The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks an experienced communication specialist to develop local communication and community engagement strategies to address social and institutional barriers to the adoption of sustainable livestock innovations. This work would mainly take place in Kenya, but the position holder would be expected to work with other staff in Ethiopia and other countries to support similar efforts.

This position will design and implement evidence-based communication and engagement strategies that encourage the adoption of livestock and climate-smart technologies among farmers, extension agents, and local institutions. The officer will also lead efforts to engage with local influencers and media, and foster community-driven change processes that strengthen trust in science and innovation.

The position will support all the components of ILRI’s livestock transformation portfolio which includes projects around stage gating climate technologies, novel feed and forage, vaccine scaling and scaling of improved dairy breeds.

Key Responsibilities

1. 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)

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

Position Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG15 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture by clicking on the "Apply Now" tab above on or before 8 June 2026. The position title and reference number REF: CKAM/2202/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer

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