NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

The job holder will develop and implement strategic and tactical communication plans that will amplify the impact of the ACTS’ research, capacity building and other research related services, and help position ACTS as a world class research organization, strengthening capacity and policies of African countries and institutions to harness science, technology and innovation for sustainable development.

About ACTS

The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a leading Intergovernmental STI policy Think Tank which was established in 1988. Its mandate is to strengthen the capacities and policies of African countries and institutions to use science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development. ACTS is based in Nairobi through a host agreement with the Kenya Government and enjoys international status. ACTS’ governing council depicts its international status. It has representation from Ghana (current chair), Ethiopia, Malawi, Cote d’Ivoire, UK, Sweden, COMESA, NEPAD and the East African Science and Technology Commission.

Over the last 36 years, ACTS has been instrumental in enlarging the range of policy choices for sustainable development in Africa through high quality research. For example, ACTS’ work influenced patent industrial property legislation and policy (Kenya); environmental impact assessment standards (Eastern and Southern Africa); bio-energy and biofuels policy (Eastern and West Africa); agricultural policy, bio-diplomacy, biotechnology and biosafety (Africa-wide); and climate change adaptation and mitigation (Africa-wide). ACTS was the first to organize an international conference to discuss options that African countries could adopt to mitigate the impact of climate change and also played a major role in the negotiation for the Convention on Biological Diversity. For these and other achievements, ACTS has earned top ratings among the Environment Think Tanks in Africa and the world. In 2016, ACTS was rated (by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) among the top three most influential think tanks in Climate Change globally, and number one in Africa. Today, ACTS has branded itself regionally and internationally as a knowledge centre in STI, energy, agriculture and climate change.

Based on its global, regional and national aspirations and a mapping of the priority landscape of the key partners, ACTS developed areas of competency outlined in a strategic plan for the following three programmatic areas in 2021-2026: Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security; Climate Resilient Economy (CRE);  Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge and Society (STIKS); Digital Economy and Youth Gender and Inclusive Development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a plan for revitalising ACTS Press
• Establish effective systems and processes to support ACTS’ research programmes and researchers in promoting, and contribute to the impact of ACTS’s work through a broad range of communication tools and integrated programs to ensure consistency of messages emanating from the centre;
• In collaboration with program managers, develop and implement communication strategies and annual action plans targeting key audiences of the centre including the use of media programs, digital and social media channels as well as one on one engagements;
• Manage ACTS’s presence and visibility at major external events
• Undertake engagements with donors, policy makers, regional institutions and various stakeholders on behalf of ACTS;
• Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts and drive positive international and regional media coverage of the centre through proactive media relations using press releases, media events, contributed articles;
• Contribute to enhanced internal communications by advising on innovative mechanisms, and by developing appropriate messaging and processes to maximize the effectiveness of communication;
• Oversee the activities related to the production of high quality communications materials, including digital content, books, journals, working papers, policy briefs, annual reports, newsletters etc;
• Coordinate synthesis of results from research and innovation projects

Requirements

• Master degree in areas related to communication and outreach
• Masters or bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or related subject area.
• 5 years’ work experience in a similar position
• Experience in relationship building with diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to think strategically and to develop and execute a strategic communication planning
• Ability to read, understand and assimilate complex technical information to produce clear, well-written summaries.
• Ability to present and package scientific information into various formats to suit research and non-research audiences.
• Basic knowledge of and skills in desktop publishing, photography and photo editing (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop).
• Basic knowledge and skills in publishing articles through website content management systems (Joomla, WordPress and Drupal).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and well within teams.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Excellent communication, organizational and documentation skills.
• Professional training on scientific reporting will be an added advantage

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume, including contact details for 3 references to hr@acts-net.org, by cob Wednesday 13th November 2024