Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Head of Global Outreach and Engagement
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Bogor, Indonesia
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Competitive remuneration in USD, commensurate with skills and experience
• Category/Department: Communications, Outreach and Engagement
• Reporting To: Director, Communication, Outreach and Engagement
• Application Deadline: 15 August 2025 (Open until filled)
• Reference Number: 100104

Introduction

This head of global outreach opportunity offers an exceptional platform for a seasoned communications professional to lead transformative engagement efforts in a globally recognized non-profit organization. Based in either Nairobi, Kenya, or Bogor, Indonesia, this role is designed for a strategic leader passionate about driving impactful science communication and stakeholder engagement on a global scale. The position involves spearheading a dynamic team to amplify the organization’s mission, ensuring high-visibility outreach that supports environmental sustainability and social equity. This career opportunity is perfect for professionals with a strong background in international communications, seeking to make a meaningful impact in the development sector while advancing their leadership career.

About CIFOR-ICRAF

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are leading non-profit science institutions committed to addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and energy insecurity. With a combined 65 years of expertise, CIFOR-ICRAF operates across Kenya, Indonesia, and numerous other regions, delivering innovative research and impactful partnerships to enhance ecosystems and improve livelihoods. As members of CGIAR, a global research partnership, they focus on reducing poverty, improving food security, and sustaining natural resources. Their multidisciplinary approach engages communities, governments, and organizations to promote sustainable forestry and agroforestry practices. Recognized for their scientific excellence and commitment to equity, CIFOR-ICRAF provides a dynamic platform for professionals to contribute to transformative global initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the global outreach and engagement components of the organization’s communications strategy to maximize impact.
• Coordinate strategic communications for public-facing events, including planning and implementing messaging, speech writing, and presentations.
• Ensure superior results in event communications through traditional and social media coverage, engaging key internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the strategic coordination of CIFOR-ICRAF’s presence at major global events, managing the events team for seamless execution.
• Maximize external visibility through effective event planning and implementation, enhancing the organization’s global reach.
• Lead the social media program, ensuring strategic planning and measurable results aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage media relations, developing and implementing a high-impact media relations strategy to build strong connections with global media outlets.
• Handle media inquiries promptly, ensuring accurate and timely responses to enhance organizational credibility.
• Report on media relations outcomes, tracking impact and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee strategic email marketing campaigns across the organization, ensuring targeted and effective communication.
• Lead the film and photo program, planning and implementing high-quality visual content to support outreach goals.
• Manage CIFOR-ICRAF’s website and news sites, leading the editorial strategy and overseeing a team of editors and writers.
• Ensure timely and high-quality content output across digital platforms, maintaining consistency and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Administer the Communications, Outreach and Engagement budget, ensuring deliveries are met on time, within budget, and to high standards.
• Collaborate with senior management and researchers to align outreach efforts with organizational priorities.
• Monitor progress and evaluate the impact of communication activities, using data to refine strategies.
• Foster partnerships with high-level donors and stakeholders to enhance outreach and engagement outcomes.

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in international relations, communications, journalism, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 8 years of professional work experience in a fast-paced, dynamic communications environment, preferably at the international level.
• Experience in science-focused communications, with a proven ability to translate complex research into compelling content.
• Strong writing skills, preferably with journalism experience, capable of producing engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Track record in producing and overseeing exceptional content across multiple platforms.
• Expertise in traditional and social media, with a sound understanding of pitching content successfully to media outlets.
• Experience in planning and implementing complex communication activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Proven ability to monitor and evaluate the impact of communication initiatives, using data to drive improvements.
• Experience in the development sector or research facilities, with an understanding of global development challenges (preferred).
• Fluency in English at a native level, with proficiency in French, Spanish, or Indonesian as an advantage.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a team of editors, events, and media professionals.
• Proficiency in communications tools, including content management systems, social media platforms, and email marketing software.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment, collaborating effectively with diverse global teams.
• Strategic thinking, with the ability to align outreach efforts with organizational priorities and stakeholder needs.

Company Culture and Values

CIFOR-ICRAF fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment that prioritizes accountability and impact. The organization is dedicated to empowering its staff to drive meaningful change through creative and evidence-based solutions. With a strong commitment to equity, sustainability, and diversity, CIFOR-ICRAF promotes a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Employees are encouraged to take initiative, collaborate across teams, and contribute to the organization’s mission of improving lives and protecting ecosystems. Transparency and integrity are at the core of all operations, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in advancing global development goals.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Head of Global Outreach and Engagement position. Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Updated CV detailing relevant experience and qualifications
• Cover letter explaining your suitability for the role
• Copies of academic certificates or relevant qualifications
• Contact details of at least two professional referees

Applications must be submitted through the official CIFOR-ICRAF careers portal at: Apply for Head of Global Outreach and Engagement. Clearly state the job title and reference number (100104) in your application. The application deadline is 15 August 2025, but the position will remain open until filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background.

