Communications Officer

Role Overview

The Communications Officer is IBL's storyteller, translating the organization's programs, evidence, and community voices into compelling content that builds IBL's profile, mobilizes support, and advances its advocacy agenda. This role sits at the intersection of development communication, digital media, and knowledge management.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop compelling written content for IBL communications channels, including website articles, newsletters, blogs, social media posts, program updates, and donor communications.
• Produce and manage IBL external publications including annual reports, program briefs, case studies, and policy briefs.
• Conduct field visits to document program stories, community voices, and farmer experiences with informed consent.
• Coordinate photography and video production, ensuring all visual content adheres to IBL safeguarding and dignity standards.
• Manage IBL official social media channels (Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) with regular, high-quality content.
• Maintain and update the IBL website with current program information, news, events, and publications.
• Develop and implement a monthly social media content calendar aligned with IBL's programmatic calendar.
• Monitor social media analytics and prepare monthly performance reports with recommendations.
• Ensure consistent application of IBL brand identity across all communications materials.
• Design or oversee design of communications materials (brochures, posters, event banners, presentations) in line with IBL brand guidelines.
• Manage donor visibility requirements, ensuring IBL acknowledgment obligations are met across all funded programs.
• Support program teams in meeting donor communications and branding requirements.
• Build and maintain IBL's media contact database and proactively pitch stories to journalists covering agriculture, environment, and development.
• Draft press releases, media statements, and op-eds for Executive Director review.
• Coordinate IBL participation in public events, conferences, and forums.
• Maintain IBL knowledge management system, organizing and archiving all publications, reports, photos, and media assets.
• Compile and distribute IBL's monthly internal newsletter.
• Support the MEAL Officer in communicating program results to communities and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, Development Communication, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in communications, media, or digital marketing, preferably in an NGO, development, or agri-food sector context.
• Demonstrated experience managing social media accounts and digital content, with a portfolio of published work.
• Strong English writing skills, with the ability to write clear, engaging, donor-appropriate content.
• Proficiency in Kiswahili, with the ability to produce content in Kiswahili for community and local audiences.
• Experience with graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent).
• Experience with photography and basic video production is an advantage.
• Knowledge of agriculture, food systems, or environmental topics is a strong advantage.

Competencies and Personal Qualities

• Passionate storyteller who can find and share the human stories behind development programs.
• Creative, visually aware, and brand-conscious.
• Strong self-organizer who can manage multiple content streams simultaneously.
• Genuine commitment to dignified, ethical representation of communities and beneficiaries.
• Curious, proactive, and digitally fluent.