The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a premier research-to-policy institution, generating evidence, strengthening research and related capacity in the African research and development ecosystem, and engaging policy to inform action on health and development. The Center is Africa-based and African-led, with its headquarters (HQ) in Nairobi, Kenya, and a West Africa Regional Office (WARO), in Dakar, Senegal. APHRC seeks to drive change by developing strong African research leadership and promoting evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) across sub-Saharan Africa. APHRC is implementing the Cross-border Evidence and Policy Sovereignty (CACEPS) project through the African Union African Think Tank Platform (ATTP). This project aims to strengthen African think tanks and policy institutions in producing high-quality evidence, shaping policy discourse, facilitating cross-boundary learning, and advancing Africa's development priorities.   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, Experience, and Skills ●      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 Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application letter and detailed CV in one PDF document through this Link by 31st July, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.       Special Notice APHRC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. As part of our safeguarding and protection framework, successful candidate(s) will be subject to robust reference checks, including verification of past conduct related to safeguarding, and workplace behavior.   Applicants are not required to make any payments to anyone during any stage of the recruitment process.