Hybrid Practice Lead – Communications

at CGIAR

• Job title: Practice Lead – Communications
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Nairobi, Kenya

About the role

• Practice Lead Communications developing CGIAR’s global communications strategy. Building strategic narrative, brand awareness, and trust across diverse stakeholders and cultures.

Responsibilities

• Lead system‑level communications planning across Centers, Initiatives/Programs, and corporate functions to steward and strengthen the CGIAR brand, build coherence, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities
• Direct the design and implementation of internal communications approaches that enhance alignment, clarity, and change management across CGIAR
• Provide strategic guidance on prioritizing engagements with the greatest institutional impact and ensure coherent positioning across key external moments
• Oversee the integration and effective use of enterprise communications technologies (such as but not limited to CMS, DAM, CRM, event management tools) to enable secure, seamless global communication experiences
• Drive innovation in CGIAR’s communication practice by identifying and piloting emerging technologies—including AI‑driven content and advanced event tech—to strengthen CGIAR’s visibility and influence in development communications
• Advise and support senior leadership on strategic public communications and high‑level external engagements, ensuring clear and coordinated stakeholder messaging for major systemwide events and campaigns
• Align communications and engagement activities—including global campaigns, events, and outreach—with resource mobilization priorities and institutional objectives
• Strengthen internal leadership communications related to organizational priorities, change initiatives, and system‑wide milestones
• Help convening and coordinating communications leads across Centers to drive consistent messaging, aligned branding, and coherent use of shared digital tools
• Lead the development, evolution, and stewardship of CGIAR’s institutional brand and narrative, ensuring its effective application across the system
• Oversee CGIAR’s participation in major global forums, donor and partner engagements, and CGIAR‑hosted convenings, ensuring strategic alignment, compelling narratives, and rigorous delivery, including responsibility for budget planning and oversight
• Lead the planning and execution of high‑impact, multichannel campaigns that advance CGIAR’s positioning, advocacy priorities, and global visibility
• Lead the translation of complex scientific outputs into clear, compelling narratives for policy, advocacy, and global moments, ensuring accurate and impactful messaging
• Monitor and enhance digital engagement, media partnerships, and communication performance to strengthen reach, influence, and continuous learning
• Provide leadership for the development, performance, and growth of a multidisciplinary communications team, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Identify, manage, and escalate strategic communication risks, ensuring readiness through stewardship of the system‑wide crisis communications protocol and support to the Rapid Response team
• Strengthen internal information flows and engagement to promote shared understanding and collaboration across CGIAR
• Contribute to the development and coordination of a system‑level impact measurement framework, tracking effectiveness and ROI of global engagements and internal communications, and reporting to the EMD and System Council

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; a Master’s degree is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to shape enterprise‑level communication strategy and institutional narrative, ensuring coherence and alignment across a complex global system
• Proven experience advising senior leadership in high‑stakes, international, and multi‑stakeholder environments
• Strong track record of leading global events, multichannel campaigns, and system‑wide communications in complex organizational settings
• Experience leading through influence—aligning diverse stakeholders and driving coordinated action without formal line authority
• Significant people‑leadership experience in international, multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to apply systems thinking, strategic prioritization, and disciplined trade‑offs to align resources with impact
• Experience working in international non‑profit or mission‑driven organizations is an advantage

Benefits

• The compensation package includes a competitive salary with advantageous tax conditions
• comprehensive insurance coverage
• a retirement plan
• an education grant
• relocation and repatriation package covers a lump sum allowance
• temporary living expenses
• shipping allowance
• travel costs for staff members and their eligible dependents
• Staff are entitled to 30 working days of annual leave and 22 working days of medical leave per year
• parental or other special leave as applicable
• The organization observes 10 official holidays annually
• offers flexible work arrangements
• Counselling and well-being support are also available upon request