The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), a leading global research organization, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Executive Communications Officer to join its Marketing & Communications team in Nairobi, Kenya. This pivotal role is tailored for a creative and strategic professional with a flair for storytelling, digital communication, and content development to amplify the organization’s voice across global platforms. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping and delivering compelling messages from CIFOR’s executive leadership, especially the CEO, to both internal and external audiences.
CIFOR envisions a more equitable world where forests and landscapes enhance environmental integrity and human well-being. Working at CIFOR means contributing to global sustainable development, championing climate-smart innovation, and joining a team that thrives on excellence, integrity, and impact.
As Executive Communications Officer, you will play a central role in supporting high-level communications, with direct involvement in social media management, speechwriting, presentation development, and internal and external communication strategy. This position provides a unique opportunity to influence and shape the narratives around forestry, climate change, sustainability, and policy impact at a global level.
Job Description
Position Title: Executive Communications Officer
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Department: Marketing & Communications
Employment Type: Full-Time
The Executive Communications Officer will support the CEO and broader leadership team in delivering effective, professional, and inspiring communications. This includes writing speeches, managing social media accounts, creating high-quality presentations, and leading internal communication initiatives. The role requires a seasoned communicator who can translate complex ideas into engaging content that resonates across diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities
1. Social Media Management
- Develop, implement, and manage the executive social media strategy to elevate CIFOR’s leadership voice.
- Create, curate, and schedule compelling and on-brand content across key platforms, including Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
- Monitor online trends and engagement metrics to continuously refine content strategies for greater impact.
- Analyze and report on social media performance, offering insights to inform future communication decisions.
- Respond to social media inquiries and interactions professionally and in a timely manner.
- Ensure the CEO’s digital presence reflects CIFOR’s core mission, values, and strategic objectives.
2. Speechwriting
- Research, draft, and refine high-level speeches, talking points, and public remarks for the CEO and other senior leaders.
- Ensure messaging aligns with organizational goals, current global forestry and environmental trends, and targeted audiences.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts and relevant departments to gather data and stories that enrich speeches.
- Maintain a database of past speeches and reusable messaging to ensure consistency and brand alignment.
3. Presentation Development
- Design and produce visually engaging and content-rich presentations for use in international conferences, board meetings, stakeholder engagements, and internal briefings.
- Tailor presentation styles and formats for different audiences, ensuring clarity, relevance, and visual appeal.
- Ensure alignment with CIFOR’s branding and communication guidelines.
- Maintain a central repository of approved templates and past presentations for efficient reuse and adaptation.
4. General Communications Support
- Provide strategic communication guidance and support during media interviews, press briefings, and public appearances.
- Lead the coordination of filming and documentation of the CEO’s communications, ensuring professional quality and effective storytelling.
- Drive internal communication campaigns to boost employee engagement and knowledge sharing.
- Write and distribute regular internal newsletters that keep staff informed on key organizational updates, milestones, and strategic directions.
- Draft opinion pieces, blogs, and editorials on behalf of executive leadership.
- Collaborate closely with the wider communications team to ensure cohesion across all communication efforts and messaging.
- Prepare briefing documents, communication reports, media kits, and other relevant documentation for internal and external distribution.
- Lead or support special communication projects, including campaigns, partnerships, or events, as assigned.
Ideal Candidate Attributes
While the qualifications for this position are not explicitly provided, the successful candidate is expected to demonstrate:
- Strong writing and editorial skills with attention to detail and tone.
- Proven ability in managing high-profile digital communication platforms.
- A deep understanding of visual storytelling and branding.
- Familiarity with global development, climate change, or environmental topics is a plus.
- Capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multicultural environment.
Work Environment
This is an exciting opportunity for a communications expert to join a globally recognized research institution. CIFOR promotes a collaborative, flexible, and dynamic work culture, where ideas are welcomed, and innovation is encouraged. The selected candidate will be part of a high-performing team with access to global networks and platforms.
Working closely with CIFOR’s leadership, this role offers the chance to influence policy and public discourse at both regional and international levels. The communications outputs from this role will directly support the organization’s mission to shape a more sustainable and equitable world through forest-based solutions.
Why Join CIFOR?
- Work for a respected international research center with a strong reputation in environmental and sustainable development.
- Contribute to impactful global narratives around forests, climate, and biodiversity.
- Collaborate with a passionate team of scientists, policy experts, and communication professionals.
- Access to learning opportunities, career development, and global engagement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by following the official application link provided by CIFOR. All applications must be submitted through the online application portal.
Please ensure you prepare and submit the following:
- A cover letter expressing interest in the position and suitability for the role.
- An updated resume or curriculum vitae.
- Samples of written speeches, social media content, or presentations (if available).
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Department: Marketing & Communications
Position Title: Executive Communications Officer
Organization: Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
Posted On: March 19, 2025
For full details, refer to the attached PDF if applicable.
[Apply Now]
If you are passionate about using strategic communication to inspire change, influence decision-making, and drive sustainable development at the highest level, this is the opportunity for you. Apply now and become a part of CIFOR’s journey toward a greener, more equitable planet.
