Director of Brand and Storytelling

ABOUT INKOMOKO Inkomoko supports entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in order to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and help communities thrive. In 2026, Inkomoko was listed by the Financial Times as the 5th fastest-growing company in Africa, supporting entrepreneurs across East and Central Africa to grow thriving businesses and build inclusive, resilient economies. Founded in 2012, Inkomoko has worked with more than 100,000 entrepreneurs, including thousands of refugee entrepreneurs. Inkomoko provides a combination of training, consulting, access to finance, and market-level systems change. We are the largest investor to refugee entrepreneurs in Africa. Inkomoko has 900+ staff in 50 offices across Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Through Inkomoko’s 2030 strategic plan, we are adding 3 additional countries to serve more than 550,000 entrepreneurs and growing our $30M loan fund to impact 7M lives. INKOMOKO VALUESAll staff at Inkomoko are connected to a shared set of organizational values:Purpose: be solutions-oriented and produce high-quality work and be a global leader.Achievement: push yourself to reach beyond what you think is possible. Improvement: be humble and committed to continuous learning and growing through giving and receiving open and accurate feedback.Bravery: willing to take risks, create a safe space for others, be compassionate, inclusive.Turikumwe / Tuko Pamoja / Abren Nen / Kulana Sawa / We Are Together: appreciate your colleagues, celebrate success, and support each other in hard times.Inkomoko is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Refugees, women, and persons who reflect the diverse communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply. ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY & RESPONSIBILITYReporting to the VP of External Affairs, the Director of Brand & Storytelling is responsible for defining and driving a distinctive, credible, and client-centered brand narrative across all markets. We are looking for a creative and strategic leader excited to push beyond traditional development communications and help reshape narratives around displacement affected entrepreneurs through bold, credible, and client-centered storytelling.This role sets the strategic direction for communications, brand, and storytelling, ensuring that Inkomoko stands out with clarity, credibility, and consistency regionally as well as across Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Chad. The Director leads through a team of managers responsible for brand, digital, campaigns, and regional communications, focusing on alignment, quality of narrative, and impact, rather than direct execution.Success in this role is measured by brand strength, narrative clarity, leadership trust, and measurable influence, not just outputs. Core Responsibilities:Brand & Narrative LeadershipDefine and refine a clear, distinctive brand positioning rooted in client impact and credibilityOwn the organization’s core story, messaging framework, and narrative prioritiesEnsure all communications reflect a client-first perspective and stand out from generic sector narrativesSet and maintain a high bar for clarity, authenticity, and evidence-based storytellingEnsure all country and functional communications efforts reinforce a unified brand narrative while remaining locally relevant and audience-centeredPush the organization toward more creative, modern, and differentiated storytelling approaches that reshape how audiences understand entrepreneurship in displacement-affected communities and its impactStrategic Communications DirectionSet overall communications and thought leadership strategy and annual goals that elevates Inkomoko’s brand, increases its reach, and aligns quarterly priorities with organizational goalsAlign senior leadership and country teams around clear messaging and positioning, including strategic positioning and resource mobilizationProvide strategic guidance on high-impact opportunities, risks, and external communications including with partners and donors Lead crisis communications direction and protect the organization’s reputationBuild and maintain relationships with national and regional media, identifying unique press opportunities to amplify thought leadership content from senior leadershipShape and lead internal communications that keep teams informed, connected, and aligned around organizational priorities, culture, and impactTeam Management and Development Lead and coach managers across brand, digital, campaigns, and regional communicationsEnsure strong coordination across the regional and country to drive consistent messagingBuild clear planning, review, and approval systems that help teams deliver high-quality work without unnecessary bottlenecks.Drive focus and prioritization so all work aligns with core narrative goalsOversee collaboration with the Development and Advocacy teams to align communications strategies with fundraising, donor engagement, policy influence, and organizational visibility goals.Foster a culture of clarity, accountability, creativity, and strong editorial standards across the communications function.Influence and Stakeholder Positioning Develop and lead Inkomoko’s media relations strategy across regional and country markets, in alignment with organizational priorities and external affairs goals.Strengthen external credibility with donors, governments, media, and clientsPrepare the CEO, senior leaders, and country spokespeople for media interviews, panels, public events, and high-visibility external engagements.Work with country and regional teams to manage media opportunities in ways that are accurate, locally relevant, client-centered, and risk-aware.Provide strategic communications counsel on messaging and external positioning to the CEO and senior leadership in partnership with the VP of External Affairs Translate organizational priorities into clear external positioning for high-value stakeholder moments.RequirementsWHO WE ARE LOOKING FORWe are seeking a strategic and creative communications leader who has experience building a distinctive brand, shaping compelling narratives, and elevating organizational visibility with credibility and clarity.This person is both a strong storyteller and a strong strategist - someone who can see the bigger picture, guide teams toward high-quality execution, and help Inkomoko stand out through authentic, client-centered storytelling.Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements:Master’s degree in communications, journalism, international affairs, or a related field. 10+ years of experience in communications, brand, storytelling, media, or related fieldsDemonstrated ability to develop fresh, culturally relevant, and nontraditional storytelling approaches that shift audience perception and engagementAbility to ensure storytelling is evidence-based, accurate, and grounded in client impact and organizational resultsStrong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate organizational priorities into clear communication directionExperience leading and developing high-performing teamsAbility to simplify complex ideas into compelling, clear, and audience-relevant messagingStrong understanding of reputation management, thought leadership, and external visibility strategiesExperience working across multiple markets or countries, ideally within Africa or emerging markets contextsAbility to build trust and influence across senior leadership, country teams, donors, partners, and external stakeholdersStrong creative instincts paired with disciplined execution and attention to qualityComfortable operating in fast-moving, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven environmentsMedia relations experience, including journalist engagement, spokesperson preparation, press materials, and reactive messaging.Understanding of ethical storytelling, informed consent, safeguarding, and responsible representation of clients or communities.Ability to define communications KPIs and use performance insights to improve strategy and execution.Experience managing P&L’s/communications budgets, vendors, consultants, agencies, or cross-market teams.COMPETENCIESWe are looking for someone who;Thinks and Plans Strategically - Identifies opportunities using future-focused thinking (5+ years ahead); creates a strategic path to operationalize work plansCoaches - Facilitates skill development by asking the right questions and providing motivational feedback; enables others and builds their confidence and self-esteem to solve problems independently.Manages Complexity - Making sense of information to effectively solve problemsLeadership - Operates with commitment to values and culture, while supporting the growth and development of others. BenefitsWHAT YOU’LL GETThis role is inside a high-growth, mission-driven social enterprise. By joining, you’ll access:Meaningful work that directly contributes to sustainable livelihoods and job creation across East and Central Africa.Competitive salary, and potential Performance-based bonusIncredible company culture, with opportunities for learning and growthDiverse colleagues across the region, and policies that demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion A dynamic and entrepreneurial team environment committed to innovation and social impactHealth insurance for self and familyStaff savings and provident fund, negotiated bank rates for long-term employeesGenerous annual leave, parental leave, and sabbatical options. TO APPLYIf you’re excited about this role, please submit your CV, and tell us why you are the right fit for this opportunity. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1st September 2026Inkomoko is committed to justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. As we seek to reflect the communities we serve, refugees and women are strongly encouraged to apply. As a company we have policies that ensure fair treatment in the application process. NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Employment is conditional upon successful background checks and other verification as needed.All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and background screening checks. Inkomoko also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual misconduct, fraud, or abuse. By applying, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

