Communications and Policy Engagement (CPE) Officer

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Communications, Media, International Relations or a related field.
  
• At least five (5) years’ experience in science and development communications.
  
• Excellent and demonstrable writing and technical editing skills, especially for policy-oriented publications and media products.
  
• Excellent presentation and public speaking/verbal communication skills.
  
• Technical skills in publications design, website management, and social media platforms.
  
• Experience translating and communicating research to non-scientific audiences, such as the media and the public.
  
• Knowledge of the African context and how this influences decision-making in health, population and development, education, environment and climate change, and governance.
  
• Knowledge of current global issues and debates in development policy and international development politics.
  

Competencies

• Writing & Content Development: Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling and accurate content tailored to different audiences and platforms.
  
• Networking & Relationship-Building: Ability to negotiate, network and form credible relationships within the organisation and with senior decision-makers in external institutions.
  
• Representation & Credibility: A skilled communicator, able to dialogue effectively with a wide range of audiences and represent the organisation with authority and credibility to the outside world, including the media.
  

Key Responsibilities

1. Content & Publications
   

• Institutional Publications: Manage the development of, and write content for, institutional publications such as the annual report, newsletters and African Development Perspectives, as well as the website and social media platforms.
  
• Knowledge Translation: Facilitate engagement with policymakers and support research staff in translating and packaging evidence into policy-oriented and general-reading outputs, including policy briefs, infographics, factsheets, video/animation scripts, blogs, media releases, media kits, Op-Eds, explainer videos, podcasts and photo-stories.
  

1. Research & Policy Communications:
   

• Support the development of communications materials that translate AFIDEP’s research, policy positions and technical work into clear and accessible content for different audiences.
  
• Policy Engagement Support: Support the communication and documentation of policy dialogues, consultations and other engagements, including preparing event materials, capturing key messages and developing post -event communications.
  
• Reporting & Content Development: Contribute to institutional, programme and donor reporting by providing relevant communications inputs, including highlights, success stories, media coverage, visibility activities and other communications outputs
  

1. Media & Public Engagement
   

• Media Relations: Establish and sustain links and contacts with journalists and media houses to ensure visibility of AFIDEP’s work in the media.
  
• Capacity Building: Contribute to building the communications and evidence-informed decision-making capacity of AFIDEP staff, other researchers, policymakers and journalists.
  

1. Digital & Social Media
   

• Social Media Management: Contribute to managing AFIDEP’s social media platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube), ensuring regular, high-quality content sharing our work, and stay abreast of emerging social media platforms, digital tools, and content formats to extend the reach and impact of AFIDEP’s work.
  
• Website Management: Contribute to managing the AFIDEP website, ensuring that web content related to our programmes is well presented and up to date, including developing content for the website.
  

1. Knowledge Resources
   

• Library & Information Management: Support the development and management of AFIDEP’s library and information resources, both physical and digital.
  

1. Event Management
   

• Ability to plan, coordinate and deliver successful events, meetings and conferences, including logistics, stakeholder coordination and on-the-ground execution.