Communications Officer

Job description

About the Zambia NGO WASH Forum

The Zambia NGO WASH Forum is a dynamic network of non-governmental organisations united in advocating for improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access across Zambia. Through collaboration, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and impactful advocacy, we amplify member voices to drive meaningful, lasting change in communities that need it most.

Position Details

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Communications Officer to join our Secretariat team. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how the WASH sector is understood and engaged with across Zambia. You will be at the forefront of crafting compelling narratives, driving digital engagement, and ensuring our work reaches the audiences that matter most, from community members and civil society to government, cooperating partners, and the media.

Key Responsibilities

1. Communication Strategy & Visibility

• Design and implement a comprehensive communications and visibility strategy.

• Develop and maintain clear messaging frameworks tailored to diverse audiences and channels.

• Conduct ongoing research and analysis of communication trends and best practices within the WASH sector.

2. Content Creation & Distribution

• Produce a wide range of communication materials, including press releases, social media content, project briefs, technical reports, infographics, and success stories.

• Manage and maintain the NGO WASH Forum’s website and social media platforms, ensuring content remains engaging, accurate, and up to date.

• Oversee the production of communications collateral, coordinating with designers and external partners as required.

3. Audience Engagement & Feedback

• Collect and analyse audience feedback from multiple communications channels.

• Develop and track key performance metrics to measure the impact of publications and campaigns, reporting regularly on progress.

• Serve as an interface between stakeholders and the Forum on social media, responding to inquiries and facilitating meaningful discussions.

• Organise and manage public outreach events to promote the Forum’s work and engage with key stakeholders.

4. Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with EU and other donors’ visibility and branding guidelines.

• Maintain accurate records and prepare regular reports on communications activities, performance metrics, and key achievements.

• Support the Forum Coordinator in resource mobilisation and identifying policy influencing opportunities in the WASH sector.

• Ensure knowledge and information are stored securely, effectively, and confidentially where required.

Person Specifications

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in communications and advocacy, preferably within the non-profit or development sector.

• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and formats.

• Excellent digital communications skills, including proficiency in social media management tools and content creation platforms.

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong research and analytical skills with the capacity to produce concise, high-quality reports and briefings.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in the MS Office Suite and online collaboration tools.

Desirable (Added Advantage)

• Experience with networks and coalition-building.

• Strong advocacy and campaign management skills.

• Knowledge of fundraising and resource mobilisation strategies.

• Previous experience with EU branding guidelines

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• The opportunity to contribute to transformative, life-changing work in the WASH sector across Zambia.

• A dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative working environment within a respected civil society network.

• Professional development and capacity-building opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents in a single PDF or Word document to admin@ngowash.co.zm by 13 May 2026 at 17:00 hrs Central Africa Time (CAT):

• A cover letter clearly stating your motivation and suitability for the role.

• A detailed and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least three traceable professional references.

• Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates.

Please use the subject line: “Application — Communications Officer” when submitting your email.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Zambia NGO WASH Forum is an equal opportunity employer. Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Zambia NGO WASH Forum Secretariat | Lusaka, Zambia | admin@ngowash.co.zm

Advert Open: 4 May 2026 | Closing Date: 13 May 2026