-funded projects

Work Environment

We have a small, agile and cross-functional team. On an ordinary day, you will work with a Project Manager, User Research, and MERL Lead.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive non-profit sector salary
• Flexible working arrangements
• Impact-driven work environment and innovation for social good
• Salary range gross ZAR 20000-30000 depending on experience and/or proficiency

Ideally, we would prefer a Cape Town-based talent, but will consider alternative proposals. This is envisioned as a full-time position. 

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

How to Apply

Send the following to jobs@openup.org.za by 13 February 2026:

1. CV (maximum 2 pages)
2. Cover letter (maximum 1 page) explaining your interest and relevant experience
3. Two writing samples demonstrating your communications work
4. Brief social media content plan (300 words) for promoting a digital democracy grant program, which includes any requests for more information on what might help you more fully complete a content plan - this will be used to shortlist candidates

Subject line: Communications Officer Application - DDI Sub-Saharan Africa

Questions? Contact Lailah at lailah@openup.org.za