Assistant Director, Corporate Communications, KMFRI Grade 4

Reference: KMF/EX/ADVT/AD-CC/7

Job description

Overseeing the development of corporate communication policies, strategies and regulations; executing and managing communications intended to create a favourable point of view among stakeholders to boost KMFRI's corporate image;

Providing timely and accurate written and verbal briefings, reports, and advice to top management on sensitive and complex communication matters for reporting to the KMFRI board to promote remedial action;

Reviewing corporate communication messages and managing internal communications to ensure they represent uniform opinions and are structured to convey the attitudes, beliefs and goals of the Institute;

Identifying and overseeing the creation of relevant online accounts that can efficiently and effectively promote the Institute's research activities, encourage live-tweeting from events, and initiate online conversations with the Institute's like-minded organizations, research communities and funders;

Communicating the organization's mission cohesively to KMFRI's diverse stakeholders to create awareness about KMFRI and position it strategically as a research hub;

Overseeing creation and publishing of relevant website content and ensuring proper management of all content uploaded on the Institute's website to position KMFRI strategically in Blue Economy matters and give it a competitive edge;

Overseeing editing and production of the Institute's newsletter, media features, briefs, speeches and supplements; and coordinating content generation for diverse KMFRI platforms;

Facilitating development of the Institute's calendars, diaries and internal communication by providing needed leadership;

Consulting with research scientists and liaising with Centre Directors/Station Coordinators for promotion of the Institute's profile by sharing research activities and researchers' profiles with potential funding partners and collaborators in research projects;

Enhancing the Institute's linkages and outreach services through networking with KMFRI publics including government agencies, NGOs, SAGAs, universities and fisher communities to maintain mutually beneficial relationships with all clients and for continued support for KMFRI;

Making recommendations for the review of the Institute's brand elements to promote corporate image;

Coordinating the Institute's advertising and publicity activities and ensuring safe custody of corporate communication records;

Coordinating with departmental staff to enhance effective implementation of the approved performance contracting targets assigned to the department to enable the organization to successfully deliver on its mandate;

Scheduling interviews with top management and ensuring the Chief Spokesperson is well prepared for all media engagements;

Overseeing the development of the organization's profile and recommending updating of the same from time to time;

Managing the departmental budget and ensuring prudent use of the resources allocated to the department;

Spearheading the Institute's branding and re-branding activities by generating relevant information, artworks and manuals to guide the management in decision-making;

Coordinating the Institute's public functions and corporate social responsibility activities;

Providing guidance in the development of pitch messages sent to media outlets on activities and developments within the Institute that need coverage, and briefing editors from multiple channels on the same to facilitate publishing of interesting and compelling information about the Institute;

Scheduling interviews with top management and identifying relevant media training for top management;

Formulating and implementing the Institute's corporate communication policy;

Monitoring dissemination of information to stakeholders through publications, website and ASK shows;

Preparing and managing the departmental budget to ensure it incorporates the department's key activities and ensuring prudent use of resources allocated; and

Monitoring and evaluation of corporate communication services; and mentoring, guiding and supervising staff.

Person specification

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

Cumulative service period of twelve (12) years' relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been at the grade of Principal Officer II or in a comparable position;

Master's degree in Communications Studies; or Journalism; or Language & Literary Studies; or Public Relations; or Mass Communication; or Social Media Journalism; or Science Communication from a recognized institution;

Bachelor's Degree in Communications Studies; or Journalism; or Language & Literary Studies; or Public Relations; or Mass Communication; or Social Media Journalism; or Science Communication from a recognized institution;

Membership in the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) or a relevant professional body;

Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;

Proficiency in computer applications;

Demonstrated results in work performance; and

Fulfilment of the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Key competencies and skills

Communication and reporting skills;

Analytical and numerical skills;

Organization and interpersonal skills;

Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills;

Interpersonal and negotiation skills;

Conflict management;

Ability to prioritize and multi-task; and

Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams.

Remuneration and benefits

Basic salary scale: KShs. 148,634 – KShs. 193,225 P.M.

House allowance: KShs. 50,000 P.M.

Commuter allowance: KShs. 17,000 P.M.

Annual leave allowance: KShs. 20,000 P.A.

Medical cover and other allowances: As provided by KMFRI

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Minimum qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA

How to apply

The detailed job descriptions, person specifications and other requirements are accessible on KMFRI's official recruitment portal (https://careers.kmfri.go.ke/). Interested and qualified applicants are requested to submit their applications online through the recruitment portal. Applications should be received on or before 30 November 2026, 23:59 hrs (EAT).

Notes

Successful candidates, in compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution, will be required to present originals of the following documents:

Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations

Clearance/Compliance Certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority

Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)

Clearance from a recognized Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and shall be required to produce originals of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates during the interviews.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an oral and practical interview.

Any canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

KMFRI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. Persons living with disability, women, youth and those from marginalized areas are encouraged to apply.

Interested and qualified? Go to Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) on careers.kmfri.go.ke to apply

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