About the Role
The International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) is seeking an experienced Communication and Evidence Synthesis Specialist to translate complex research findings from ICED's research teams into clear, actionable, and audience-appropriate products. Operating at the interface of research and communication, the Specialist will convert technical evidence into policy briefs, presentations, media content, and digital/social media products to inform decision-making by policymakers, government officials, development practitioners, and the public.
The Specialist will support proposal development by contributing communication and dissemination plans for new projects. Based in Nairobi, this role will support multiple ICED research teams across various projects and countries.
Key Responsibilities
Evidence Synthesis
- Review, synthesize, and translate technical data and studies from ICED research portals into accessible, non-technical language.
- Develop evidence-based decision-making products, including policy briefs, technical summaries, fact sheets, infographics, blogs, opinion pieces, executive briefs, toolkits, posters, checklists, guidelines, knowledge products, and slide decks tailored to specific audiences.
- Work closely with researchers and technical leads to accurately distill key messages, findings, and recommendations without compromising technical integrity.
- Maintain a repository of synthesized evidence products for reuse and adaptation across ICED's research portfolio and maintain an institutional knowledge management system to ensure products are easily accessible.
Communications & Content Development
- Design and produce communication materials (briefs, reports, newsletters, videos, infographics) for policymakers, government officials, development practitioners, media, and the public.
- Manage ICED's social media presence and digital communication channels, developing content calendars and audience-appropriate messaging.
- Support the update of the ICED website to ensure research outputs are uploaded promptly.
- Draft press releases, media briefs, and talking points, and support media engagement and interviews for ICED researchers and leadership.
- Ensure consistent branding, tone, and quality across all external-facing evidence and communication products in compliance with donor branding and visibility requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement & Dissemination
- Manage the ICED ALL-IN Network and support the planning and execution of dissemination events, webinars, workshops, and policy dialogues with government and development partners, including coordinating publication launches and conference presentations.
- Build and maintain relationships with media contacts, policymakers, and development practitioners to expand the reach and uptake of ICED's evidence.
- Track and report on the reach, engagement, and influence of communication and evidence products, monitoring communication KPIs and producing periodic analytics reports.
Cross-Team Support
- Serve as a communications and evidence-synthesis resource across multiple concurrent ICED research teams and projects.
- Provide guidance and light training to researchers on effective science communication and policy engagement, including developing communication guidelines, templates, and standard operating procedures.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Research Director.
Language Requirements
- Excellent command of written and spoken English. Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Health, Public Policy, Development Studies, International Development, Knowledge Management, Journalism, or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred.
- At least 4-6 years of relevant experience in science/health communication, knowledge translation, or evidence synthesis, ideally in a research, evaluation, or development context.
- Demonstrated experience producing policy briefs, reports, or communication products for policymakers, government audiences, or development practitioners.
- Experience managing social media and digital communication channels for an organization or program.
- Experience using analytics tools (Google Analytics, LinkedIn Analytics, Meta Business Suite, etc.) to measure communication impact.
- Familiarity with the nutrition, public health, or international development sector is preferred.
- Prior experience working with or alongside research/evaluation teams is an advantage.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to simplify technical content for non-technical audiences.
- Strong graphic/visual communication skills (e.g., proficiency with design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar).
- Familiarity with AI-assisted communication tools, video editing software, and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI or Tableau) where appropriate.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deliverables across teams and deadlines.
- Sound understanding of evidence-based policymaking processes and stakeholder engagement in government/development settings.
- Media relations experience and comfort engaging with journalists and public audiences.
- Collaborative, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
