Head of Marketing & Communications, Africa

About You and The Role

Zipline is looking for a Head of Marketing & Communications for Africa — a strategic leader who can set and drive an ambitious communications vision while also rolling up their sleeves to execute in a fast-paced, high-growth, resource-constrained environment.

You will serve as a critical member of the Africa leadership team and a thought partner to senior executives. This role spans in-country marketing, external communications, internal communications, and executive communications, and requires someone who thrives as both a big-picture strategist and a hands-on operator. You will own Zipline’s narrative in Africa, strengthen our brand across markets, and help champion the impact Zipline creates for governments, partners, and communities.

You understand what it takes to build trust with leaders, influence stakeholders, and guide decision-making during moments of opportunity and uncertainty.

This role is open within Africa, preferably in one of the markets we have a presence in (Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Rwanda, Kenya), with frequent travel across the region.

What You’ll Do

Marketing & Brand Presence

• Lead in-country marketing strategies that support sales, utilization, adoption, and community engagement.
• Leverage Zipline’s unique assets to create visibility, community connection, and brand resonance.
• Identify and pursue strategic collaborations (e.g., corporate partnerships, public-sector campaigns, health initiatives).
• Design cost-effective, locally relevant activations aligned to business outcomes.

External Communications & PR

• Own Zipline Africa’s external communications strategy across all markets.
• Lead media relations, crisis communications, thought leadership, and proactive storytelling.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, industry groups, partners, and government stakeholders.
• Develop compelling narratives that communicate Zipline’s impact, innovation, and mission.
• Oversee press releases, media briefings, speaking engagements, conferences, and signature events.
  
  

Internal Communications

• Drive internal communications for Africa, ensuring clarity, alignment, and visibility for key initiatives.
• Partner with Africa leadership to craft messages for All Hands, org-wide updates, and internal moments that build culture.
• Ensure communication systems scale across countries and teams.

Executive Communications

• Prepare senior executives (including regional leadership) for key speeches, media opportunities, and strategic conversations.
• Develop messaging, presentations, briefing materials, and talking points.
• Ensure leaders communicate with clarity, alignment to global priorities, and cultural sensitivity across markets.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Africa leadership team.
• Partner closely with global communications while tailoring strategy to Africa’s unique context.
• Influence decision-making, challenge assumptions, and articulate the communications implications of business choices.
• Build and manage agency relationships (PR, digital, creative) and leverage them efficiently in a resource-constrained environment.
• Build and lead a small yet mighty in-house team

What You’ll Bring

Must-Have Experience

• 8 years of relevant professional experience and at least 2-3 years building/managing a team/function
• Significant leadership experience in communications, PR, crisis management, or strategic communications.
• Diverse leadership experience across a wide range of marketing strategies and initiatives
• Success working in high-growth, high-complexity environments and thriving with limited resources.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as both a strategic leader and hands-on executor.
• Experience navigating and communicating across multiple African markets.
• Strong judgment, narrative development skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to craft clear, compelling written and verbal communications for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing agencies and coordinating cross-functional partners.
• Professional polish and strong stakeholder presence.

What Else You Need to Know