ABOUT INKOMOKO

Inkomoko supports entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in order to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and help communities thrive.

In 2026, Inkomoko was listed by the Financial Times as the 5th fastest-growing company in Africa, supporting entrepreneurs across East and Central Africa to grow thriving businesses and build inclusive, resilient economies.

Founded in 2012, Inkomoko has worked with more than 100,000 entrepreneurs, including thousands of refugee entrepreneurs. Inkomoko provides a combination of training, consulting, access to finance, and market-level systems change. We are the largest investor to refugee entrepreneurs in Africa.

Inkomoko has 900+ staff in 50 offices across Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Through Inkomoko’s 2030 strategic plan, we are adding 3 additional countries to serve more than 550,000 entrepreneurs and growing our $30M loan fund to impact 7M lives.

INKOMOKO VALUES

All staff at Inkomoko are connected to a shared set of organizational values:

• Purpose: be solutions-oriented and produce high-quality work and be a global leader.
• Achievement: push yourself to reach beyond what you think is possible.
• Improvement: be humble and committed to continuous learning and growing through giving and receiving open and accurate feedback.
• Bravery: willing to take risks, create a safe space for others, be compassionate, inclusive.
• Turikumwe / Tuko Pamoja / Abren Nen / Kulana Sawa / We Are Together: appreciate your colleagues, celebrate success, and support each other in hard times.