Additional Engagement

View More Job Opportunities
Explore more vacancies at Browse verified jobs on JobKenya.org.

Free WhatsApp Channel for Job Seekers
Get real-time alerts from our WhatsApp Channel for Job Updates.

Connect with Us on Social Media
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest job openings and career tips.

Tags

head of global outreach, Nairobi jobs, communications leadership jobs, non-profit jobs, global engagement careers

Detailed Role Overview for Head of Global Outreach and Engagement

The head of global outreach role is a high-impact leadership position designed to amplify CIFOR-ICRAF’s global presence and influence. This role is pivotal in shaping the organization’s communication strategy, ensuring that its scientific research and initiatives reach key stakeholders worldwide. Based in either Nairobi, Kenya, or Bogor, Indonesia, the successful candidate will lead a team of communications professionals, manage high-profile events, and drive media and digital engagement to advance the organization’s mission.

Strategic Leadership in Communications

As the head of global outreach, you will play a central role in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with CIFOR-ICRAF’s goals. This includes crafting compelling messaging for public-facing events, overseeing social media and media relations programs, and managing the organization’s digital presence. Your leadership will ensure that all outreach efforts are strategic, impactful, and aligned with the organization’s commitment to environmental and social equity.

Driving Global Event Visibility

The head of global outreach will oversee CIFOR-ICRAF’s presence at major global events, ensuring seamless planning and execution. This includes managing the events team, coordinating messaging, and maximizing visibility through traditional and social media channels. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, you will enhance the organization’s reputation as a leader in sustainable forestry and agroforestry research.

Leading Digital and Media Engagement

In this role, you will lead the organization’s social media and media relations programs, ensuring high-impact strategies that resonate with global audiences. This includes developing compelling content, handling media inquiries, and overseeing strategic email marketing campaigns. As the head of global outreach, you will also manage the film and photo program, ensuring high-quality visual content that supports outreach goals.

Managing Editorial Strategy

The head of global outreach will be responsible for CIFOR-ICRAF’s website and news sites, leading the editorial strategy and overseeing a team of editors and writers. This includes ensuring timely, high-quality content that aligns with the organization’s mission and resonates with diverse audiences. Your ability to produce and oversee exceptional content will be critical to the success of this role.

Budget and Team Management

As a leader, you will manage the Communications, Outreach and Engagement budget, ensuring that all deliverables are met on time, within budget, and to high standards. You will also lead a team of editors, events, and media professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that drives results. Your ability to monitor progress and evaluate impact will ensure that outreach efforts are effective and aligned with organizational priorities.

Why Nairobi or Bogor?

Nairobi, Kenya, and Bogor, Indonesia, are vibrant hubs for international development and research. Nairobi is a center for NGOs and global organizations, offering a dynamic environment for professionals passionate about global impact. Bogor, located near Jakarta, is a key hub for agroforestry research, providing a unique opportunity to engage with local and regional stakeholders. As the head of global outreach, you will have the flexibility to choose your duty station, with both locations offering rich opportunities for professional growth and impact.

Career Growth Opportunities

The head of global outreach role offers significant opportunities for career advancement. With a one-year contract and the possibility of extension based on performance, this position provides a platform to lead high-impact initiatives and build a global network of professional contacts. The exposure to international communications, stakeholder engagement, and leadership responsibilities equips candidates with skills that are highly transferable across the non-profit and development sectors.

Impact on Global Development

By joining CIFOR-ICRAF as the head of global outreach, you will contribute to transformative initiatives that address climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Your work will amplify the organization’s research and partnerships, ensuring that its solutions reach policymakers, communities, and stakeholders worldwide. This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact while leading a dynamic team in a global non-profit setting.

Application Tips

To stand out as a candidate for the head of global outreach role, ensure that your CV highlights your leadership experience, expertise in communications, and ability to produce compelling content. Your cover letter should emphasize your strategic vision, experience in international settings, and commitment to advancing organizational goals. Submit all required documents by the 15 August 2025 deadline to be considered for this transformative opportunity.

Final Thoughts

The head of global outreach position at CIFOR-ICRAF is a unique opportunity to lead global communications efforts for a leading non-profit organization. Whether based in Nairobi or Bogor, this role offers the chance to drive impactful outreach, manage a talented team, and contribute to global development. If you’re a seasoned communications professional with a passion for leadership and impact, this role is the perfect fit for you.