387 Strategic Communications jobs in Kenya

Main purpose of the role

The Chief of Staff, Partnerships and Strategic Communications, Africa is a senior leadership role that plays a pivotal part in advancing CIFF's mission across the continent. Reporting directly to the Executive Director - Africa, the role serves as a trusted advisor, strategic operator, and driver of cross-cutting initiatives that amplify CIFF's impact.

As Chief of Staff, the role will primarily provide strategic and operational support to the Executive Director and the Africa Team for effective and smooth business operations, participating in and managing important cross-functional or special projects and tasks whilst acting as a confidante and advisor to the ED. The role will be expected to navigate through ambiguity, simplify complex matters and advise the ED on those while having a strategic lens in supporting the Africa team. The individual will play a key role in driving the execution of the Africa strategy.

As Director, Partnerships and Strategic Communications, the position shapes and leads CIFF Africa's engagement with philanthropic, governmental, regional, and multilateral partners to unlock high-value collaborations. The role strengthens CIFF Africa's visibility, influence, and thought leadership through compelling strategic communications and advocacy. It also manages a small portfolio of cross-cutting initiatives that span multiple priority areas, ensuring they are delivered with impact and aligned with CIFF's overarching goals.

Overall, this is a uniquely strategic and integrative role, combining executive leadership support with external partnership development and external communications. It demands exceptional judgment, political acumen, and the ability to navigate complexity, influence at the highest levels, and advance CIFF's mission across Africa.

Role's responsibilities

Providing direct support to the Executive Director (ED)

• Prioritise the ED's responsibilities with a regional strategic lens to ensure that the ED is effective in her leadership of the Africa Team.
• Prioritise, manage and steer the flow of information and insights into the ED.
• Manage the flow of information through the ED's office in preparation for CIFF's key governance meetings including Board meetings, as required.
• As a member of ED Office, provide up-to-date, professional advice to the ED and Africa Directors, to support the development of strategies, policies and initiatives drawing on their in-depth knowledge of the ED's priorities.
• Act as a sounding board to the Africa Team and solve problems where possible to protect ED's time. Use judgement to devise, recommend and apply new solutions
• Working with HR and sector teams to prepare and review internal and external communications including team takeovers, presentations, reports and updates as needed.

Strategy & Business Operations

• Develop a plan to grow and manage CIFF's investments and strategy across key issues that cut across various priority areas, initially focusing on access to social security.
• Drive the organization's external risk management projects and initiatives. Ensure specific risk incidents are promptly identified and managed as per protocols while ensuring relevant flow of information to right stakeholders
• Work with Deputy ED and Lead strategic planning for the Africa team, including business plan development, preparation of board materials, and management of high-level reports and presentations.
• Drive operational excellence by managing key processes like Portfolio Investment Committee (PIC), optimizing internal workflows, and ensuring compliance with deadlines and organizational standards across all Africa operations.
• Serve as primary liaison within the Africa team and globally, coordinating cross-functional projects, facilitating information flow, and acting as secretariat for Africa Directors' meetings to ensure aligned decision-making and execution.

Strategy & Business Operations

• Develop a plan to grow and manage CIFF's investments and strategy across key issues that cut across various priority areas, initially focusing on access to social security.
• Drive the organization's external risk management projects and initiatives. Ensure specific risk incidents are promptly identified and managed as per protocols while ensuring relevant flow of information to right stakeholders
• Work with Deputy ED and Lead strategic planning for the Africa team, including business plan development, preparation of board materials, and management of high-level reports and presentations.
• Drive operational excellence by managing key processes like Portfolio Investment Committee (PIC), optimizing internal workflows, and ensuring compliance with deadlines and organizational standards across all Africa operations.
• Serve as primary liaison within the Africa team and globally, coordinating cross-functional projects, facilitating information flow, and acting as secretariat for Africa Directors' meetings to ensure aligned decision-making and execution.

Programme development, delivery and performance

• Work with the Deputy ED in overseeing both the development of successful investment proposals and the implementation of high impact programmes by team reports, ensuring the quality, and strategic alignment of their work to Foundation priorities and objectives.

• Co-create Africa team proposals to ensure co-funding considerations are effectively designed in line with the wider strategic approach.

