Senior Communications Associate - UJALA - Morocco

Position overview

We are recruiting a Senior Communications Associate to be based at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Rabat, Morocco. The UM6P-J-PAL Applied Lab for Agriculture (UJALA) generates rigorous, policy-relevant evidence on small-scale agriculture and food security in Africa. The Senior Communications Associate will lead UJALA’s communications strategy—managing its social media presence, preparing briefs for media coverage, developing outreach campaigns, and ensuring UJALA’s work reaches key stakeholders across Africa and globally. This role sits within UJALA’s policy & communications vertical and will involve close collaboration with UM6P, J-PAL’s global and regional offices, media outlets, and policymakers.

About UJALA

J-PAL and UM6P are partnering to form the UM6P-J-PAL Applied Lab for Agriculture (UJALA). UJALA funds research to rigorously evaluate agricultural technologies and practices designed to increase small-scale farmers’ food security, productivity, and profitability. UJALA aims to answer critical questions related to designing and delivering effective food and agricultural subsidies, assessing the value of fertilizer customization to crop needs and soil nutrients, reducing low-income households’ reliance on imported food, alleviating farmers’ constraints to adopting and maintaining new agricultural technologies and practices, and connecting farmers to markets that sell at competitive prices.

About UM6P

University Mohammed VI Polytechnic is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation with a focus on Africa. The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. This enables it to consolidate Morocco’s frontline position in these fields, using a unique partnership-based approach, and boost skills training relevant for the future of Africa.

About J-PAL

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of over 200 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

J-PAL values diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our work and the broader perspectives our staff bring. We encourage people of color, first generation college students/graduates, and other underrepresented groups to apply to this role. In your cover letter, please consider sharing how your racial, gender, socioeconomic and/or other identity has influenced your drive and desire to work at J-PAL. (This is not required, but rather an opportunity for us to get to know you.)

Responsibilities

As Senior Communications Associate, you will report to UJALA’s Director and work closely with J-PAL Global and its regional offices; UJALA’s finance, operations, research, policy and training teams; and key partners across government, private sector, and multilateral institutions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Communications Strategy and Implementation (40%)
  • Design and implement UJALA’s communications strategy in alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Oversee the creation and dissemination of content across digital and traditional channels.
  • Prepare briefs, talking points, and press kits for media coverage and public events.
  • Ensure branding and messaging consistency across all platforms and templates.
• Social Media Management (30%)
  • Manage UJALA’s social media accounts (Twitter/X, LinkedIn, etc.), ensuring timely, engaging, and accurate content.
  • Develop content calendars and produce posts for UJALA’s social media accounts.
  • Coordinate with UM6P’s multimedia team for the production of visuals, infographics, and videos; ability to produce such materials independently is a plus.
  • Monitor engagement, track analytics, and recommend strategies to increase reach and impact.
• Media and Outreach (20%)
  • Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and communications partners.
  • Support the organization of press briefings, interviews, and media coverage of UJALA events.
  • Draft press releases, newsletters, and success stories highlighting UJALA’s work.
  • Expand UJALA’s visibility and outreach to policymakers, donors, and academic audiences.
• Knowledge Sharing and Internal Communications (10%)
  • Support the production of knowledge products (reports, blogs, policy briefs) in coordination with researchers and policy staff.
  • Provide communications guidance to UJALA staff for public presentations and events.
  • Maintain UJALA’s website and internal communications materials.

Supervision

The Senior Communications Associate will work under the supervision of the Lab Director and Policy Manager.

Qualifications and skills

• Education: A bachelor or master’s degree in communications, media studies, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Experience: At least three years’ experience in communications, media, or public affairs. Demonstrated experience managing organizational social media and external communications. Familiarity with international development, agriculture, or research institutions is an asset.
• Work style: Attention to detail, ability to work on projects independently and make decisions, along with a willingness to pitch in to get projects and tasks done. Strong ability to self-manage a time-sensitive workflow while maintaining high quality output and absolute accuracy with details.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel internationally for events, media coverage, or collaboration with J-PAL offices.
• Time Management: Proven ability to handle several different projects/tasks at one time and meet deadlines. A willingness to work hard, be self-motivated and learn will be essential for doing well in this position. Punctuality and consistency in work hours is required.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and confidently orally and in writing is required. Ability to build good relationships and work within a team; ability to communicate clearly with a broad range of stakeholders. Is empowered to communicate compliance or legal concerns to teams or management. Advanced proficiency in English and French is required. 
• Skills: Strong writing and editing skills in English and French, with the ability to adapt content for diverse audiences. Proficiency in digital communications tools, social media analytics, and content management systems. Basic design and multimedia skills (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite, video editing) are a plus. Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Cultural competencies: Comfortable working in a multicultural environment with colleagues, partners, and policymakers from diverse backgrounds. Sensitivity, adaptability, and inclusivity in engagement across different cultures and identities.
• Work authorization: A valid work permit is required to be eligible to work in Morocco.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, benchmarked among the most comprehensive in the country. It includes life and health insurance, retirement benefits, maternity and parental leave, paid vacation, and more. The role is based at UM6P’s Rabat campus, a well-resourced work environment designed to support staff well-being and work-life balance.