Senior Communications Advisor @Human Dignity Trust

Human Dignity Trust Job Summary

Job Title: Senior Communications Advisor – Africa
Location: Based in Africa (TBD and dependent on successful candidate’s location)
Closing Date: 9am BST, 22 July 2026
Contract: 6-month fixed term, part-time (0.6), with potential for extension (subject to funding)
Salary: Competitive, adjusted to a benchmarked UK salary
Benefits: Competitive benefits package including flexible working options, paid leave, pension contributions, health insurance, and more

Organization Overview

The Human Dignity Trust is a London-based legal charity dedicated to supporting local lawyers and human rights defenders in countries where private, consensual same-sex conduct is criminalized.

Present in 66 jurisdictions worldwide, the Trust challenges discriminatory laws that violate fundamental human rights, including dignity, equality, and privacy.

Through legal assistance and strategic communications, the Trust works to decriminalize LGBT+ identities and promote legal reforms to protect vulnerable communities.

The Role

The Senior Communications Advisor – Africa will report to the Head of Strategic Communications and provide expert advice on communication strategies for partners across Africa.

This role involves working closely with local and regional organizations, activists, and communities to develop and implement culturally appropriate, evidence-based communication plans.

The goal is to influence public discourse, shift societal narratives, and support legal and legislative reforms related to LGBT+ rights.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with external partners to enhance their communications capacity and impact
• Develop and deliver sophisticated, evidence-based communication strategies tailored to diverse African contexts
• Assist partners in creating public awareness campaigns to foster support for LGBT+ rights and reform efforts

• Conduct strategic communications training for human rights defenders, activists, and community members
• Research, develop, and test messaging to effectively reach key audiences
• Support the drafting, editing, and rollout of press releases, opinion pieces, and media campaigns

• Build and maintain relationships with civil society, media stakeholders, and external contractors
• Produce activity reports and contribute to strategic planning and program design
• Travel regionally and internationally to engage with partners, conduct workshops, and participate in events

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience as a communications expert in one or more African countries
• Experience managing partnerships with marginalized and vulnerable communities in Africa
• Strong background in media strategy, public education campaigns, and media relations

• Demonstrable skills in training, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement
• Fluency in English with excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills
• Ability to adapt messaging to different social and cultural contexts with tact and discretion
• Willingness to travel regionally and internationally, sometimes on short notice

Desirable:

• Additional languages such as French, Portuguese, or Bantu languages
• Professional qualifications in communications
• Knowledge of the LGBT+ human rights landscape and legal frameworks
• Experience using polling or focus groups to inform campaigns

Personal Attributes

• High cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Strong self-management and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
• Discretion, professionalism, and resilience to challenging critiques

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV (max 3 pages) and a cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability based on the essential criteria.

Applications should be emailed to: administrator@humandignitytrust.org.

For inquiries or to request adjustments, contact the same email.

Note: The successful candidate will undergo a criminal record check and must have authorization to work in their chosen country in Africa.

Equal Opportunity & Safeguarding

The Human Dignity Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified individuals.

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, resilience and professionalism are essential to handle critiques and challenges respectfully.