• Support the Deputy ED and team in the conducting of regular reviews of investment proposals under development and programmes in delivery, to monitor compliance with agreed due diligence and risk management protocols, ensuring the interests and reputation of the Foundation are appropriately and proportionately protected.  Intervene to take corrective action where necessary.

Philanthropic Partners & Stakeholder management

• Drive effective stakeholder management by leveraging intelligence on key co-funding partners, ensuring timely flow of insights and information across the Africa team.
• Proactively identify opportunities for external engagement in line with philanthropic and partnership development objectives.
• Build and maintain strong external networks with experts and strategic partnerships leads in other foundations, funders networks, and new donor development organisationsto expand CIFF's influence and reach.
• Provide strategic guidance and support other directors, the ED and other directors in managing deepening high-value relationships.
• Act as a thought leader in institutionalising best practices for partnership development within the Africa team, contributing to organisational learning and capability.
• Shape and advance organisation-wide co-funding priorities, aligning efforts with CIFF's global objectives.
• Identify, cultivate, and sustain relationships with key funders to unlock resources and scale CIFF's impact.
• Coordinate and facilitate CIFF's participation in funder collaboratives, ensuring strong positioning and measurable outcomes.
• Engage with priority governments and regional bodies (e.g., African Union, AUDA-NEPAD, WHO AFRO) in partnership with pillar leads and sector directors to strengthen collective impact.
• Promote and develop co-funding partnerships that enable mission delivery at scale, while monitoring policy and regulatory shifts that may influence philanthropic engagement.

Strategic Communications, Internal Engagement & Profile-Building

• Shape and deliver integrated communications strategies that strengthen CIFF Africa's visibility, reputation, and influence, aligned with partnership, advocacy, and fundraising priorities.
• Prepare high-quality speeches, presentations, talking points, and briefings for leadership to support engagement with funders, governments, and key partners.
• Produce strategic content for internal and external reports, governance updates, and digital platforms, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with CIFF's brand.
• Contribute to sector thought leadership by developing PR, marketing, and advocacy materials, and by advising teams and partners on effective co-funding and positioning strategies.
• Lead digital and media engagement, including social media strategy, monitoring impact, and maintaining strong media relationships to amplify CIFF's voice

Crisis Communications & Reputation Management

• Design and implement a crisis communication plan for reputational challenges.
• Monitor emerging issues and proactively prepare key messaging.
• Manage contractors supporting crisis and reputation efforts

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in partnership development and strategic communications within Africa.

• Strong background in executive support, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Strong administrative experience, working for senior executives in a busy and complex environment; good experience as a scheduler or manager of executive time.
• Proven ability to manage crises and deliver high-impact communication strategies.
• Confidential and discreet with experience operating in roles that have confidentiality at their core.
• A self-starter, with resilience, pace, and interpersonal flexibility
• An innovative thinker with a pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset
• Strong influencing and collaboration skills with excellent attention to detail
• Capacity to work in a range of cultural and socio-economic contexts, adapting style and approach appropriately and in a culturally sensitive manner to maximise effectiveness
• Professional, sound independent judgement, strong organisational and project management skills and the ability to be flexible as priorities and needs change.
• Approaches situations strategically, methodically and with a high degree of rigour.
• Numerate, with a good understanding of budget processes

CIFF operates a hybrid work policy across all locations, which means employees work in the office and some of the time from home. We are happy to provide more information on this as part of the recruitment process.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package here at CIFF that includes, but is not limited to, the following.

• Annual leave - 25 days per annum. Increasing by 1 day after each year of service to a maximum of 30 days.
• Bonus - CIFF currently operates a discretionary bonus scheme.
• Training allowance
• Wellbeing allowance
• Life insurance
• Medical insurance

Please note that this position is offered on a fixed-term basis for one year.

Please submit your application on or before Monday, 29 September 2025. CIFF reserves the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.

Main purpose of the role
The Chief of Staff, Partnerships and Strategic Communications, Africa is a senior leadership role that plays a pivotal part in advancing CIFF's mission across the continent. Reporting directly to the Executive Director - Africa, the role serves as a trusted advisor, strategic operator, and driver of cross-cutting initiatives that amplify CIFF's impact.

