Movement Communications Specialist, Africa (Contract)

Job Posting Organization:
The Wikimedia Foundation is a nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia and other Wikimedia free knowledge projects. Established with the vision of a world where every individual can freely share in the sum of all knowledge, the foundation believes in the potential of every person to contribute to shared knowledge and the necessity of free access to that knowledge. The organization is a charitable, not-for-profit entity that relies on donations from millions of individuals globally, with an average donation of about $1

• It is recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States and has its headquarters in San Francisco, California. The Wikimedia Foundation employs a diverse workforce and is committed to maintaining an inclusive and equitable workplace, encouraging applicants from various backgrounds to apply. The organization operates in over 40 countries, with a remote-first approach to staffing, allowing for a wide range of geographical representation among its employees and contractors.

Job Overview:
The Movement Communications Specialist for Africa will play a crucial role in enhancing communication and collaboration within the Wikimedia movement, particularly focusing on the African region. This position requires an experienced communicator, campaigner, or community organizer who is adept at connecting and convening diverse groups across Africa. The specialist will report to the Manager of Global Movement Communications and will be an integral part of the Movement Communications team, which is dedicated to fostering understanding and collaboration within the Wikimedia community. The role involves building bridges among communities, celebrating achievements, and facilitating workshops that promote collaboration. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the voices and needs of African communities are heard and addressed, thereby contributing to the overall mission of the Wikimedia Foundation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Movement Communications Specialist will have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the establishment of connections and fostering dialogue within the African communities of the Wikimedia movement, ensuring that trust and understanding are built through effective communication.
• Collaborating with team members to assist in the deployment of product and technology features on relevant Wikimedia platforms.
• Monitoring community channels to stay informed about news, incidents, and requests, thereby keeping a pulse on the movement's dynamics.
• Mapping the editor communities and the broader Wikimedia movement in Africa, focusing on Product and Tech engagement, identifying users with extended rights, and understanding community needs and priorities.
• Informing communities about the Foundation's work in alignment with insights from Movement Communications.
• Supporting the Movement Communications team by taking on additional assignments as directed by the manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess excellent written English skills and fluency in at least one other African language, which would be advantageous. A solid understanding of the dynamics, policies, cultures, and channels of Wikimedia communities is essential. The ideal candidate should be a natural collaborator who enjoys teamwork and brings a supportive attitude to group efforts. Strong organizational skills are necessary for managing logistical tasks such as scheduling, organizing meetings, and taking notes. The ability to engage and facilitate dialogue with volunteers in various formats, including virtual meetings and in-person events, is crucial. Experience in a multilingual and multicultural environment is also required.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in communications, public relations, community organizing, or a related field would be beneficial for this role. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of communication strategies and community engagement principles.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have extensive experience working across Africa, particularly in roles related to communication, campaigning, or community organization. Experience in contributing to Wikimedia projects or familiarity with free knowledge communities, the education sector, or open-source culture is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in at least one other African language is considered beneficial for this role. This linguistic capability will aid in effective communication with diverse communities across the African continent.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract running from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 202

• The Wikimedia Foundation operates as a remote-first organization, allowing for flexibility in work location. The anticipated annual pay range for applicants based in the United States is between $76,765 and $117,457, with adjustments made for applicants located outside the US based on their country of hire. The organization values competitive and equitable compensation, ensuring that salaries reflect the skills, experience, and location of successful applicants. The Wikimedia Foundation is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.