Inkomoko is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Refugees, women, and persons who reflect the diverse communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY & RESPONSIBILITY

Reporting to the VP of External Affairs, the Director of Brand & Storytelling is responsible for defining and driving a distinctive, credible, and client-centered brand narrative across all markets. We are looking for a creative and strategic leader excited to push beyond traditional development communications and help reshape narratives around displacement affected entrepreneurs through bold, credible, and client-centered storytelling.

This role sets the strategic direction for communications, brand, and storytelling, ensuring that Inkomoko stands out with clarity, credibility, and consistency regionally as well as across Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Chad.

The Director leads through a team of managers responsible for brand, digital, campaigns, and regional communications, focusing on alignment, quality of narrative, and impact, rather than direct execution.

Success in this role is measured by brand strength, narrative clarity, leadership trust, and measurable influence, not just outputs.

Core Responsibilities:

Brand & Narrative Leadership

• Define and refine a clear, distinctive brand positioning rooted in client impact and credibility
• Own the organization’s core story, messaging framework, and narrative priorities
• Ensure all communications reflect a client-first perspective and stand out from generic sector narratives
• Set and maintain a high bar for clarity, authenticity, and evidence-based storytelling
• Ensure all country and functional communications efforts reinforce a unified brand narrative while remaining locally relevant and audience-centered
• Push the organization toward more creative, modern, and differentiated storytelling approaches that reshape how audiences understand entrepreneurship in displacement-affected communities and its impact

Strategic Communications Direction

• Set overall communications and thought leadership strategy and annual goals that elevates Inkomoko’s brand, increases its reach, and aligns quarterly priorities with organizational goals
• Align senior leadership and country teams around clear messaging and positioning, including strategic positioning and resource mobilization
• Provide strategic guidance on high-impact opportunities, risks, and external communications including with partners and donors
• Lead crisis communications direction and protect the organization’s reputation
• Build and maintain relationships with national and regional media, identifying unique press opportunities to amplify thought leadership content from senior leadership
• Shape and lead internal communications that keep teams informed, connected, and aligned around organizational priorities, culture, and impact

Team Management and Development

• Lead and coach managers across brand, digital, campaigns, and regional communications
• Ensure strong coordination across the regional and country to drive consistent messaging
• Build clear planning, review, and approval systems that help teams deliver high-quality work without unnecessary bottlenecks.
• Drive focus and prioritization so all work aligns with core narrative goals
• Oversee collaboration with the Development and Advocacy teams to align communications strategies with fundraising, donor engagement, policy influence, and organizational visibility goals.
• Foster a culture of clarity, accountability, creativity, and strong editorial standards across the communications function.

Influence and Stakeholder Positioning

• Develop and lead Inkomoko’s media relations strategy across regional and country markets, in alignment with organizational priorities and external affairs goals.
• Strengthen external credibility with donors, governments, media, and clients
• Prepare the CEO, senior leaders, and country spokespeople for media interviews, panels, public events, and high-visibility external engagements.
• Work with country and regional teams to manage media opportunities in ways that are accurate, locally relevant, client-centered, and risk-aware.
• Provide strategic communications counsel on messaging and external positioning to the CEO and senior leadership in partnership with the VP of External Affairs
• Translate organizational priorities into clear external positioning for high-value stakeholder moments.

Requirements

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a strategic and creative communications leader who has experience building a distinctive brand, shaping compelling narratives, and elevating organizational visibility with credibility and clarity.

This person is both a strong storyteller and a strong strategist - someone who can see the bigger picture, guide teams toward high-quality execution, and help Inkomoko stand out through authentic, client-centered storytelling.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements:

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, international affairs, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in communications, brand, storytelling, media, or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to develop fresh, culturally relevant, and nontraditional storytelling approaches that shift audience perception and engagement
• Ability to ensure storytelling is evidence-based, accurate, and grounded in client impact and organizational results
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate organizational priorities into clear communication direction
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Ability to simplify complex ideas into compelling, clear, and audience-relevant messaging
• Strong understanding of reputation management, thought leadership, and external visibility strategies
• Experience working across multiple markets or countries, ideally within Africa or emerging markets contexts
• Ability to build trust and influence across senior leadership, country teams, donors, partners, and external stakeholders
• Strong creative instincts paired with disciplined execution and attention to quality
• Comfortable operating in fast-moving, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven environments
• Media relations experience, including journalist engagement, spokesperson preparation, press materials, and reactive messaging.
• Understanding of ethical storytelling, informed consent, safeguarding, and responsible representation of clients or communities.
• Ability to define communications KPIs and use performance insights to improve strategy and execution.
• Experience managing P&L’s/communications budgets, vendors, consultants, agencies, or cross-market teams.

