Are you passionate about using the power of communication to impact sustainable development?
Do you thrive at the intersection of science, storytelling, and impact?

Join International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)– A global leader in livestock research for development – where we strive to Team Leader, Strategic Communications and Outreach To help shape the future of sustainable food systems.

We are looking for a A dynamic, creative and strategic communicator To lead the International Livestock Research Institute’s external communications and outreach efforts to translate world-class livestock science into compelling narratives that inform policy, attract investment, and drive change.

Report to Head of Communications, Advocacy and Knowledge Management (CAKM) DepartmentThis role works closely with ICRI’s leadership, scientists and partners to move the Institute towards success An audience-driven, impact-focused approach To communications.

You will lead a team of writers, multimedia producers and digital specialists. Establish communication standards; and drive ILRI’s content and brand strategy across traditional, digital and social media platforms.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve the lives of people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that contributes to equitable and resilient livestock systems to achieve food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. It is one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research in the developing world. It is co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, and has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia in addition to Central, East, South and West Africa. www.ilri.org

Key responsibilities

Strategic content development, outreach and publishing

• Lead ILRI’s shift to impact-oriented, audience-driven communication that works with multiple media
• Support CAKM leadership in managing communications workflow and strategy implementation.
• Oversee social media to ensure strategic planning, implementation and results.
• Establish systems and standards for effective and strategic communication, awareness, and dissemination using data-driven monitoring to drive decisions.
• Align ILRI communications with policy, advocacy and resource mobilization objectives.
• Support ILRI’s broader marketing, branding and design efforts

Thought leadership

• Oversee messaging and communication plans for ILRI’s leadership and research topics.
• Enhancing IILFRI’s reputation by positioning IILFRI leaders and researchers as trusted voices in sustainable livestock research.
• Oversee media relations, including developing and implementing a high-impact media relations strategy, establishing strong media relations, handling media inquiries and reporting results.
• Lead campaigns that strengthen the role of the International Irrigation Research Institute in food systems, climate and policy discussions.
• Supervise the production of high-quality communications outputs (articles, multimedia and digital content).

Communications management and supervision

• Responsible for ILRIs website and news sites, leading editorial strategy, overseeing the team, ensuring quality and timely output, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication efforts for continuous improvement.
• Mobilize resources (internally and externally) to support communication initiatives.
• Directed communications officers to enhance storytelling, messaging and strategic dissemination.
• Link and support other CAKM domains

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in international relations, communications, journalism, or any related discipline.
• – At least 8 years of professional work experience in a dynamic, fast-paced communications environment, preferably
• Fluency in English at a native level is essential; Other languages ​​(especially French) are an advantage
• Experience working in research, agriculture or in the development sector is an advantage.

Knowledge and experience

• Proven experience managing teams and driving change and innovation in communications

• Experience in scientific communication, with the ability to translate research into engaging, high-impact narratives. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for diverse audiences.
• Well versed in the use of various communication and multimedia methods and techniques, with a clear focus on effectively targeting stakeholders and achieving measurable impact.
• Proven experience developing and monitoring impactful, targeted outreach and dissemination strategies using a range of channels (social media, traditional media, documentaries, etc.)
• Project management skills, effectively delegating responsibilities, ensuring clear roles and accountability and aligning communication initiatives with institutional priorities.
• Commitment to excellence, ensuring high quality deliverables within tight deadlines.

Personal qualities

• Ability to deal well with complexity and ambiguity, including excellent flexibility and adaptability.
• A true team player with strong listening, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent emotional intelligence, including listening and empathy, and the ability to develop highly collaborative business partnership relationships.
• Maintains high performance and demonstrates flexibility when working in a fast-paced, professional service environment.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of delivery – ensuring things are done to a high standard and who holds himself and his team accountable

Publishing site: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Requirements for appointment: This position is at the job level mercury 18, It is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a three (3) year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive international salary and benefits package including pension, medical and life insurance, allowances for: education, housing, security, relocation and home leave.

Applications: Applicants must submit a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role, and the names and addresses (including phone and email) of three knowledgeable referees for their professional qualifications and work experience. Applications will be directed to the Head of People and Culture and submitted through our recruitment portal https://ilri.simplicant.com On or before November 8, 2025.

Job title and reference number: Reference: CAKM/2024/2025 The subject line of your cover letter should be clearly marked.

ILRI does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or training). The International Wealth Research Institute is also not interested in information related to applicants’ bank accounts.

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.

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