Creative Strategist

Location: Based in the UAE or remote

Reporting Manager: Programme Manager

Start date: October 3rd, 2022

Duration: 20 days between October and December 2022

Type: Consultancy

Remuneration: Competitive daily rate depending on qualifications

MAGENTA is a leading Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) agency that specializes in understanding human decision-making processes in order to design behavioural insight solutions for positive change. We implement programmes across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia, using the latest in behavioural science principles and a rigorous approach to research, strategy, intervention and campaign design and implementation.

Our client base includes UN agencies, INGOs, governments and the private sector. We aim to amplify the voices of local actors while bringing international expertise and methodological rigour. To do so, we partner with civil society, creative agencies, media and academics to design innovative, relevant and impactful solutions to some of the most challenging problems of our time. Whether we are aiming to shift parenting practices to improve children’s outcomes or to understand how social norms underpin corruption, we always go the extra mile to ensure we can create positive impact for some of the most underserved populations in the world.

MAGENTA has recently developed a comprehensive SBC strategy to support change in parental behaviours in Abu Dhabi across three specific areas – the importance of play, interaction and communication with infants and young children, and parental self-care – and thereby improve outcomes for young children.

Following the strategy phase, MAGENTA is now getting ready for the implementation of an integrated and holistic 5-year SBC programme with edutainment, community engagement, communication and digital engagement, and well as service design and delivery components. Our team is looking for a Creative Strategist to lead on the development of a unique and cutting-edge umbrella brand to link all components of the SBC programme together, and the development of the concept for the edutainment component. We’re looking for an individual with a thorough understanding of the UAE context, driven by a keen desire to deliver social impact and who thrives in fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities of the Creative Strategist include:

• Oversee the development of the SBC programme umbrella brand based on the existing creative concept, in partnership with the programme team and the client;
• Lead on the development of a comprehensive creative brief for the edutainment piece of the SBC programme;
• Manage the creative team on the project, and provide direction and guidance to develop innovative and unique outputs;
• Provide strategic insights on the UAE media landscape and the target audience, and conduct research accordingly;
• Examine market and industry reports and identify important trends to inform creative outputs development;
• Support the organisation of the brand testing exercise through online focus group discussions with key target groups, in close collaboration with the research team;
• Participate in strategic meetings with the client.

Requirements & Competencies

Education:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree in media, communication, or a related field; Masters preferred

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive professional experience in media, communications or advertising;
• Experience managing a creative team, including a creative designer and a copy writer;
• Substantial knowledge of the Abu Dhabi/UAE media landscape and the target audience;
• Robust experience in designing and implementing mass media campaigns or production work in the UAE, preferably targeted at social good;
• Strong creative mindset with skills to whip up a cutting-edge and inspiring creative pitch;
• A high-level strategic thinker, with a keen desire to learn and consume new information;
• Ability to work effectively, respectfully and successfully with governments, clients, partners and other stakeholders;
• Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic;
• A service-oriented manager, able to recognise and meet client needs;
• Good sense of humour, personable and demonstrated ability to build networks;
• Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to get hands dirty;