JOB DESCRIPTION

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is looking for two creative, energetic, impact-driven Communications Officers to amplify the visibility and influence of four flagship research programs:

Health & Livestock Genetics, Nutrition and Feed Resources (LGNFR)

Livestock, Climate and Environment (LCE) & People, Policies and Institutions (PPI)

These roles are perfect for communicators who thrive at the intersection of science, storytelling, and development, and who want their work to contribute to better food systems, stronger climate resilience, and improved livelihoods across Africa and Asia.

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for the efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of the 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to livestock research for development, with offices across Kenya, Ethiopia, Asia and Africa. Learn more at www.ilri.org

Key Responsibilities

Working hand-in-hand with program leaders and scientists, you will help shape how ILRI’s research is understood and use around the world. Your mission will be to turn cutting-edge livestock science into compelling stories, insights, and products that influence policy, inspire donors, and engage global audiences.

Promotion and visibility of the program

Develop program marketing and communication materials to effectively communicate the work of the two programs including brochures, website, powerpoint, social media messages, etc

In consultation with the program lead, develop the strategic selling points of the program and a message map to guide all communications

Maintain an outreach list of donors, partners and target audiences to ensure targeted dissemination of products

Maintain and update the web pages of the programs, ensuring they reflect current priorities, projects, activities, teams and relevant international/themed days

Monitor and evaluate communication activities and impact

Communications and writing

Manage and regularly update a pipeline of thought leadership pieces, feature stories, outcome stories emanating from the research programs

Track solutions from the research programs to put into the institute’s solutions platform

Develop engaging research highlight stories and other related knowledge products based on key publications, showcasing findings and their impact

Ensure that ILRI’s editorial style and messaging are consistently applied across knowledge products

Support scientists in laying out their research products using institute’s existing knowledge product templates, or through liaising with the publishing team

Liaise with the publishing team to facilitate the publishing process, ensuring that research outputs submitted for editing and layout have been reviewed and vetted internally

Coordinate with the communications team to ensure effective dissemination of research publications through ILRI’s channels, optimizing visibility and reach

Identify and coordinate the production of communication materials (e.g. infographics, videos) to enhance the accessibility and visibility of research outputs

Curate and manage photos from researchers, ensuring quality control, proper captioning and attribution, and uploading them to ILRI’s Flickr account

Work with researchers to produce project highlights for posting on ILRI.org.

Outreach and engagement

Manage program presence across web and social media platforms, ensuring consistent branding and messaging

Organize and support webinars, workshops, conferences, and media events to enhance stakeholder engagement

Foster partnerships with communication counterparts in CGIAR and external organizations to amplify outreach

Knowledge management

Work with program staff and CAKM to ensure timely curation of research outputs within ILRI’s institutional repository (CGSpace)

Proactively engage with researchers to monitor the progress of publications, providing support to push outputs to completion and prevent year-end backlogs

Liaise with the publishing team to facilitate the publishing process, ensuring that research outputs submitted for editing and layout have been reviewed and vetted internally

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or relevant field

Seven years’ experience

Progressive experience in science communication, journalism, knowledge management, or outreach within international research or development organizations

Demonstrated experience translating technical or scientific research into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences, including policymakers, donors, and the public

Experiencing in storytelling and developing content that is audience driven

Experience in monitoring results and adapting content

Proven track record in developing communication products such as articles, policy briefs, press releases, multimedia stories, and web or social media content

Strong writing skills and project communication experience

Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and collaborating across institutions or projects

Experience working on research, agriculture, environment, or development issues, with an ability to grasp new topics quickly

Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in clear, accessible, and engaging language

A positive can-do attitude and ability to work in a complex environment

Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication abilities, with experience working in diverse, multicultural teams

Strategic and creative thinking, with the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate effective communication and outreach strategies

Digital communication proficiency, including content management systems, social media platforms, and basic graphic or multimedia tools

Results-oriented and proactive, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Attention to detail and commitment to scientific accuracy and credibility

Collaborative mindset, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and openness to learning in a dynamic research environment

Ability to manage multiple demands from researchers and program leads and work under pressure/tight deadlines

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG 15 and it is only open to ILRI staff, Kenyan nationals.

How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, and what they can bring to the job to the Head of People and Culture through our recruitment portal by clicking on “Apply Now” on or before 17 December 2025. The position title and reference number REF: CAKM/2077/12/25 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants” bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements