Tanager is an international nonprofit that connects smallholder producers and private businesses to co-create new ways of realizing life-changing economic and social opportunities. Our process builds on years of technical expertise, on-the-ground presence and public/private partnerships to unite economic growth with social innovation. Together, we are ushering in an era of equitable market systems that combine profitability with the power to address urgent challenges in poverty, malnutrition, and gender inequity.
Overview
In 2022, Tanager partnered with the John Deere Foundation to pilot the Imbewu Farmer Development program that would transition smallholder maize farmers from subsistence farming to commercial production. Derived from the Zulu word for “seed,” Imbewu symbolizes growth and potential—values central to the program’s mission. Building on the success of the first program, Tanager and John Deere Foundation are proud to launch the second phase of Imbewu from November 2024 – October 2028. Imbewu II will expand efforts to improve smallholder farmers’ productivity , minimize post-harvest losses , and enhance overall profitability , driving sustainable agricultural development.
Imbewu II offers a continuum of services to support farmers as they progress from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Key components include digital extension, on-farm training through demonstration plots, improving access to finance and markets to maximize block farming initiatives, and more tailored support to commercial-level farmers. Across all activities, the program emphasizes climate-smart approaches, digital extension, gender and youth empowerment, farming as a business, and access to finance. Building on its initial work with 2,760 smallholder maize farmers, Imbewu II aims to support 6,576 farmers, increase yields by 37%, and increase incomes by 68%.
Pursuant to its mission, Tanager is seeking experienced and talented professionals for the position of Communications Officer. The Communications Officer will provide support in the planning, execution and management of all communication efforts under the communication strategy/plan to increase the project’s visibility, communicate implementation progress and grow impact of the Project. S/He will support and coordinate internal and external communications related to the project. S/He will lead the design and implementation of Imbewu II’s digital extension services approach through the WhatsApp platform. This position will be based in Mthatha and report to the Imbewu Team Lead.
The term of the contract is annual with the possibility of extension based on a satisfactory performance review.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in the development of internal and external communications and outreach strategies to the donor, public and private sector stakeholders, and farmer participants.
- Implement communications activities (including the planning, writing and production of communications materials that help achieve project/organizational goals) and ensure that communications materials are properly branded and documented in internal knowledge management databases.
- Draft, edit, review, and ensure accurate translations (Xhosa to English and English to Xhosa) of the project’s communication materials and dissemination of briefings, speeches, news releases, success stories, talking points, Q&As, videos, etc.
- Take photos and videos of project activities to use in success stories, social media, and other communications products.
- In collaboration with teams, support the planning and organization of semi-yearly meetings, special events, and activities that promote Imbewu’s development approach.
- Assist the team in the production of reports and communication materials, and dissemination through a variety of media channels.
- Provide communications support to the technical team, to help them better communicate development and change.
Digital extension support:
- Work closely with the technical team to support the training of farmers' groups on how to use social media and other communication tools to gain information, collaborate and market their products.
- Identify and pilot ICT for Ag tools that could benefit farmers’ access to information (e.g., agronomic or meteorological information) and markets.
- Design the digital extension services curriculum in coordination with the Imbewu II and Tanager technical team.
- Collaborate with the project and/or HQ technical team to develop digital extension materials, incorporating farmer feedback to ensure that materials are designed to encourage uptake and adoption.
- Manage the WhatsApp platform to plan and disseminate digital extension services.
- Monitor use and uptake of digital extension services and report on usage numbers to the Imbewu II MEL team.
Undertakes any other duties and projects as may be assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or other related field.
- At least 3 years relevant experience of work in communications.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Skills and Capabilities
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Xhosa, including demonstrated ability to write required documents in English in a clear, concise, well-organized manner.
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to gather and analyze a variety of information pertaining to issues and to develop appropriate recommendations for action. Basic experience in supporting organizational social media communications efforts, including experience with social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, X, WhatsApp).
- Nominal photography and videography experience, including an understanding of basic photographic concepts and the use of photos and videos to support organizational messages.
- Advanced computer skills in a Windows-based environment (including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel) as well as basic experience in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite. Strong technology skills, including but not limited to the use of video and photo cameras.
- Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment.
- Willingness and ability to travel within Eastern Cape Province, South Africa on a regular basis.
- Skills related to planning, people management, interpersonal communication, training, organizational skills, interviewing skills, problem solving and decision making, monitoring and evaluation, gender and social inclusion, will be considered an added advantage.
To Apply
Please submit your resume to by or before January 10, 2025. Please include the position title in the subject line of the mail. Please submit the resume and related application documents as a single attachment. Please include long-term employment history and any relevant short-term consulting work. Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. Tanager is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. Please be aware that Tanager does not charge any fee at any step of recruitment.
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