Communications & Fundraising Officer

About WasteAid

WasteAid is an international non-governmental organisation that works in low and middle-income countries to implement environmental and economic empowerment programmes, focusing on support to nascent green businesses and grassroots entrepreneurs.

The work improves the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most marginalised, promotes circular economy innovation and contributes to a cleaner and healthier future for all. Our programmes focus predominantly on the reduction of plastic, organic, textile and e-waste pollution in areas of the world that have no formal waste management systems.

The organisation promotes and shares locally appropriate, evidence-based inclusive practices, supporting and empowering others to take positive action. We partner with public, private and community-based organisations in countries where the lack of waste management systems is harming the environment, economy and society. We achieve our goals through our three flagship programmes:

• Our Wastepreneur programme for those individuals and micro businesses trying to make a living within the circular economy and make a difference in their communities.
• The WasteAid Circular Economy Network which brings together national stakeholders, local authorities and the private sector to tackle local waste challenges through networking, training, infrastructure support and innovation challenges.
• First Step Resource Management Programmes focus on a whole system approach to divert waste from landfill supporting community behaviour change, basic infrastructure, collector group training and end market development.

WasteAid is a dynamic organisation with an international team who work in a supportive and collegial environment.

We currently implement programmes in The Gambia, India, South Africa, South Sudan and Uganda.

Purpose of the Role

The Communications & Fundraising Officer plays a central role in raising the profile of WasteAid, communicating the impact of our work and strengthening engagement with supporters, partners and wider audiences.

The postholder will lead the delivery of engaging communications and marketing activities across digital and traditional channels, ensuring WasteAid’s voice, messaging and brand are consistent, compelling and impactful. Working closely with programme teams and senior leadership, they will develop stories, campaigns and content that demonstrate the value of WasteAid’s work and inspire support for our mission.

The role is primarily focused on communications, marketing and fundraising.

Fundraising forms a supporting element of the position, with the postholder assisting the Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager through donor communications, campaign delivery, supporter stewardship and fundraising administration.

In a typical week, you may be interviewing programme staff to develop impact stories, creating social media campaigns, producing reports and newsletters, coordinating media opportunities, updating the website, analysing audience engagement data and developing communications materials for supporters and partners. You will also support fundraising activities by preparing donor-facing content, assisting with fundraising campaigns and helping maintain strong relationships with supporters.

Key Responsibilities

Communications, Marketing and Brand Management

• Promote the aims, objectives and impact of WasteAid, increasing awareness, engagement and support among key audiences.
• Lead the delivery of WasteAid’s communications across all digital and external channels.
• Ensure a consistent and compelling brand identity, tone of voice and messaging across all communications.
• Develop and deliver engaging communications campaigns that support organisational priorities.
• Create and manage content across social media platforms to increase audience reach, engagement and support.
• Develop and deliver paid and organic digital marketing campaigns.
• Champion the stories of programme participants, partners and supporters through digital campaigns and communications activities.
• Support engagement initiatives that encourage supporters to become advocates for WasteAid’s work.
• Manage the production and distribution of WasteAid’s monthly supporter newsletter.
• Ensure the organisation’s website is regularly updated with engaging, relevant and timely content.
• Monitor and improve search engine optimisation (SEO) performance and identify opportunities to increase visibility.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts and sector publications.
• Own and develop WasteAid’s press and media contact lists.
• Ensure all incoming communications and social media interactions are managed appropriately and professionally.

 

Content Creation and Storytelling

• Gather stories, case studies, images and impact data from programme teams and partners.
• Ensure supporters receive timely, engaging and impactful communications that demonstrate the difference their support makes.
• Develop compelling written, visual and digital content that showcases WasteAid’s programmes and impact.
• Produce blogs, articles, newsletters, case studies, reports and website content.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media statements.
• Support the production of programme reports, impact reports and supporter communications materials.
• Edit and proofread communications produced across the organisation to ensure quality and consistency.
• Identify opportunities to promote WasteAid’s expertise and thought leadership across relevant channels.
• Support the development of organisational messaging and communications priorities.

 

Communications Strategy, Planning and Performance

• Support the implementation and ongoing development of WasteAid’s communications strategy.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to identify opportunities for increased supporter engagement.
• Develop channel-specific plans to grow audiences and increase engagement.
• Ensure communications activities are planned, coordinated and aligned with organisational objectives.
• Monitor and analyse communications performance across all channels.
• Produce regular reports and insights for senior management and Board reporting.
• Establish communications processes, guidelines and best practice standards across the organisation.
• Use performance data and audience insights to continuously improve communications activity.

 

Fundraising Support

• Support the delivery of fundraising and donor engagement activities.
• Assist with research into prospective trusts, foundations, corporate partners and individual supporters.
• Develop communications that strengthen relationships with supporters, partners and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation of funding applications, donor reports, presentations and partnership proposals.
• Develop donor-facing communications materials and fundraising content.
• Support fundraising campaigns through digital communications, marketing and supporter engagement activities.
• Assist with donor stewardship activities and supporter communications.
• Help coordinate fundraising events, campaigns and supporter activities.
• Support the implementation of donor partnership plans in collaboration with programme teams.
• Maintain accurate donor and fundraising records within WasteAid’s CRM system.
• Assist with monitoring and reporting on fundraising performance and supporter engagement.
• Keep abreast of fundraising developments and opportunities and share relevant insights with the Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager.

 

Other Duties

• Ensure communications and fundraising activities comply with organisational policies and relevant legislation, including GDPR, Charity Commission requirements and fundraising regulations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of communications and supporter engagement processes.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.

We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement. If you believe you can fulfil most of the criteria and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

 

Personal Specification

Experience

1. Minimum of five years’ experience in a communications, marketing, public relations, supporter engagement or related role.
2. Proven experience creating engaging content across multiple communications channels.
3. Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences and platforms.
4. Experience using creative software such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop or Premiere Pro.
5. Experience supporting fundraising activities, donor stewardship or supporter engagement initiatives.
6. Experience producing donor communications, fundraising materials or supporter-facing content.
7. Experience building and maintaining positive relationships with supporters, partners, corporate organisations or other external stakeholders.
8. Experience managing websites, social media platforms and digital communications channels.
9. Experience analysing communications performance and using insights to improve engagement.

Skills

1. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
2. Strong storytelling and content creation abilities.
3. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
5. Video editing and digital content creation skills.
6. Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital communications tools.
8. Understanding of fundraising regulations, supporter communications and sector best practice.
9. Creative thinking and the ability to identify innovative communications opportunities.
10. Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.

 

Personal Attributes

1. Enthusiastic, proactive and self-motivated.
2. Highly organised with strong time management skills.
3. Collaborative and supportive team player.
4. Comfortable working independently in a remote environment.
5. Adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.
6. Committed to continuous learning and professional development.
7. Willingness to travel to programme and partner locations where required.
8. Demonstrates integrity and alignment with WasteAid’s values.
9. Passionate about creating positive environmental and social impact.
10. Knowledge of international development, environmental sustainability, circular economy or waste management issues would be highly desirable.

 

How to apply

Application link or email: recruitment@wasteaid.org

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement explaining how your skills, experience and knowledge meet the requirements of the role.

Please keep your supporting statement to no more than one page.

Your statement should address the key themes outlined in the job description, using relevant examples from your previous experience to demonstrate your suitability for the post.

Please use your statement to show how you could contribute to WasteAid’s work and help us communicate our impact to supporters, partners and wider audiences.