ABOUT US
The African Youth Action Network (AYAN) is a youth-led organization fronting youth as champions for social and economic development. Founded in June 2015, our mission is to harness and nurture refugees and young people’s personal, community and national aspirations to promote peace and development through informed, innovative and value driven approaches.
AYAN seeks to recruit qualified individuals to fill the following positions.
Position: Communication Lead (1 Position)
Reports to: Team Lead
Duty Station: Plot 1496, Block 15, Zzembe Road, Nsambya – Kampala Term of Contract: One (1) Renewable, Full time
JOB SUMMARY
The AYAN Communication Lead is responsible for overseeing the implementation of both internal and external communication strategies. This will include managing internal and external communication channels including AYAN social media platforms, websites, newsletters, memos, and media relations adhering to AYAN’s brand when publishing content and marketing materials.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Heads the AYAN communication team.
- AYAN Point of contact for press, media and public relations. Communicating with media outlets and creating a press kit.
- Lead on creative copywriting that informs, engages and empowers AYAN internal and external audiences both on and offline.
- Oversee AYAN’s presence on all social networking platforms
- Write internal and external newsletters, design reports, including quarterly and annual reports.
- Grow AYAN’s ability to tell stories effectively for different press and broadcast audiences through supporting media relations activities.
- Create style guides and brand voice outlines for all public relations, marketing, advertising and other engagements.
- Consult with management to develop effective communication procedures for various situations including crises.
- Develop materials to educate staff on communication practices and assist them on improving communication skills.
- Perform communications research and monitor the progress of various communications strategies.
- Collaborate with communication team to develop strategies for engaging youth, displaced persons, media personalities, and other internal and external stakeholders.
- Supporting media relations activities, including identifying media opportunities, preparing press releases, developing relationships with journalists and selling into national, broadcast and trade media, drafting case studies and managing the arrangements for interviews between staff and the media
Develop and manage AYAN’s portfolio of quotes, case studies and stories. - Monitor AYAN press activity, ensuring we capture learnings to inform future decisions
- Act as a brand ambassador, leading colleagues to ensure all digital collateral helps to build AYAN’s brand and deliver against objectives.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent project management skills, including time management, goal setting, and prioritization
- Good data analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Leadership abilities, including training and mentorship
- Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of running creative campaigns.
- Speech writing, written content creation and proof-reading skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent knowledge around tone of voice and storytelling within social media.
- Knowledge of media monitoring and stakeholder management tools.
- Accomplished writer and communicator with strong examples of tailoring content to different audiences across multiple channels
- A pro-active approach, self-motivated and enthusiastic with initiative and commitment to achieving results.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, advertising, business administration, public relations or another relevant discipline.
- Training in writing, messaging, psychology, statistics and media,
- Other practical training gained from internships, and on-the-job training from previous professional experience is an added benefit.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Experience of managing budgets effectively.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in communications, including writing and distributing press
releases to deadlines. - Demonstrable experience of engaging audience through online/offline communications channels.
- Experience in both creative and non-profit copywriting with exceptional attention to detail
- Experience of securing proactive media coverage – on and offline.
- Experience of managing internal and external communications, working with and developing media relationships, drafting and managing press releases.
- Experience of achieving results through working independently and within a team environment.
- Experience of effective line management.
Position: Field Coordinator (2 Positions)
Reports to: Programs Lead
Duty Station: Kyaka II and Kiryandongo Refugee Settlements
Term of Contract: One (1) Renewable, Full time
JOB SUMMARY
The AYAN Field Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of Pathpreneur activities, other AYAN programs and initiatives in Kiryandongo or Kyaka II Refugee Settlement.
This role involves working closely with community members, partner organizations, and internal teams to ensure the successful execution of projects in alignment with AYAN’s mission and Priorities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of AYAN Pathpreneur Project in Kiryandongo or
Kyaka II refugee settlement. - Collaborate with program Lead and community stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with refugees and host community members, refugees and local leaders, and partner organizations.
