APHRC seeks to recruit a Communications Officer to work in the CACEPS project within the Policy Engagement and Communications Division. Based in Nairobi, the Communications Officer will contribute to the implementation of the communications strategy while leading the development of visual and audiovisual products.
Key Responsibilities
The Communications Officer is responsible for implementing day-to-day communication activities, translating research into accessible content, and supporting knowledge translation, communication and monitoring systems to enhance visibility, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence.
The Communications Officer will play a central role in strengthening the visibility, uptake, and policy impact of APHRC’s work. The role combines strategic communication with high-quality multimedia production to translate complex scientific evidence into accessible, compelling, and policy-relevant content for diverse audiences.
Content
development & research translation
- Translate research findings into clear, engaging, and non-technical
content
- Develop and draft: Policy briefs (support role); Blogs and articles;
News features and web content and Social media posts
- Provide strategic leadership that will lead to the development of
multimedia content
- Ensure a consistent flow of content that provides insights into the
outcomes and impact of the APHRC’s research
- Play a critical role in shaping how the APHRC tells its story and a
coordinated or joined up approach to the research’s impact journey
- Design infographics and dashboards to simplify complex data
- Develop high-level presentation decks for policy audiences
- Produce short explainer videos and key message briefs
Digital
engagement and documentation
- Manage and update: Website content; Social media platforms; Email
newsletters, newsletter updates
- Optimize content for engagement and reach
- Support digital storytelling for diverse audiences
- Run digital campaigns aligned with policy priorities
Media
relations support and engagement
- Support coordination of: Media interviews and Press briefings
- Implement targeted media engagement (op-eds, policy journalism) to
amplify policy influence
- Maintain and update media contact lists for the consortium
- Work with communications leads to ensure research insights reach
broader audiences (via press releases, social media, webinars). Draft:
Press releases and Media advisories
- Maintain an active online presence (website updates, policy blogs)
to amplify impact
Event
communication & visibility
- Support communication for policy dialogues, workshops and
conferences
- Develop event materials such as programs, banners and presentations
- Provide live coverage (social media, photography, summaries)
- Liaise with multimedia to develop multimedia content for events
Strengthen
knowledge documentation
- Develop communication toolkits for projects (existing and new
projects)
- Prepare standard decks and key messages identified for each work
package
- Identify and map the audiences and corresponding channels
- Conduct structured knowledge capture sessions with research teams to
translate technical outputs into clear positioning narratives
Coordinating
a communication network
- Facilitate collaboration and sharing information within partners for
collaborative projects
- Ensure consistent and coherent messaging across all channels and
stakeholders
Policy
and funder engagement
- Support the implementation of policy engagement activities to raise
the profile of the project among key stakeholders, including policymakers,
funders, and the broader scientific community
- Support the program team’s engagement with funders to communicate
the impact and success of the initiative, fostering strong relationships
and securing ongoing support
- Support the program team in preparing reports by providing editorial
oversight and contributing communications content for the funder’s report
Reporting
and budgeting
- Prepare regular reports on communication activities, outcomes, and
impact for internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations,
or a related field. A degree in science communication, journalism, or a
relevant discipline is highly desirable
- At least five years’ experience in a multi-country project and
working with partners from different countries
- Proven ability to develop and execute communication strategies that
align with project or organizational goals and effectively promote
scientific and policy engagement initiatives
- Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to
produce high-quality content for various platforms, including web, social
media, and print
- Ability to engage and influence stakeholders, including funders,
policymakers, and the scientific community
- Experience in managing media relations, including building
relationships with journalists and securing media coverage for research
and policy engagement initiatives
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple
projects, deadlines, and budgets simultaneously
- Proficient in using digital tools and platforms for communication,
including social media management, website content management systems, and
multimedia production
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in
a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
- Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign preferred
- Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French or other
African Union languages is an advantage.
How to Apply
