Communication Officer III at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Design

• Carry out audience research and segmentation (e.g., farmers, youth, women, pastoralists, policymakers) to inform message design and identify best bet delivery channels (local leaders, social media, radio, TV etc
• Based on analysis, design localized campaigns that address behavioural and institutional barriers to technology adoption with different components of the portfolio
• Collaborate with scientists and communication specialists to co-create tailored messages for different audiences (farmers, youth, women, policymakers)

Implementation, trust building and engagement

• Coordinate field-level campaigns using a mix of media (radio, social media, community theatre, local influencers, farmer groups).
• Build partnerships with local media, local influencers, civil society organizations, and county government communication offices.
• Support participatory community dialogues to address social norms and beliefs influencing livestock and climate practices.
• Develop and apply M&E frameworks to assess communication reach, behavioural outcomes, and campaign effectiveness.
• Work with project teams to design indicators and data collection tools that capture behavioural and attitudinal change.
• Monitor and analyse misinformation and disinformation related to livestock and agricultural innovations.
• Develop rapid response communication materials and evidence-based narratives to counter misinformation.
• Support media training, influencer engagement, and knowledge sharing on science-based livestock communication.

Capacity Building & Learning

• Support project teams in integrating SBCC approaches into design and implementation.
• Build the capacity of local partners, youth networks, and extension workers on effective communication and behaviour change principles.
• Document lessons and best practices to inform ILRI and CGIAR’s broader work on scaling and adoption.

Communication support to the portfolio

• Develop a set of materials, messages and stories that emanate from the livestock portfolio to ensure visibility of the program
• Provide regular updates on activities through ILRI social media channels
• Oversee the production of stories and communication products from the portfolio

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, Development Communication, Behavioural Science, or related field.
• Seven years of professional experience designing and implementing local SBCC programs in agriculture, health, or climate/environment sectors.
• Proven experience conducting stakeholder analysis, audience segmentation, and formative research to inform campaign design.
• Demonstrated experience working with local media, government, and influencers.
• Knowledge of M&E tools and approaches for communication and behaviour change
• Strong understanding of participatory communication, gender and inclusion, and digital/social media strategies.
• Demonstrated experience translating technical or scientific research into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences, including policymakers, donors, and the public.
• Proven track record in developing communication products for use by local stakeholders
• Experience working with the media, social media influencers and other local leaders.
• Fluency in English, Kiswahili and other local languages is preferable
• 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.
• Results-oriented and proactive, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strategic and creative thinking, with the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate effective local communication and outreach strategies