Communications Assistant – East Africa (Maternity Cover)

Job Description: Communications Assistant – East Africa (Maternity Cover)

Hivos is seeking a dynamic and proactive Communications Assistant– East Africa to join our global communications team for a temporary maternity cover. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, this hybrid role will ensure the continuity of our corporate communications in the region while providing high-impact, dedicated support to two of our vital programs.

Scope: Africa

Location: Kenya

Hours: Full Time (40 hours Per Week)

Reports to: Communications Team Lead

Team: Communications and External Engagement

Contract Type: Temporary / Fixed term (Maternity Cover)

Term: This appointment is for a specified fixed term of 3 months to provide temporary maternity cover. The contract will terminate upon the return of the incumbent.

Office: Nairobi, Kenya 

Deadline: 10 October 2026

About the Role

The Communications Assistant – East Africa provides essential support to Hivos' global communications team. You will work closely with senior colleagues across the organization to help strengthen Hivos' positioning, visibility, branding, and storytelling.

During this maternity cover period, your time will be split between Corporate Communications Support (30%) and Program Communications Support (70%), directly assisting two key programs:

1. EU SWITCH Kenya Green – Tujenge Pamoja: Supporting Kenya's transition toward an inclusive and circular green economy by working with MSMEs led by women, youth, and marginalized groups.
2. Rural Women Cultivating Change (RWCC): Strengthening the rights, leadership, and economic resilience of rural women through agroecology, sustainable food systems, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Program Communications Support

• Assist in identifying, documenting, and drafting impact and change stories from the RWCC and Tujenge Pamoja programs.
• Support the creation of engaging communication assets for digital, print, and multimedia platforms.
• Help coordinate program events, field visits, campaigns, and learning activities with high-quality operational and communication support.
• Work with program teams and partners to ensure consistent donor and partner visibility across all communication materials.

Corporate Communications & Strategy Support

• Help implement Hivos' global corporate communications strategy within the East African context.
• Ensure all outgoing communication products and materials are consistent with Hivos' brand guidelines, tone of voice, and values.
• Assist in coordinating communications around relevant regional events, campaigns, international days, and organizational milestones.

Online Communications & Content Development

• Assist in maintaining Hivos East Africa's social media presence and community engagement.
• Help produce, edit, and publish multimedia content (drafting social copy, scheduling posts, organizing photo stories) for the website and social channels.
• Help translate technical program information into accessible, reader-friendly draft content.

External Positioning & Media Support

• Monitor relevant conversations, trends, and media mentions that can strengthen the visibility of Hivos' work in East Africa.
• Support the preparation and distribution of press releases, media briefs, talking points, and media kits.
• Maintain and update a reliable database of journalists, editors, and media organizations in East Africa.
• Help assemble and format attractive communication products, such as program briefs, fact sheets, and presentation slides.

Internal Coordination & Continuity

• Keep agreed editorial and communications calendars updated and on schedule.
• Maintain highly organized communication files, photographs, videos, publications, and digital assets.
• Provide regular updates on tasks and ensure clear documentation of all ongoing workflows for a smooth handover at the end of the contract.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in communications, digital media, or public relations. Internships or volunteer experience in an international NGO or development context count toward this.
• Writing Skills: Strong writing, editing, and formatting skills, with the ability to turn program updates into clear, engaging drafts.
• Digital Literacy: Practical experience managing professional social media profiles (Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) and using content management tools.
• Creative Tools: Basic proficiency in graphic design tools (like Canva or Photoshop) or basic photo/video editing software is highly desirable.
• Organization: Excellent organizational skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to track multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Language: Professional fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; proficiency in Swahili is highly desirable.
• Values Realignment: A strong alignment with Hivos’ values regarding gender equality, diversity, inclusion, and human rights.

What we offer

This position will be based at our office in Nairobi.  We offer a stimulating work environment in a professional international organization with very dedicated staff. We offer a local contract based on Hivos local labour conditions, with remuneration commensurate with the experience and expertise. To be considered, the successful candidate must already possess or independently secure the legal right to work in Kenya prior to appointment.

Want to apply?

Please submit a cover letter (maximum 1 page) and CV (maximum 2 pages) as soon as possible by clicking the ‘Apply here’ button. Applications are being received until 10 October 2026, midnight CAT.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Hivos is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and strives to be representative of all sections of society. We know that different perspectives, experiences, and competences are key for Hivos to be a relevant, capable, and successful organization. Hivos therefore strives to recruit staff with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.  

Hivos is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and partners with whom Hivos engage. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Hivos also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. When you submit an application, you confirm your understanding of these recruitment procedures.