Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) is driving Africa’s development by creating a new generation of public servants committed to social impact. EPL exists to accelerate good governance and equitable prosperity in Africa. EPL believe that Africa’s development and economic growth can be accelerated by building effective civil service departments from the bottom up. Through the Public Service Fellowship, EPL support in-country programs that recruit Africa’s most promising future leaders, and place them into meaningful civil service positions. Over a period of two years, fellows are provided with the supervisory support, rigorous training and mentorship they need to launch and build a successful career in public service.

With a footprint in Liberia, Ghana and Kenya, EPL's short-term vision is to expand their Public Service Fellowship Program and create a pan-African network of 500+ fellows by 2027. Achieving that vision requires talented, ethical, energetic government professionals. Collaborating with their in-country partners, EPL rigorously selects diverse cohorts of public service professionals committed to practising and promoting good governance throughout Africa.

With EPL’s support throughout their career journeys, these leaders influence and strengthen their country’s infrastructure for delivering government services with care, innovation and integrity. EPL’s competitive recruitment process, continuous and responsive training, professional development and mentorship motivates highly-qualified, college-educated young professionals to pursue careers in the civil service. By injecting government institutions with new innovative, diverse and ethical talent, EPL aims to improve government capacity and performance, strengthening democratic governance and accelerating sustainable growth in the countries where they operate. EPL employs an inclusive and accessible approach which transcends lines of class, ethnicity, ability and geography because they believe that governments that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve; better meet the needs of those citizens. Additionally, EPL ensures that the recruitment, retention, and promotion of young women in public service is prioritized - with women and men equally represented within the Fellowship program.

EPL has built strong partnerships with funders, government partners and local implementing partners in Liberia, Ghana and Kenya. The organization’s business model involves managing a significant amount of restricted funding and targeted international grant-making, which underlines its need for a strong and strategic operational infrastructure. It has a budget of approximately $4M and expectations of continued growth. EPL's headquarters are based in Washington DC, with staff based globally. The team is seeking a passionate and experienced leader to join them as Director of Sustainability and Communications.

The Opportunity

This is a new position within the organisation, and you will have the opportunity to play a vital role in driving its success. You will report to the Executive Director and supervise the Program Associates for Communications and Sustainability. As Director of Sustainability and Communications, you  will increase the visibility and sustainability of EPL through fundraising, grants management, and enhancement of EPL’s storytelling and media presence. You will be responsible for procuring, managing, and reporting on grants for the organization, including administration of the grants to EPL's country implementing partners.

Additionally, you will spearhead development and communications efforts for Emerging Public Leaders (EPL), designing and executing comprehensive strategic development and communications strategies for the entire organization. You will collaborate closely with the Executive Director to drive sustainable fundraising, communication and promotions for the overall organization, which includes implementing partners. Last but not least, you will also work closely with country partners to support their teams with their sustainability quest.

Role Responsibilities:

Sustainability

• Develop and execute EPL’s annual fundraising plan, including a strategy for building a base of annual individual donors
• Develop and maintain relationships with major donors, researching and pursuing opportunities for key teams to connect with new donors
• Secure financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations
•  Manage the implementation of EPL’s donor database and oversee staff responsible for data entry and gift processing
• Manage the procurement (preparation of proposals) and reporting of Funder Grants, and ensure the appropriate budgeting and expenditure of funds in coordination with the Director of Finance & Operations
• Manage the process of funding country partners, from grant requests to grant reports, with the support of the Finance Director

Communications

• Develop and execute EPL’s communications plan
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including - but not limited to newsletters, social media, and EPL’s website
• Put communications systems and processes in place to ensure that EPL can effectively communicate with partners, and support inter-partner communications
• Coordinate with external consultants as needed to execute EPL’s communications plan.
• Support EPL’s Executive Director in the creation of communications including, but not limited to, speech outlines, potential funder outreach, and media scripts
• Manage all media contacts and network for new opportunities

Key Qualifications

• At least 8 years of work experience in a leadership role in fundraising and resource mobilization
• Track record of leadership progression with supervisory experience
• Ability to work effectively at a senior level, including a partnership with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors
• Proven success in planning, leading, and managing development projects for a nonprofit
• Experience running capital campaigns and successful fundraising from multiple donor channels
• Experience with creatively leading communications efforts for nonprofits and producing innovative content
• An understanding of and passion for EPL’s mission
• Experience working with international nonprofit organizations, especially those operating in Africa
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience building donor relationships
• Ability to work effectively at a senior level, including a partnership with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors, as well as maintaining and building relationships with partner organizations
• Ability to manage multiple work tasks, maintain attention to detail and accuracy, and meet the pressure of deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Sheets)

Preferred (Not Required) Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in both English and French

• Globally competitive salary

Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) is driving Africa’s development by creating a new generation of public servants committed to social impact. EPL exists to accelerate good governance and equitable prosperity in Africa. EPL believe that Africa’s development and economic growth can be accelerated by building effective civil service departments from the bottom up. 

Through the Public Service Fellowship, we support in-country programs that recruit Africa’s most promising future leaders and place them into meaningful civil service positions.  Over a period of two years, fellows are provided with the supervisory support, rigorous training and mentorship they need to launch and build a successful career in public service.

With a footprint in Liberia, Ghana and Kenya, our short-term vision is to expand our Public Service Fellowship Program and create a pan-African network of 500+ fellows by 2027. By supporting a merit-based pathway for competent and ethical talent to work in government, EPL is helping to improve civil service performance in Africa.

Today's fellows. Tomorrow's leaders.

EPL Fellowships provide an array of benefits for aspiring public leaders.

• Employment – Fellows are guaranteed two years of salaried employment during the fellowship and support for ongoing career growth and development to ensure successful careers in civil service.
• Purpose – Fellows are placed in meaningful positions in enabling workplaces, and are encouraged to make contributions to the overall development of their country
• Prestige – Fellows become a part of Africa’s only competitive and reputable civil service program for youth leadership in government.
• Access to resources – Fellows have access to a myriad of resources including monthly professional development training sessions, supervision and mentoring, and networking opportunities to navigate the challenges of civil service
• Community – Access to EPL’s regional network of mentors, alumni, and supporters