At GOGLA, we seek a passionate individual who will shape and lead GOGLA’s Strategic Communications and Advocacy, convening the sector, influencing policymakers, donors, investors, and philanthropists to support our members, and informing our community with trusted market data and insights.

About the job

GOGLA is the Global Association for the Off-grid solar energy industry. We support our 200+ members by serving as a central hub for the off-grid sector, offering vital market data and advocating for supportive policies.

GOGLA has a dedicated team of 30+ members, working from offices in Amsterdam and Nairobi and remotely in Africa, Europe, and India.

GOGLA is seeking a Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacyto convene, influence, and inform global audiences about the role and impact of off-grid solar and distributed renewable energy to improve the quality of lives and achieve universal energy access.

As a leader, the Director will work across GOGLA’s divisions and collaborate with GOGLA members and industry stakeholders to shape the narrative about the future of off-grid solar. As an advocate, the Director will develop systematic approaches and relationships to support companies in building a thriving, sustainable off-grid solar sector.

We seek a global leader in communications and advocacy who is motivated to work for a cleaner, more inclusive future powered by off-grid solar.

Location: Nairobi or Amsterdam (alternative locations may be acceptable, if work hours align with Europe/Africa time zones)

Reporting to: Executive Director

Duration: start with 1 year, extension upon satisfactory performance.

Hours:40 hours per week

Starting date: As soon as possible

Application deadline: 25th of May 2025

Remuneration: EURO 90- 120k gross based on 40 hours/week (TBD), depending on experience and contract terms. This contract includes 25 holidays and eight public holiday days.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Communications, Advocacy, and Event strategy with tools and frameworks to deliver results aligned with GOGLA’s mission and goals.
• Contribute to fundraising activities by preparing proposals and managing communications with donors.
• Support the engagement of members and the Board of Directors.

Strategic Communications and Advocacy

• Craft and support compelling content and key messages that resonate with target audiences and support advocacy goals.
• Oversee the development of external-facing materials, including talking points, press releases, blogs, and social media.
• Drive a data-informed approach to communications, using GOGLA’s metrics and insights to measure impact and refine strategies for maximizing effectiveness.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and insights, continuously adapting approaches to remain relevant and impactful.
• Adhere to ethical communication practices and maintain transparency in advocacy efforts.

External Advocacy and Public Relations

• Serve as GOGLA’s spokesperson, including building, managing, and supporting relationships with key stakeholders, including members, industry leaders, national and international policymakers, communicators/media, funders, and advocacy groups to support GOGLA’s mission.
• Support other GOGLA staff to be effective advocates.

Event Strategy and Management

• Lead the Events Team to implement an event strategy that sustains and strengthens GOGLA’s reputation as a convener of high-quality industry events, supporting GOGLA’s broader strategic goals and helping to meet the needs of its members.
• Supervise the organization of GOGLA-led flagship events, such as the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo (GOGSFE), as a full GOGLA team production, ensuring coordination of all event-related tasks, including content preparation, event logistics, partner and sponsor relationship management, communication, marketing, and financial management.
• Oversee the coordination and strategic approach to all GOGLA’s events, including small events delivered by other divisions and activities undertaken at partner events. Implement an effective monitoring and evaluation system for GOGLA’s convening activities that drives continuous improvement and meets donor reporting needs.
• Target external events and schedule and prioritize attendance from across the GOGLA team.

People Leadership

• Lead with GOGLA’s values, behaviors, and leadership capabilities.
• Inspire and lead the Communications and Events team, fostering an inclusive culture that values collaboration and team spirit.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that all communication reinforces GOGLA’s strategic direction.
• Empower and train team members to be effective advocates for GOGLA members.
• Oversee the management of contractors (such as event partners and communications providers) to ensure quality outputs and value for money.

Shared responsibilities by GOGLA’s Management Team

• Advance GOGLA’s new strategic direction and support value-added services to members.
• As a management team (MT) member, you will lead, contribute to, and implement GOGLA’s strategy, including developing its goals and priorities and corresponding budgets.
• Track progress against annual targets and report periodically according to established management processes.
• Respond to and support GOGLA’s Board of Directors.
• Contribute to developing and implementing efficient processes, effective management practices, and clear communication across the organization.
• Share(d) responsibility and accountability for member engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Attend, provide staff support for, and contribute to external events.

About you:

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation of experience and expertise that includes:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in a senior communications role, familiarity with energy access and/or mission-driven organizations.
• Established networks and proven skills in developing issue campaigns and using advocacy frameworks.
• Team player who can translate data and technical information into compelling communications and advocacy tools.
• A master storyteller with the technical skills to develop and direct written and visual content.
• Experience in events management, protocol, and working with senior officials
• Ability to travel internationally.
• Ability to work in CET/EAT time zone.
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa.

Job-related Competencies

In addition, the following are required work-related competencies for this role:

• Demonstrated experience in communications, including written and visual content.
• Excellent English language writing skills.
• Curious and forward-thinking, engaging actively with developments in social impact and global communications.
• Strong people leadership skills, fostering a collaborative, inclusive team culture.
• Experience with fundraising and budget management.
• Ability to think strategically, analytically, and creatively.
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholders’ relationships with cultural sensitivity and strategic insight.
• You like to work in a small, diverse, international team.
• A doer, not a delegator, who can lead with compassion.
• A passion for GOGLA’s mission and ability to work in line with our values.

GOGLA Values

All GOGLA staff are required to work in accordance with our organization’s values. This means working boldly, enthusiastically, proactively, and transparently while promoting a good team spirit and treating others fairly and equally.

GOGLA embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. This diversity makes the organization fuller and our work better.

What We Offer

• A mission-driven organization with a vibrant, international team.
• The opportunity to shape global narratives and impact real-world energy access outcomes.
• Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance.
• Competitive remuneration and professional development opportunities.
• A dynamic team and strong global network of members and partners in the off-grid energy and international development sector
• The knowledge that you help build an impactful sector and contribute to a better world

Apply for the job

Do you want to join our team as our new Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy? Then we’d love to hear about you! Please apply via our website, https://gogla.homerun.co

Submission Requirements:

1. CV that demonstrates competencies in strategic communications and advocacy and includes specific examples.
2. A short letter of interest that answers how your expertise and professional attributes can strengthen GOGLA’s role as an advocate for the OGS and deliver value to its members.
3. Include up to three examples of content, including advocacy plans, written, visual, or other creative content, with at least one published on a public channel.