Communication Strategist

About the Programme
The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture are a €30 million, EU-funded initiative promoting cultural exchange and co-creation between cultural practitioners across Sub-Saharan African countries and the European Union. Managed by Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, the programme operates across different work packages, e.g. mobility, structural funds, co-creation, skills development and networking.

About the Goethe-Institut
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a worldwide reach. It fosters international cultural cooperation. The Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg is the Regional Institute for Sub-Saharan Africa. A particular focus of its activities is strengthening the pan-African dialogue and promoting access to information and networks. All over the world, the Goethe-Institut connects people, ideas and cultural innovations. In doing so, it values diversity, equity and inclusion.

Scope of Assignment
The Communications Strategist develops the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture's external communications strategy, conceptualizes story creation, covers media outreach, regional dissemination, and stakeholder engagement. The role ensures that communications reflect the programme's commitment to African agency, continental innovation, and genuine Africa-Europe partnership. The Communications Strategist also develops target group specific content and communication along the required channels.
Profile
Essential:

• University degree in communications, cultural management, marketing, or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 3 years' experience in strategic communications within the creative or cultural sector
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing multi-channel digital communications campaigns for various target groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English; French, Portuguese and/or German an asset
• Understanding of regional media landscapes across Sub-Saharan Africa
• South African residence or a valid work permit

Desirable:

• Experience in large-scale, multi-country, multi-lingual cultural programmes
• Knowledge of Sub-Saharan and Southern African cultural networks
• Familiarity with EU visibility and communication requirements for externally funded projects
• Experience with media monitoring tools (Cision or equivalent)
• Basic CMS experience for website content management

Application Procedure
Please send a CV, motivation letter, and daily or monthly rate indication to Philina.Wittke@goethe.de and Francois.Smit@goethe.de
Please include "Communications Strategist – Freelance" in the subject line.
Deadline: 2 April 2026.

Please include the following declaration in your application: I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents for the purposes of the admission procedure at the Goethe-Institut.