The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is a leading pan-African Centre of excellence in research for development and capacity building in insect science and its applications. Since its establishment in 1970, the Centre has contributed significantly to addressing pressing health, food security, and environmental challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. By developing alternative, environmentally friendly, and effective pest and vector management solutions, icipe has advanced scientific innovation to improve lives while safeguarding natural resources.
With its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and active operations in more than 40 countries across Africa, icipe has established strong collaborations with universities, governments, and research organizations worldwide. The Centre employs over 500 staff and hosts approximately 150 postgraduate students annually, all contributing to a research portfolio that continues to strengthen Africa’s role in global science.
To further advance its mission, icipe is seeking to appoint a highly qualified, dynamic, and self-motivated professional to the following position:
Head of Communications and External Affairs
The position of Head of Communications and External Affairs is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. It will be offered on an initial two-year contract, renewable based on continued funding and performance.
Overall Purpose of the Job
The Head of Communications and External Affairs will lead icipe’s strategic communications, visibility, advocacy, and public engagement initiatives. The role is critical in positioning icipe as a thought leader in insect science research, enhancing the Centre’s visibility globally, and ensuring effective dissemination of its research outputs and impact.
This position will oversee institutional communications, manage digital platforms, strengthen media engagement, coordinate advocacy initiatives, and ensure consistent and high-quality communication across all channels. The successful candidate will serve as the primary custodian of icipe’s brand identity and public image.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership in Communications and Advocacy
- Design, implement, and oversee icipe’s institutional communication and advocacy strategies.
- Lead the development of integrated communication approaches that align with icipe’s vision and research agenda.
- Provide strategic advice to the Director General and senior leadership team on communication and external affairs matters.
- Identify opportunities for advocacy that promote icipe’s scientific contributions at national, regional, and international levels.
- Institutional Communications Management
- Direct the planning, development, and dissemination of institutional communication materials, including annual reports, brochures, newsletters, and corporate publications.
- Ensure timely and accurate communication of research outcomes, programme updates, and success stories to a wide range of stakeholders.
- Develop mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness and reach of communication initiatives.
- Maintain a consistent institutional voice and brand identity across all communication products.
- Digital Presence and Multimedia Engagement
- Oversee icipe’s digital platforms, including its website, social media channels, and multimedia content.
- Lead initiatives to increase the Centre’s online visibility and engagement with global audiences.
- Develop and manage innovative digital campaigns that communicate icipe’s work to diverse stakeholders.
- Ensure that digital platforms are regularly updated with accurate, relevant, and engaging content.
- Media Relations and Public Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and international media outlets.
- Act as the spokesperson for icipe on communication-related matters.
- Coordinate the production and dissemination of press releases, media advisories, and opinion pieces.
- Organize press conferences, media briefings, and other public engagement events.
- Ensure effective media monitoring and analysis to inform communication strategies.
- Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Strengthen communication and visibility partnerships with governments, development agencies, research institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
- Work closely with partners to align messaging and amplify icipe’s visibility within the global research community.
- Support donor engagement by providing targeted communication products that showcase icipe’s achievements and impact.
- Develop advocacy campaigns in collaboration with regional and international partners.
- Internal Communication and Staff Engagement
- Enhance internal communication systems to ensure timely sharing of information among staff, students, and collaborators.
- Provide communication support to various programmes and departments within the Centre.
- Facilitate capacity building in communication skills for staff and students through training and mentorship.
- Promote staff engagement in institutional communication initiatives.
- Branding and Corporate Identity
- Safeguard icipe’s brand integrity by ensuring consistency in visual identity, messaging, and representation across all platforms and products.
- Oversee the development and application of branding guidelines in publications, events, and external engagements.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of branding and visibility initiatives on icipe’s profile.
- Resource Mobilization and Support to Fundraising
- Collaborate with the resource mobilization team to develop compelling communication products for fundraising purposes.
- Highlight icipe’s achievements, success stories, and innovations to attract funding and partnerships.
- Support the preparation of donor reports, ensuring they meet quality communication standards.
- Management and Supervision
- Lead and manage the Communications and External Affairs Unit, ensuring effective coordination of its activities.
- Supervise staff within the unit, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance evaluation.
- Oversee the budget for communication and visibility activities, ensuring effective and transparent resource utilization.
- Report regularly to the Director General on progress, challenges, and opportunities in communication and advocacy.
Key Deliverables
The Head of Communications and External Affairs will be expected to deliver the following outcomes:
- A comprehensive and dynamic institutional communication and advocacy strategy aligned with icipe’s mission.
- Strengthened global visibility and reputation of icipe as a leading research institution.
- Enhanced digital engagement and outreach through modern communication platforms.
- Increased and diversified media coverage of icipe’s work across Africa and internationally.
- Effective internal communication systems fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Centre.
- High-quality corporate publications and communication products that reflect icipe’s brand and scientific achievements.
- Strengthened partnerships with stakeholders through coordinated communication and advocacy campaigns.
Reporting and Location
The position reports directly to the Director General of icipe. It is based at the Duduville campus in Nairobi, Kenya.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by email. Applications should include a cover letter detailing interest and suitability for the role, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three referees.
Applications should be submitted via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Head of Communications and External Affairs.”
