The position holder coordinates all communications activities at SEI Africa and is also part of the SEI-wide Communications team. The purpose of the job is to be responsible for building SEI Africa’s continental and international profile, develop and implement SEI Africa’s Communications Roadmap as aligned to SEI’s Global Strategy 2025, manage and coordinate SEI Africa’s communication needs according to the organization’s policies, provide communication support to projects, and manage Centre events.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Communications Roadmap
  • Coordinate the preparation and implementation of the Centre Communications Roadmap in line with SEI Strategy.
  • Prepare the Annual Centre Communications Plan.
• Outreach Activities
  • Lead and coordinate SEI outreach activities, including media appearances, public presentations, science-policy dialogues, media briefings, and preparation of articles for specialist publications as appropriate.
• Digital Presence Management
  • Manage the Centre’s digital presence, including websites and social media content (e.g., blogs, LinkedIn, X, Facebook).
  • Monitor trends in social media.
• Publication and Material Preparation
  • Coordinate and lead the preparation of the Centre’s outreach documents, publications, and materials (annual report, brochures, fact sheets, etc.).
  • Work with the Global Communications team to ensure wide dissemination of the outreach materials across various target audiences and the public.
• Knowledge Management
  • Contribute to the Centre’s knowledge management activities in liaison with the Centre’s Knowledge Management and Learning (MEL) Focal Point and the Engagement and Impact Officer.
• Relationship Building
  • Establish and build relationships with decision-makers and journalists.
  • Maintain communication with key contacts in media, research, government, private sector, and partner organizations in Africa.
• Event Coordination
  • Lead and coordinate events organized by the Centre, including workshops, conferences, seminars, press briefings, and trainings, among others.
• Reputation Management
  • Contribute to reputation management for the Centre and global SEI.
• Guidance and Leadership
  • Provide guidance to the Centre Director and Management team on communication needs and decisions pertaining to SEI Communications.
  • Lead the Communications team, including supervision of the Communication staff and Communications Interns.
• Cultural Exchange Programs

Requirements

• Education
  • A Master’s degree, preferably in Communications, Science Communications, Journalism, or communication-related fields.
• Experience
  • At least 10 years of progressive working experience in the field of communications, and/or journalism and related areas, preferably in Africa.
  • Expert knowledge of social networking channels and demonstrated experience in administering social media platforms is essential.
  • Experience in science writing.
  • Experience in event management.
  • Experience working for an international organization.
• Language Skills
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Fluency in Kiswahili is preferred.
  • Fluency in French is an added advantage.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• A Master’s degree, preferably in Communications, Science Communications, Journalism, or communication-related fields.
• At least 10 years of progressive working experience in the field of communications, and/or journalism and related areas, preferably in Africa.