- Conduct outreach activities to raise awareness of programs and foster community involvement.
- Provide ongoing support and guidance to volunteers to enhance their effectiveness.
- Plan and coordinate logistical aspects of field activities, including events, workshops, and outreach efforts in Kiryandongo or Kyaka Il refugee settlement.
- Ensure that necessary resources, materials, and equipment are available for program implementation at the AYAN Innovation Centre and offices in the Field.
- Oversee the collection of relevant data and information in Kiryandongo or Kyaka II.
- Prepare regular reports on Project, program activities, outcomes, and challenges for AYAN leadership.
- Work closely with partner organizations, government agencies, and local authorities to leverage resources and support for programs and activities in Kiryandongo or Kyaka II.
- Facilitate collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to achieve common goals.
- Represent AYAN at community meetings, events, and forums.
- Advocate AYAN’s mission and goals with local stakeholders.
- Manage the operations and activities at the AYAN Innovation Centre in Cluster H or Bukere
Make sure the compound and the rooms are clean and maintained properly - Ensuring that training and programs are managed in accordance with humanitarian standards and procedures.
- Work closely with the security personnel to secure the centers
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as social work, community development, or nonprofit management.
- Proven experience in coordinating and implementing community-based programs.
- Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the refugee and host communities served by AYAN.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
- Organizational and project management skills.
EXPERIENCES
- Familiarity with grant management and reporting.
- Knowledge of local community resources and networks.
- Experience in conducting needs assessments and program evaluations.
Position: Child Caregiver (3 Positions)
Reports to: Field Coordinator
Duty Station: Kiryandongo, Kyaka Il and Rhino Camp Refugee Settlements Term of Contract: One (1) Renewable, Full time
JOB SUMMARY
AYAN Caregiver plays a vital role in providing compassionate care and support to individuals served by
AYAN. This position focuses on enhancing the quality of life for children in the refugee settlements and those in need, promoting independence, and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment. The Caregiver will work closely with participants of our child wellbeing training, families, and other members of the organization to deliver personalized care at the innovation centers and schools that host the AYAN Child-Wellbeing training.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide direct care and assistance to children, including personal care, grooming, bathing, and mobility support.
- Offer emotional support and companionship to children, fostering a positive and caring environment
- Encourage and engage children in social and recreational activities to enhance their development, growth and well-being.
- Ensure the safety and security of children by monitoring their environment and identifying potential risks.
- Respond promptly to emergencies and follow established protocols for reporting incidents.
- Maintain open and effective communication with children, their families, and other members of the caregiving team.
- Report any changes in children’s conditions or concerns to the appropriate supervisors.
- Keep accurate and up-to-date records of care provided, including daily activities, observations, and any significant incidents.
- Complete required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of personalized care plans for each child during the Child-wellbeing pedagogy training.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals and other caregivers to ensure coordinated care in the refugee settlements.
- Facilitate community involvement and integration for children by supporting participation in local events, activities, and social opportunities.
- Advocate for children’s inclusion and accessibility within the community.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional certifications in caregiving or healthcare are a plus.
- Previous experience in caregiving, preferably in a nonprofit, community-based, or a refugee setting.
- Compassion, empathy, and a genuine interest in improving the lives of others.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a caregiving team.
EXPERIENCES AND REQUIRMENTS
- Knowledge of local community resources and networks.
- Ability to assist with lifting, transferring, and providing physical support to children.
- Stamina and physical fitness to meet the demands of caregiving tasks.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements, should submit their applications to [email protected] Applicants should attach a CV (Maximum 2 pages), a motivational letter. For those interested in communication lead role, please include two examples of your writings.
All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the 30th of March 2025.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any form of lobbying will lead to automatic disqualification.
AYAN is an equal opportunity employer. Nationals, Refugee youth, and women are encouraged to apply.
Candidates may also be considered for other open or future vacancies.
