CIVICUS is hiring!

CIVICUS is hiring a Research and Communications Officer to join their team remotely!

Job Title: Research and Communications Officer
Location: Remote (Candidates must have the right to work in their location)
Contract Type: 12 months (renewable, subject to funding and performance)
Salary: USD 36,692.07 per annum (excluding benefits)
Application Closing Date: 23 February 2026, 11:59 PM SAST
Reporting To: Head of Research and Analysis
Direct Reports: None

This role combines research and communications functions, requiring a dynamic individual capable of conducting in-depth research, engaging with civil society sources, and translating findings into compelling content for diverse audiences.

About CIVICUS

CIVICUS is a global alliance committed to defending people power and strengthening civil society.

With over 15,000 members across 189 countries, CIVICUS works to monitor violations of civic freedoms, call out perpetrators, and support civil society organizations to be more effective, accountable, and innovative. The organization emphasizes amplifying excluded voices, particularly from the Global South, promoting social justice and human rights worldwide.

About the Role

The Research and Communications Officer plays a vital role in supporting CIVICUS’s initiatives, notably the CIVICUS Lens and the State of Civil Society Report.

The officer’s primary responsibilities include conducting interviews, desk research, and editing research outputs, alongside designing and implementing media and social media strategies. The role involves engaging with journalists and media outlets, producing visual and multimedia content, organizing webinars, and managing multilingual dissemination efforts.

This position requires a proactive professional with excellent communication skills, experience working with diverse teams, and familiarity with civil society issues and international networks.

Key Responsibilities

Research Activities

Identify and liaise with civil society contributors, conduct interviews, and transcribe/edit content.
Perform desk research to gather, verify, and synthesize information on civil society issues.

Maintain organized research notes and ensure the accuracy and integrity of collected data.
Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to facilitate research activities.

Communications and Media Strategy

Develop and implement media and social media strategies aligned with research outputs.
Organize webinars, press conferences, and launch events to promote research findings.

Pitch op-eds, articles, and reports to media outlets and journalists to enhance visibility.
Draft press releases, newsletters, and social media content, ensuring consistent messaging.

Produce visual content such as infographics, maps, and social media kits to support dissemination.
Manage the publication of content on CIVICUS platforms and monitor social media performance.

Content Production and Distribution

Coordinate with designers, translators, and editors to produce multilingual content.
Maintain and update the publications and media database.

Track the editorial workflow for research products and media outputs.
Support the creation of engaging multimedia content, including videos and visual reports.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

Cultivate relationships with media outlets and civil society partners.
Liaise with designers, translators, and editors to ensure quality and timely delivery of multilingual content.
Collaborate closely with the research and communications teams to align strategies and maximize outreach efforts.

Person Specification

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, international relations, development studies, or a related field.
Proficiency in English is essential; knowledge of French and/or Spanish at an intermediate level is advantageous.

Experience

Minimum of three years of relevant experience in research, media, communications, or related roles.
Familiarity with international civil society networks, inter-governmental institutions, and the global media landscape.
Experience managing social media platforms and developing effective messaging.

Ability to produce visual content with basic design tools (Canva, Piktochart).
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively within multicultural virtual teams.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the capacity to translate complex issues into accessible language.

Desirable Skills

Advanced design skills and video-making experience.
Experience in media outreach and translation.
Familiarity with social media management tools such as Hootsuite.
Specialization in civil society or human rights issues is a plus.

MORE REMOTE OPENINGS:

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application via the following link: Apply Here. The application must include:

A full CV detailing educational background, professional experience, and relevant achievements.
A cover letter (maximum one page) outlining motivation for applying.

Apply Here For This Role

Applications must be received by 23 February 2026 at 11:59 PM SAST. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted approximately two weeks after the closing date for interviews.

Given the high volume of applications, CIVICUS appreciates each submission but will only respond to shortlisted candidates. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled or closed.

Additional Information

For more details about the role and organization, visit CIVICUS Careers Page. For inquiries, please refer to the application link or the CIVICUS website.

Join CIVICUS and contribute to strengthening civil society worldwide through impactful research and strategic communications!

CIVICUS is hiring a Research and Communications Officer (Remote)

Job Description