Deputy Director, Communications (Communications Division) at Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)

Job Specifications

Duties and responsibilities will entail:

• Providing strategic leadership in developing, implementing, and reviewing integrated research communication policies and strategies in line with the Institute’s mandate.
• Overseeing the design and execution of communication frameworks, ensuring consistent internal and external messaging.
• Leading the preparation and implementation of annual departmental work plans, budgets, performance reports, and communication impact assessments.
• Spearheading the analysis of KIPPRA programmes, research outputs, and events, and preparation of quarterly intelligence reports to inform institutional visibility and policy influence.
• Championing the translation of research outputs into accessible, engaging formats for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Overseeing the packaging and dissemination of policy briefs, newsletters, infographics, podcasts, documentaries, and multimedia products to enhance uptake of policy analysis findings.
• Spearheading collaboration with policy analysts in crafting clear, impactful messages for Information, Education and Communication materials, events, and policy dialogues.
• Establishing partnerships with media and knowledge platforms for wider dissemination of policy research findings at national, regional, and international levels.
• Leading initiatives to enhance the Institute’s corporate identity, reputation, and stakeholder perception through strategic brand positioning.
• Overseeing digital communication, website management, and social media strategy to ensure dynamic, real-time updates and engagement.
• Supporting the production of the KIPPRA Policy Monitor, institutional newsletters, and media supplements showcasing policy research, capacity building, policy engagement and corporate initiatives.
• Serving as the Institute’s principal liaison with the media and coordinate press coverage, interviews, and opinion editorials.
• Establishing crisis communication protocols and lead the Institute’s crisis response to safeguard reputation and maintain public trust.
• Anticipating potential communication risks and prepare contingency communication measures to ensure timely and coordinated responses to emerging issues.
• Collaborating with the Executive Director, the senior management, and relevant departments to manage reputational risks, provide strategic advice and ensure consistent, accurate messaging to all stakeholders during crises.
• Overseeing stakeholder engagement initiatives, forums, and events to enhance the Institute’s visibility and public trust.
• Building relationships with policymakers, development partners, academia, and the private sector to strengthen policy research outreach collaborations.
• Leading the integration of infographics, video production, and AI-driven tools into research communication strategies for a wider audience reach.
• Overseeing the creation of digital campaigns, and multimedia content for effective communication of research findings.
• Overseeing the regular updating and optimization of KIPPRA’s digital platforms to enhance stakeholder engagement and research dissemination.
• Supervising, mentoring, and building capacity within the communications team to deliver high-quality outputs.
• Promoting professional development in areas such as digital communication, media engagement, crisis communication, and policy communication.
• Assigning responsibilities, monitor performance, and ensuring efficient workflow across departmental functions.
• Establishing mechanisms for tracking the effectiveness of communication and policy research outreach activities.
• Providing regular updates to management on institutional visibility, stakeholder feedback, and effectiveness of communication initiatives.
• Recommending strategic improvements for communication systems, platforms, and processes based on evidence and analytics.
• Spearheading the Institute’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
• Motivating staff in the department, ensuring teamwork and maintaining a good working environment.

Job Specification

Qualifications 

Person Specifications

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -

• Twelve (15) years’ cumulative experience in communication, three (3) of which should have been at the level of Assistant Director Communication or a comparative level
• Bachelor’s degree in the following disciplines: Communication, Information Science, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, Linguistics or a related field from a recognized institution
• Master’s degree in the following disciplines: Communication, Public Policy Communication, International Relations, Development Communication Information Science, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, Linguistics, or a related field from a recognized institution
• Proficiency in communication tools such as data visualization software, graphic design software, video production and editing software, social media analytics or monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Membership to a relevant professional body like PRSK, MSK, CIPR and in good standing
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution
• Proficiency in computer applications
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results

Functional Skills, Behavioral Competencies and Attributes:

• Leadership and supervisory skills
• Strategic management skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Organizational skills
• Negotiation skills
• Proficiency in economic modelling
• Proficiency in computer applications including statistical software
• Presentation skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Team building skills
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results