COMPETENCIES

We are looking for someone who;

• Thinks and Plans Strategically - Identifies opportunities using future-focused thinking (5+ years ahead); creates a strategic path to operationalize work plans
• Coaches - Facilitates skill development by asking the right questions and providing motivational feedback; enables others and builds their confidence and self-esteem to solve problems independently.
• Manages Complexity - Making sense of information to effectively solve problems
• Leadership - Operates with commitment to values and culture, while supporting the growth and development of others.

Benefits

WHAT YOU’LL GET

This role is inside a high-growth, mission-driven social enterprise. By joining, you’ll access:

• Meaningful work that directly contributes to sustainable livelihoods and job creation across East and Central Africa.
• Competitive salary, and potential Performance-based bonus
• Incredible company culture, with opportunities for learning and growth
• Diverse colleagues across the region, and policies that demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion
• A dynamic and entrepreneurial team environment committed to innovation and social impact
• Health insurance for self and family
• Staff savings and provident fund, negotiated bank rates for long-term employees
• Generous annual leave, parental leave, and sabbatical options.

TO APPLY

If you’re excited about this role, please submit your CV, and tell us why you are the right fit for this opportunity.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1st September 2026

Inkomoko is committed to justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. As we seek to reflect the communities we serve, refugees and women are strongly encouraged to apply. As a company we have policies that ensure fair treatment in the application process.

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Employment is conditional upon successful background checks and other verification as needed.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and background screening checks. Inkomoko also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual misconduct, fraud, or abuse. By applying, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

ABOUT INKOMOKO Inkomoko supports entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in order to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and help communities thrive.Founded in 2012, Inkomoko has worked with more than 60,000 entrepreneurs across East and Central Africa, including thousands of refugee entrepreneurs. Inkomoko provides a combination of training, consulting, access to finance, and market-level systems change. We are the largest lender to refugee entrepreneurs in Africa. Inkomoko has 650+ staff in 40 offices across Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Through Inkomoko’s 2030 strategic plan, we are adding 3 additional countries to serve more than 550,000 entrepreneurs and growing our $30M loan fund to impact 7M lives.INKOMOKO VALUESAll staff at Inkomoko are connected to a shared set of organizational values: Purpose: be solutions-oriented, produce high-quality work, and be a global leader. Achievement: push yourself to reach beyond what you previously thought possible. Improvement: be humble, engage in continuous growth through open & accurate feedback Bravery: willing to take risks, create a safe space for others, be compassionate, and inclusive. We Eat Goat: we celebrate success and support each other in hard times. We do this work together in the spirit of turikumwe, tuko pamoja, abren nen, Kula na sawa, On est ensemble. Inkomoko is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Persons who reflect the diverse communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT INKOMOKO

Inkomoko supports entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in order to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and help communities thrive.

Founded in 2012, Inkomoko has worked with more than 60,000 entrepreneurs across East and Central Africa, including thousands of refugee entrepreneurs. Inkomoko provides a combination of training, consulting, access to finance, and market-level systems change. We are the largest lender to refugee entrepreneurs in Africa.

Inkomoko has 650+ staff in 40 offices across Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Through Inkomoko’s 2030 strategic plan, we are adding 3 additional countries to serve more than 550,000 entrepreneurs and growing our $30M loan fund to impact 7M lives.

INKOMOKO VALUES

All staff at Inkomoko are connected to a shared set of organizational values:

• Purpose: be solutions-oriented, produce high-quality work, and be a global leader.
• Achievement: push yourself to reach beyond what you previously thought possible.
• Improvement: be humble, engage in continuous growth through open & accurate feedback
• Bravery: willing to take risks, create a safe space for others, be compassionate, and inclusive.
• We Eat Goat: we celebrate success and support each other in hard times. We do this work together in the spirit of turikumwe, tuko pamoja, abren nen, Kula na sawa, On est ensemble.

Inkomoko is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Persons who reflect the diverse communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.