As Chief of Staff, the role will primarily provide strategic and operational support to the Executive Director and the Africa Team for effective and smooth business operations, participating in and managing important cross-functional or special projects and tasks whilst acting as a confidante and advisor to the ED. The role will be expected to navigate through ambiguity, simplify complex matters and advise the ED on those while having a strategic lens in supporting the Africa team. The individual will play a key role in driving the execution of the Africa strategy.

As Director, Partnerships and Strategic Communications, the position shapes and leads CIFF Africa's engagement with philanthropic, governmental, regional, and multilateral partners to unlock high-value collaborations. The role strengthens CIFF Africa's visibility, influence, and thought leadership through compelling strategic communications and advocacy. It also manages a small portfolio of cross-cutting initiatives that span multiple priority areas, ensuring they are delivered with impact and aligned with CIFF's overarching goals.

Overall, this is a uniquely strategic and integrative role, combining executive leadership support with external partnership development and external communications. It demands exceptional judgment, political acumen, and the ability to navigate complexity, influence at the highest levels, and advance CIFF's mission across Africa.

Role's Responsibilities
Providing direct support to the Executive Director (ED)

• Prioritise the ED's responsibilities with a regional strategic lens to ensure that the ED is effective in her leadership of the Africa Team.
• Prioritise, manage and steer the flow of information and insights into the ED.
• Manage the flow of information through the ED's office in preparation for CIFF's key governance meetings including Board meetings, as required.
• As a member of ED Office, provide up-to-date, professional advice to the ED and Africa Directors, to support the development of strategies, policies and initiatives drawing on their in-depth knowledge of the ED's priorities.
• Act as a sounding board to the Africa Team and solve problems where possible to protect ED's time. Use judgement to devise, recommend and apply new solutions
• Working with HR and sector teams to prepare and review internal and external communications including team takeovers, presentations, reports and updates as needed.

Strategy & Business Operations

• Develop a plan to grow and manage CIFF's investments and strategy across key issues that cut across various priority areas, initially focusing on access to social security
• Drive the organization's external risk management projects and initiatives. Ensure specific risk incidents are promptly identified and managed as per protocols while ensuring relevant flow of information to right stakeholders
• Work with Deputy ED and Lead strategic planning for the Africa team, including business plan development, preparation of board materials, and management of high-level reports and presentations
• Drive operational excellence by managing key processes like Portfolio Investment Committee (PIC), optimizing internal workflows, and ensuring compliance with deadlines and organizational standards across all Africa operations
• Serve as primary liaison within the Africa team and globally, coordinating cross-functional projects, facilitating information flow, and acting as secretariat for Africa Directors' meetings to ensure aligned decision-making and execution

Strategy & Business Operations

• Develop a plan to grow and manage CIFF's investments and strategy across key issues that cut across various priority areas, initially focusing on access to social security
• Drive the organization's external risk management projects and initiatives. Ensure specific risk incidents are promptly identified and managed as per protocols while ensuring relevant flow of information to right stakeholders
• Work with Deputy ED and Lead strategic planning for the Africa team, including business plan development, preparation of board materials, and management of high-level reports and presentations
• Drive operational excellence by managing key processes like Portfolio Investment Committee (PIC), optimizing internal workflows, and ensuring compliance with deadlines and organizational standards across all Africa operations
• Serve as primary liaison within the Africa team and globally, coordinating cross-functional projects, facilitating information flow, and acting as secretariat for Africa Directors' meetings to ensure aligned decision-making and execution.

Programme development, delivery and performance

• Work with the Deputy ED in overseeing both the development of successful investment proposals and the implementation of high impact programmes by team reports, ensuring the quality, and strategic alignment of their work to Foundation priorities and objectives.
• Co-create Africa team proposals to ensure co-funding considerations are effectively designed in line with the wider strategic approach
• Support the Deputy ED and team in the conducting of regular reviews of investment proposals under development and programmes in delivery, to monitor compliance with agreed due diligence and risk management protocols, ensuring the interests and reputation of the Foundation are appropriately and proportionately protected. Intervene to take corrective action where necessary

