Communication Officer III at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Communication Officer III at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) – International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Kenya Job Details

About the Role

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is recruiting a Communication Officer III to lead behaviour change communication strategy and implementation across its livestock research and development portfolio in Kenya. This is a full-time position based in Kenya, working within an international research organization focused on sustainable livestock systems and agricultural innovation. You will report to senior leadership and manage communication initiatives that drive adoption of research findings among farmers, pastoralists, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

In this role, you will blend audience research with creative campaign design to address the barriers—both behavioural and institutional—that prevent communities from adopting new livestock technologies and practices. You’ll work across multiple communication channels, from traditional media and community engagement to digital platforms and local influencer networks, while building partnerships with government, civil society, and media organizations throughout Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct audience research and stakeholder segmentation across farmer groups, youth, women, pastoralists, and policymakers to identify the most effective message framings and distribution channels, including radio, television, social media, and community-based leaders.
• Design localized communication campaigns that directly address the behavioural and institutional obstacles preventing technology adoption, tailored to different components of ILRI’s research and development portfolio.
• Partner with research scientists and communication specialists to develop audience-specific messages and narratives that translate complex livestock research into language accessible to different population groups.
• Coordinate and oversee field-based campaigns that integrate radio broadcasts, social media content, community theatre, local influencer partnerships, and farmer group engagement.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local media outlets, influential community members, civil society partners, and county government communication departments.
• Facilitate participatory community dialogues designed to examine and shift social norms and cultural beliefs that influence livestock management and climate adaptation practices.
• Build and apply monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure communication reach, changes in behaviour and attitudes, and overall campaign effectiveness; work with project teams to develop relevant indicators and data collection instruments.
• Track, analyse, and respond to misinformation and false claims circulating about livestock innovations and agricultural practices; produce rapid-response materials and evidence-based counter-narratives to correct inaccurate information.
• Coordinate media training programs, influencer engagement initiatives, and knowledge-sharing activities that improve local capacity to communicate science-based information about livestock systems.
• Support project teams in embedding social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) approaches into project design and day-to-day implementation.
• Build the capacity of local partners, youth networks, and extension workers in effective communication and behaviour change methodologies.
• Document lessons learned and identify best practices from communication initiatives to inform ILRI and CGIAR’s broader work on scaling and technology adoption.
• Develop stories, case studies, messaging frameworks, and communication products that highlight the impact and visibility of ILRI’s livestock research portfolio.
• Provide regular content updates to ILRI’s social media channels and oversee the production of communication materials generated by portfolio projects.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Development Communication, Behavioural Science, or a closely related field.
• Seven years of professional experience designing, piloting, and implementing social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) programs in agriculture, health, or climate and environmental sectors.
• Proven track record conducting stakeholder analysis, audience segmentation research, and formative research studies to inform campaign strategy and message development.
• Documented experience working directly with local media organizations, government communication offices, and community influencers on implementation of communication initiatives.
• Working knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools, frameworks, and methodologies specific to communication and behaviour change programming.
• Demonstrated competence in participatory communication approaches, gender and social inclusion principles, and digital and social media communication strategies.
• Ability to translate technical and scientific research findings into clear, engaging, and culturally appropriate content for diverse audiences including policymakers, donors, communities, and the general public.
• Demonstrated experience producing communication products—such as videos, infographics, radio spots, posters, and written materials—for use and adaptation by local stakeholders and extension workers.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili; proficiency in additional local languages is highly desirable.
• Strong writing and editing abilities, with the capability to explain complex scientific concepts in language that is clear, accessible, and engaging to non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in complex, multicultural environments and within diverse, cross-functional teams; strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
• Methodical, proactive approach to work with strong organizational skills; capacity to manage multiple concurrent initiatives and deliver quality work within established timelines.
• Strategic and creative mindset, with the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate communication and outreach strategies at the local level.

What to Expect

• You will spend significant time in the field, conducting research with communities, facilitating dialogues, and coordinating on-the-ground campaign activities across different regions of Kenya.
• The role requires regular collaboration with scientists, local partners, media professionals, and government officials; strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential.
• This Communication Officer III at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) position in Kenya is open to qualified candidates. Click Apply below to submit your application.