African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) Communications and Policy Engagement Manager

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) is an international non-profit policy think-tank whose mission is to translate and enable utilisation of evidence in policy-making, primarily in the fields of population change and sustainable development, and health systems strengthening in Africa.
We work to bridge the gap between research, policy and practice by enabling use of research evidence in decision-making aimed at addressing various development challenges in Africa.With our Head Office in Nairobi-Kenya, and a branch office in Lilongwe-Malawi, we are seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to fill the following position:

Communications and Policy Engagement Manager

The Communications and Policy Engagement Manager will manage the work of AFIDEP’s communications and policy advocacy unit, overseeing the design,

implementation and review of the Institute’s communications and policy-influencing strategies that will deliver AFIDEP’s strategic and operational goals as an international policy think-tank and enhance the role of research evidence in informing development decision-making in Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Communications, Visibility and Profiling
• Design and manage the implementation of AFIDEP’s communications and policy-influencing activities.
• Oversee the development of a recognizable AFIDEP brand as a think-tank in areas of population change and health systems strengthening.
• Identify and develop relationships with key media outlets, including social media, blogs, to enable increased use of evidence in public policy debates.
• Disseminate and encourage critical debate on development policy issues based on evidence. Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with governments, academic institutions, research institutions, implementing agencies and funders.
• Contribute to AFIDEP’s fundraising plans through concept and proposal development.
• Capacity Strengthening
• Support internal and external capacity strengthening efforts aimed at improving the communication and/or utilization of research evidence.
• Continuous research into strategic communication and media engagements to inform the adoption of more effective communication interventions.
• Continuously review and develop AFIDEP internal communications policy.
• Oversee implementation of AFIDEP’s internal communications strategy to ensure staff are aware of and contribute to AFIDEP’s strategic goals.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• A Masters Degree in Communications / International Relations / Policy Studies with at least 7 years’ experience in policy research communication and advocacy in the development sector or a related field, including at least three years performing senior communications and media role at international level.
• Excellent writing skills, especially policy-oriented publications and media products.
• Excellent presentation and public-speaking skills.
• Technical skills in publications design, web design and management, and social media platforms.
• Skilled communicator, able to dialogue effectively with a wide range of audiences/constituencies.
• Proven skills in translating research evidence into clear policy messages that have achieved policy change at a national or international level.
• In-depth understanding of public policy-making and legislative processes, and the role of research in these processes.
• In-depth understanding of the African context and how this influences decision-making in the areas of health, population and development.
• Understanding of global developments in development policy in the areas of health and population..
• Experience in research communications and evidence translation, policy engagement & advocacy.
• Proven success in developing and delivering effective country, regional or international policy engagement strategies.

How to Apply

For each position you will need:-
One-page cover letter
CV (including three relevant referees)
Two-page motivation statement detailing career goals and interests
To apply, CLICK HERE to apply online.
Application deadline is 3 July 2015.