Executive Communications Officer

CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

This is an opportunity to drive the messaging and impact of CIFOR-ICRAF research and action on the ground. The Executive Communications Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility and thought leadership of CIFOR-ICRAF by managing key social media channels, drafting speeches, and preparing high-quality presentations. The successful candidate will ensure that all communications align with the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities, reflecting the voice and values of the organization.

The primary objective of this assignment is to strengthen the organization’s public profile and thought leadership through strategic and effective communication. The Executive Communications Officer will achieve this by:

• Crafting compelling speeches and talking points that effectively communicate the vision, values, and organizational goals
• Developing visually appealing and impactful presentations
• Managing and curating social media presence to enhance engagement with key audiences and stakeholders
• Providing comprehensive communications support to ensure consistency and alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities and internal messaging
  
  

  Duties and responsibilities

  1. Social Media Management:
  • Develop, implement, and manage social media accounts and strategy
  • Create, curate, and schedule engaging content across key platforms (Twitter/X, LinkedIn)
  • Monitor, analyze, and report on social media performance and engagement
  • Ensure brand consistency and manage online interactions in a timely and professional manner
  2. Speechwriting:
  • Draft, edit, and refine speeches, talking points, and remarks for public appearances, events, and internal meetings
  • Conduct thorough research to ensure speeches are relevant, impactful, and aligned with current organizational and industry trends
  • Collaborate with relevant teams to gather insights and data to support key messages
  3. Presentation Development:
  • Design and develop visually compelling and informative presentations for various audiences, including stakeholders, partners, and internal staff
  • Ensure presentations are aligned with messaging and organizational branding guidelines
  • Maintain a repository of presentation templates and materials for reuse and adaptation
  4. General Communications Support:
  • Provide strategic communications advice and support on media engagements and public appearances
  • Drive internal communications initiatives
  • Write regular staff newsletters and opinion pieces
  • Support filming the CEO (Communications, Outreach and Engagement)
  • Coordinate with the broader communications team to ensure alignment and integration of messaging across platforms
  • Prepare briefing materials, reports, and other documentation as required
  • Manage special projects and perform other duties assigned
  
  
  

  Education, knowledge and experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, preferably in a high-profile or executive environment
  • Proven experience in managing social media platforms for corporate communications (senior executives, organizations, initiatives)
  • Strong background in writing (speeches, newsletters, opinion pieces etc.) and content creation
  • Proficiency in designing presentations using tools such as PowerPoint, Keynote, or Canva
  
  

  Personal attributes and competencies

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
  • Strong understanding of digital communications and social media trends
  • Ability to synthesize complex information into clear and engaging content
  • High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  • Creative thinker with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
  • Discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams
  
  
  

  Terms and conditions

  • This is a consultancy position
  • The period of the consultancy is 12 (twelve) months
  • Work location: Nairobi, Kenya
  • Candidates interested in this recruitment notice are requested to send their
  (1) cover letter,
  (2) an updated CV + their telephone and email contacts, and contact information for two references.
  • Applications must be submitted by EMAIL ONLY to the email address: execcomms@cifor-icraf.org with the mention "Recruitment Executive Communications Officer 2025"
  • The application deadline is 10 June 2025
  • We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates
  
  To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/about/work-with-us/
  To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org
  
  CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
  CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.
  
  

  Application process

  The application deadline is 10 Jun 2025
  We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.