Philanthropic Partners & Stakeholder management

• Drive effective stakeholder management by leveraging intelligence on key co-funding partners, ensuring timely flow of insights and information across the Africa team
• Proactively identify opportunities for external engagement in line with philanthropic and partnership development objectives.
• Build and maintain strong external networks with experts and strategic partnerships leads in other foundations, funders networks, and new donor development organisationsto expand CIFF's influence and reach.
• Provide strategic guidance and support other directors, the ED and other directors in managing deepening high-value relationships
• Act as a thought leader in institutionalising best practices for partnership development within the Africa team, contributing to organisational learning and capability
• Shape and advance organisation-wide co-funding priorities, aligning efforts with CIFF's global objectives
• Identify, cultivate, and sustain relationships with key funders to unlock resources and scale CIFF's impact
• Coordinate and facilitate CIFF's participation in funder collaboratives, ensuring strong positioning and measurable outcomes
• Engage with priority governments and regional bodies (e.g., African Union, AUDA-NEPAD, WHO AFRO) in partnership with pillar leads and sector directors to strengthen collective impact
• Promote and develop co-funding partnerships that enable mission delivery at scale, while monitoring policy and regulatory shifts that may influence philanthropic engagement.

Strategic Communications, Internal Engagement & Profile-Building

• Shape and deliver integrated communications strategies that strengthen CIFF Africa's visibility, reputation, and influence, aligned with partnership, advocacy, and fundraising priorities
• Prepare high-quality speeches, presentations, talking points, and briefings for leadership to support engagement with funders, governments, and key partners
• Produce strategic content for internal and external reports, governance updates, and digital platforms, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with CIFF's brand
• Contribute to sector thought leadership by developing PR, marketing, and advocacy materials, and by advising teams and partners on effective co-funding and positioning strategies
• Lead digital and media engagement, including social media strategy, monitoring impact, and maintaining strong media relationships to amplify CIFF's voice

Crisis Communications & Reputation Management

• Design and implement a crisis communication plan for reputational challenges.
• Monitor emerging issues and proactively prepare key messaging.
• Manage contractors supporting crisis and reputation efforts

Requirements
Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in partnership development and strategic communications within Africa
• Strong background in executive support, project management, and stakeholder engagement
• Strong administrative experience, working for senior executives in a busy and complex environment; good experience as a scheduler or manager of executive time
• Proven ability to manage crises and deliver high-impact communication strategies
• Confidential and discreet with experience operating in roles that have confidentiality at their core
• A self-starter, with resilience, pace, and interpersonal flexibility
• An innovative thinker with a pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset
• Strong influencing and collaboration skills with excellent attention to detail
• Capacity to work in a range of cultural and socio-economic contexts, adapting style and approach appropriately and in a culturally sensitive manner to maximise effectiveness
• Professional, sound independent judgement, strong organisational and project management skills and the ability to be flexible as priorities and needs change
• Approaches situations strategically, methodically and with a high degree of rigour
• Numerate, with a good understanding of budget processes

Benefits
CIFF operates a hybrid work policy across all locations, which means employees work in the office and some of the time from home. We are happy to provide more information on this as part of the recruitment process.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package here at CIFF that includes, but is not limited to, the following.

• Annual leave - 25 days per annum. Increasing by 1 day after each year of service to a maximum of 30 days
• Bonus - CIFF currently operates a discretionary bonus scheme
• Training allowance
• Wellbeing allowance
• Life insurance
• Medical insurance

Please note that this position is offered on a fixed-term basis for one year.
Please submit your application on or before
Monday, 29 September 2025.
CIFF reserves the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.

• Manage complex calendars, schedule appointments, and coordinate meetings for senior executives, ensuring optimal time utilization.
• Prepare meeting agendas, materials, and take minutes, ensuring accurate and timely follow-up on action items.
• Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation, and itineraries.
• Act as a primary point of contact, screening and directing communications, and providing professional support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct research, compile data, and prepare reports and presentations as needed.
• Manage and organize confidential files and sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
• Assist in project management by tracking progress, coordinating tasks, and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Anticipate the needs of senior executives and proactively address potential issues.
• Facilitate communication and workflow between executives and other departments.
• Maintain an efficient remote work environment and utilize relevant technology tools effectively.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Office Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant or in a similar high-level administrative support role, preferably supporting C-suite executives.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional demeanor.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities and a resourceful approach to challenges.
• Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of productivity in a remote setting.
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn and implement new technologies.
• A strong work ethic and a commitment to providing exceptional support.

