Communications Generalist

We’re looking for a creative, multi-talented Communications Generalist to join the team at Cenfri. The role would suit someone who understands there are multiple ways of communicating information and who has had exposure to both written and visual comms.

Cenfri is a not-for-profit think tank and impact-oriented development consultancy based in Cape Town and Kigali. We contribute to sustainable economic growth in emerging markets through research, data analytics, skills-building, technical assistance, facilitation and convening.

The ideal candidate would be able to help translate the insights developed through our research, data analysis or stakeholder interactions into a variety of knowledge products. The subject matter is often technical and exposure to a financial sector, data, legal or economics environment would be beneficial.  

In addition to writing compelling articles, social media posts or website copy, the Communications Generalist should be comfortable reviewing and editing articles authored by other team members and in providing guidance on potential improvements.

S/he would be equally happy to create slick PowerPoint presentations or professional visualisations/ designs. We are looking for someone who feels comfortable using AI tools but can produce excellent work without them, someone who can spot a spelling error in the blink of an eye and immediately pick up on branding inconsistencies. 

The culture at Cenfri is collaborative and the role would involve extensive coordination across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Translating research insights, data analysis and impact updates into written outputs


• Social media management (creating or packaging suitable content, posting it on the appropriate channel and tracking the performance of and engagement on these channels)


• Social media listening (monitoring posts and news related to “Cenfri themes” or strategic priorities)


• Optimising and managing the organisation’s website (latest content/publications uploaded, relevant images selected, content written and reviewed for SEO)


• Visualisation and presentation support (helping to improve the look and feel of presentations and other knowledge products, creating new icons or simple graphics and tables, selecting stock images and designing collateral)


• Applying Cenfri’s branding, formatting and style guidelines to its digital and visual communications


• Assisting with coordination between teams and with external clients, partners and service providers


• Managing some of the internal communications and providing technical support for external communications


• Additional comms, knowledge management and logistical support as needed

Minimum requirements

• Qualification in digital marketing, communications, journalism, English (or similar). Would consider someone with an economics, development studies degree or similar if they can demonstrate excellent writing skills and an aptitude for visualisation/design


• 3 years’ experience in a similar role


• Advanced skills in PowerPoint, Word and ideally Adobe’s Creative Suite or similar


• Excellent English language skills with ability to write articles from scratch as well as extract, package and share copy that aligns with our brand and tone of communication


• Comfortable designing social media cards and event invitations, creating simple data visualisations and slick slide decks


• Excellent attention to detail

Advantageous

• Prior experience in the development sector or exposure to economics/ financial sector content


• Editorial production or project management experience


• Experience working in a content management system like WordPress and with email automation tools like Mailchimp


• Experience in brand development and the creation of new templates


• Proficiency in the use of AI to enhance comms


• Multimedia experience (e.g. video creation, podcasts)

Location

Cenfri is based in Cape Town, South Africa, with an office in Kigali, Rwanda. Ideally, the candidate would be based in Cape Town although we are open to discussing remote working or flexible hours with the right candidate. We currently have a hybrid policy, with most team members spending at least two days in office and working from home on the other days.

Applications

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 13 May 2026.

Please submit your CV, salary expectations, and an example of your writing. Note cover letter and writing sample to exclude AI-produced copy.