This week’s Comms Spotlight features Justin Nkunzimana, Communications Officer at CorpsAfrica Rwanda, who shares his career journey, reflections on ethical storytelling, and the responsibility that communicators have in telling the stories from underserved communities. He also leaves some gems for young professionals who want to specialise in development communications.
Can you share about your journey into Communications?
My journey into communications began with a passion for storytelling and driving social change. As a grassroots reporter on Radio Salus during university and a community facilitator in local and international programs, I saw firsthand how powerful messages can shape perceptions and mobilise people.
These experiences, combined with my work in youth advocacy and development initiatives, pushed me to sharpen my skills in content creation, digital storytelling, and public engagement, paving the way for a career in development communications.
What does your role as Communications Officer at CorpsAfrica, Rwanda entail on a day-to-day basis?
As a Communications Officer at CorpsAfrica, Rwanda, my day-to-day role involves documenting impact stories, managing digital platforms, creating visual and written content, and supporting internal and external communications.
I work closely with volunteers and program teams to capture real community transformation stories, develop newsletters, social media content, and reports, and ensure our messaging aligns with our mission.
How has working within a development organisation like CorpsAfrica shaped your approach to storytelling and audience engagement?Working within a development organisation has deeply shaped my storytelling approach to be more human-centred, ethical, and impact-driven.
Instead of focusing only on outputs, I prioritise authentic narratives that reflect community voices, dignity, and lived experiences. It has also taught me to adapt communication for diverse audiences, from donors and partners to local communities, ensuring clarity, cultural sensitivity, and emotional connection.
What has been one significant challenge you have faced in your role, and how did you navigate it?
What is one defining lesson your career in communications has taught you so far?
One defining lesson my career has taught me is that communication is not just about visibility, but about responsibility. The way we tell stories can empower communities, influence policy, and inspire action. Therefore, authenticity, accuracy, and empathy must always guide our messaging.
For young professionals who want to specialise in development communications, what is one skill they must intentionally hone to succeed in this space?