• Serve as a primary HR contact for assigned business units, building strong relationships with leadership and employees.
• Provide strategic guidance on all HR-related matters, including talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, and employee development.
• Develop and implement HR initiatives to support organizational goals, workforce planning, and change management.
• Address and resolve complex employee relations issues, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.
• Partner with talent acquisition to drive effective recruitment and retention strategies.
• Support the execution of performance management processes, coaching managers on feedback delivery and development planning.
• Advise on compensation and benefits programs, ensuring competitiveness and equity.
• Contribute to organizational design and development initiatives to enhance team effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws and regulations.
• Facilitate training and development programs to enhance employee skills and career growth.
• Analyze HR metrics and provide insights to leadership to inform strategic decision-making.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field. Master's degree or relevant HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, CIPD) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience as an HR Business Partner or in a similar strategic HR role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex employee relations, talent management, and organizational development.
• In-depth knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and employment law, particularly within the Kenyan context.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with senior leadership and influence decision-making.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport remotely.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and standard office software.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing business needs in a remote environment.
• A proactive approach and a passion for fostering positive employee relations and organizational effectiveness.

• Partner with senior leadership to develop and implement HR strategies that support business goals.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, performance management, compensation, and benefits.
• Lead and facilitate organizational change initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and employee buy-in.
• Develop and execute talent management strategies, including succession planning and leadership development.
• Oversee the employee onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Conduct workforce planning and analysis to identify future talent needs.
• Advise on legal compliance and risk mitigation related to HR practices.
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Facilitate training programs for managers and employees on various HR topics.
• Analyze HR data and metrics to identify trends and provide actionable insights.
• Stay current with HR best practices, employment laws, and industry trends.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree or relevant HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR) preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience as an HR Business Partner or in a similar strategic HR role.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting diverse business units and leadership levels.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR policies, and best practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with HRIS and other HR technology platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, remote environment.

• Develop and execute integrated public relations strategies and campaigns.
• Write and edit high-quality press releases, media kits, and other PR materials.
• Build and nurture relationships with key media contacts and influencers.
• Secure positive earned media coverage in relevant publications and outlets.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends, providing relevant insights.
• Manage crisis communications and respond to media inquiries effectively.
• Develop talking points and support for media interviews.
• Oversee social media content related to PR activities.
• Analyze PR campaign performance and report on key metrics.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align PR efforts with overall business objectives.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in PR, media, and digital communications.

• Develop and execute strategic communication plans to support organizational objectives.
• Manage all aspects of public relations, including media outreach, press releases, and spokesperson activities.
• Oversee the creation of engaging and informative content across various platforms (website, social media, newsletters, reports).
• Ensure consistent brand messaging and voice across all internal and external communications.
• Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to manage reputational risks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and key stakeholders.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing insights and recommendations.
• Manage the organization's social media presence and digital communication channels.
• Collaborate with marketing, product, and other teams to align communication efforts.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of communications professionals.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of communication campaigns.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or corporate affairs.
• Proven experience in developing and executing successful communication and PR campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, editing, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of media relations, digital marketing, and social media strategy.
• Experience in crisis communication management.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop compelling narratives.
• Proficiency in using communication and PR management tools.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead teams in a remote environment.
• Familiarity with the media and communication landscape relevant to **Kakamega, Kakamega, KE**, even in a remote capacity, would be beneficial.

• Develop and implement strategic public relations plans.
• Write and distribute press releases and media advisories.
• Manage media inquiries and cultivate relationships with journalists.
• Organize and manage press events and media briefings.
• Develop key messaging and talking points for spokespeople.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends.
• Develop and execute crisis communication plans.
• Collaborate with marketing teams on integrated campaigns.
• Measure and report on PR campaign effectiveness.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the company's brand and industry landscape.

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in public relations or corporate communications.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful PR campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong copywriting and editing abilities.
• Experience in media relations and building relationships with journalists.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools and PR software.
• Strong understanding of crisis communication principles.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.
• Experience in handling sensitive information with discretion.