Copywriter (Anglophone)

Company Overview

Publicis West Africa operates as a regional hub supporting client work across Central and West Africa, covering about 22 markets. Roughly 10 of those markets are actively engaged and function as sub-regional centers for nearby markets. The work is produced mainly in English, French, and Portuguese, with local dialects also playing an important role in the markets served. Close coordination with partner agencies in Francophone markets, Angola, and Nigeria is part of the delivery model, and internal communication across the network is conducted in English, both verbally and by email.

Role Purpose

The Copywriter will create strong, insight-led creative concepts and polished written content that answer client briefs and meet both local and global creative expectations. Working alongside Art Directors, Creative Directors, strategy, client service, and outside partners, the role will produce persuasive brand copy for ATL, BTL, digital, and activation work while safeguarding brand identity, delivering on time, and supporting a collaborative creative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Write consistently strong, insight-based copy that aligns with client requirements, brand goals, and agency creative standards.
• Develop and refine creative concepts by interpreting briefs and partnering closely with Art Directors on integrated, through-the-line campaigns.
• Produce engaging headlines, scripts, and dialogue for television, print, outdoor, radio, activation, ambient, and digital channels.
• Present ideas and concepts confidently to internal teams and external clients in a clear and professional way.
• Convert creative ideas into detailed production briefs and practical instructions for suppliers and production teams.
• Oversee creative execution and production, maintaining precision, creative consistency, and strong follow-through.
• Work effectively with strategy, client service, and external partners, contributing as a reliable team member and, where needed, a creative lead.
• Take part in brainstorming sessions and wider creative discussions, contributing actively to idea development.
• Handle multiple tasks efficiently, perform well under pressure, and meet deadlines without lowering creative standards.
• Spot potential issues early and propose workable solutions during creative and production stages.
• Maintain each brand’s identity, voice, and personality according to approved guidelines.
• Deliver content outputs in line with the approved brief, scope, and timelines.
• Ensure all creative work is approved by the Creative Director before being shown to the client.

Additional Information

Behavioural Competencies

• Leadership: Able to guide, energize, and motivate teams.
• Communication: Possesses strong interpersonal abilities and clear communication skills.
• Strategic and Conceptual Thinking: Can interpret briefs, evaluate insights, and turn strategic thinking into compelling creative concepts and written solutions.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies creative, production, and delivery challenges early and develops practical solutions under pressure.
• Organization and Workflow Management: Uses strong organizational skills to manage multiple briefs, priorities, and revisions in a busy agency setting.
• Attention to Detail and Craft: Demonstrates careful writing, scripting, and execution to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality.
• Time Management and Deadline Discipline: Manages time well, prioritizes effectively, and delivers quality work within tight deadlines.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Works cooperatively with Art Directors, Creative Directors, strategy, client service, and external production partners.

Personality Attributes

• Adaptable: Performs well in a fast-moving agency environment and responds constructively to changing briefs, priorities, and feedback.
• Resilient: Keeps composure and creative standards high under pressure, tight timelines, and repeated revisions.
• Collaborative: Works smoothly with Art Directors, Creative Directors, strategy, client service, and production partners.
• Creatively Curious and Innovative: Brings originality, curiosity, and fresh ideas to concept development, copywriting, and problem-solving.
• Detail-Oriented: Pays close attention to writing quality, brand tone, and final execution.
• Organized: Manages several briefs, revisions, and deliverables efficiently without sacrificing standards.

Key Performance Indicators

• Creative Quality and Ideas: Consistently produces strong, insight-led copy and concepts that meet briefs, reflect brand standards, and receive solid internal approval with little rework.
• Execution and Delivery Discipline: Submits copy and scripts on schedule, within scope, and ready for production while managing several briefs effectively.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Effectiveness: Works seamlessly with Art Directors, Creative Directors, strategy, client service, and production partners, and contributes meaningfully to brainstorms and team outcomes.
• Brand Stewardship and Attention to Detail: Preserves brand tone, voice, and guidelines across all outputs, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and error-free final delivery.
• Proactivity, Presentation, and Growth: Anticipates issues and solutions, presents ideas persuasively, and shows creativity, adaptability, and ongoing development.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Publicis Groupe is committed to equal opportunity and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. The company values diversity and aims to maintain an inclusive workplace in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and overall fit, with preference extended to candidates from designated groups.