Communications & Events Officer

Are you an organised, proactive Communications and Events Specialist who wants to use your skills to support a mission-driven organisation working to end violence against women and girls?

FORWARD is a leading African women-led organisation working to end violence against women and girls, including FGM, child marriage, domestic abuse, and faith-based abuse.

As the Communications and Events Officer, you will be working alongside the Executive Director & the Fundraising Manager. You will be self-motivated, proactive and passionate about increasing our influencing capacity to promote dignity, equality and wellbeing, while supporting FORWARD to live our approach to fundraising through trusts and foundations. You will identify new opportunities, write compelling proposals and drive ongoing engagement to increase our income.

About the Role
The Communications and Events Officer will be responsible for communication working closely with the Executive Director & the Fundraising Manager to advance FORWARD s mission by using communications as a tool for social change. This role will deliver FORWARD s communication and events, working with colleagues to shape narratives to challenge harmful norms, and amplify the leadership and voices of African women and girls.

You will work across the organisation to develop powerful, ethical and impactful stories to help influence policy, engage donors and the public and mobilise supporters. You will be required to translate complex and sensitive issues into communications that are accessible, culturally competent and rooted in a survivor-centred approach. You will ensure FORWARD s traditional and digital presence is maximised. The role will support campaigns and fundraising to build a sustainable base and help contribute to long-term systemic change.

We are looking for someone who:

Is experienced in a communications role

Is highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities

Has excellent communication and writing skills

Has strong understanding of communications as a tool for social change, movement building and advocacy

Has experience managing social media channels and growing engagement across platforms

Has experience supporting or coordinating events (online and in person), including logistics, promotion and post event reporting

Is able to work independently and take initiative

Shares our commitment to gender justice and the rights of African women and girls

Experience in the charity, voluntary, or social justice sector and experience using content management systems (CMS), email marketing tools, and analytics platforms with knowledge of UK policy and public discourse relating to VAWG, migration, racial justice or women s rights would be an advantage.

Why work at FORWARD?
We are a values-driven organisation committed to equality, dignity, and wellbeing. We encourage creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning, and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We offer flexible working, generous annual leave, a pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for training and professional development.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a separate supporting statement specific to this position by the application deadline below.

In your cover letter, please don t repeat the information covered in your CV, but do include how you meet the job specifications and why you feel you re the best person for this role. Your covering letter should include:

• Why you would like to work for FORWARD?
• Why this particular role interests you?

Please use the Job Description and Person Specification information in the application pack to detail your suitability. If you would like to submit your application in a different format, please get in touch and we can discuss how best to facilitate your request. CVs submitted on their own, without a supporting statement, will not be considered.

If this opportunity sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don t match every requirement exactly, we would still encourage you to apply - you may just be the perfect fit.

FORWARD is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity. In order to help ensure that our policy is working well please complete an Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form and submit with your application.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role or the application process please get in touch and we would be delighted to discuss any queries you may have.

Application deadline: 9th July 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 27th July 2026