Social Media Manager

Job Summary

SOFDI ) is hiring a Social Media and Communications Manager to lead our communications strategy, strengthen our online and offline visibility, and tell the stories that reflect the impact of our work. This role blends strategy and content creation to amplify our model for community-driven, agroecological development.

Job Description

SOFDI is seeking a skilled and creative communicator to lead the development and execution of a communications strategy that brings our work to life. As we deepen our local work and broaden our reach, we need a strong communicator to help us document impact, engage audiences, and shape how our work is understood. The Social Media and Communications Manager will lead both the strategy and implementation of SOFDI's communications. This includes managing our social media platforms, creating and curating content, coordinating with field teams, and building internal systems for consistent storytelling.

The role also involves designing a unified visual identity for SOFDI, establishing clear messaging, and identifying the right channels (including social media, website, newsletters, WhatsApp) to reach our diverse audiences: individuals, youth, current and future farmers, schools, partners, and the broader public. Rather than approaching communication as a marketing silo, this role embeds it into the fabric of SOFDI's mission to document learning, showcase transformation, and inspire others to join a movement toward ecological, community-rooted development.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Communication & Branding

1. Develop and implement SOFDI's overall communication strategy, aligned with our evolving strategic plan
2. Identify target audiences, content goals, and appropriate platforms and workflows
3. Develop and consistently apply a visual identity: logo use, fonts, colours, templates
4. Ensure consistency in messaging across digital, print, and field-level materials

B. Impact Documentation & Content Creation

1. Work with program teams to capture stories from farmers, schools, youth, and communities
2. Develop visual and written content: reels, short videos, blog posts, photo stories, newsletters
3. Build a WhatsApp broadcast list and email newsletter list to reach key audiences
4. Ensure all content reflects SOFDI's values of dignity, participation, and sustainability

C. Social Media & Digital Content Management

1. Manage SOFDI's social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X) with regular, high-quality content
2. Create, schedule, and publish posts that reflect field activities, farmer stories, school programs, innovations, and outcomes
3. Build and mentor a small content team (e.g. from existing program staff, interns) to source and generate grassroots content
4. Monitor platform engagement and analytics, and adjust strategy accordingly

Internal Systems & Collaboration

1. Work with existing systems for field teams to view shared photos, stories, and updates, from which stories can be identified and further researched
2. Support creation of donor reports, slide decks, briefs, and proposals with polished content and layout
3. Coordinate with SOFDI's partners to cross-share content, co-design campaigns, and amplify aligned messages

Qualifications & Experience

1. Degree in Communications, Media, Marketing, Journalism, or related field
2. 3–5 years of experience in social media, content management, or strategic communications
3. Demonstrated ability to grow engagement across platforms with limited resources
4. Excellent writing and editing skills (English required; Kiswahili an asset)
5. Comfortable working across cultural contexts, with a deep respect for local voices
6. Organised, detail-oriented, and self-motivated

Key Competencies

1. Experience with photography, video editing, and design and social media management tools (Canva, Hootsuite, etc.)
2. Familiarity with agroecology, food systems, or community development work
3. Ability to translate complex ideas into compelling, accessible and inspiring stories

Application Process

We will ONLY consider applications that include all of the following:

1. A cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role
2. CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications
3. Portfolio of work done previously.

4. Short video (1–2 minutes) of yourself explaining:

5. Your interest in using communications and storytelling to support community-led development.

6. Your vision for how strategic communication can shift narratives and inspire action in agroecology.