AFIDEP Recruitment 2026: Executive Assistant & Communications and Policy Engagement Manager

AFIDEP Recruitment 2026: Executive Assistant & Communications and Policy Engagement Manager

Applications are now open at African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) for two key roles within its growing team.

If you are passionate about evidence-based policymaking, development impact, and shaping Africa’s future, this is a strong opportunity to work with a respected regional institution driving real change.

About AFIDEP

African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) is a regional non-profit research and policy institute established in 2010.

Its mission is to institutionalize the use of evidence in public policy formulation and implementation across Africa.

The organization works across multiple thematic areas, including:

• Population dynamics and demographic dividend
• Health and wellbeing
• Transformative education and skills development
• Environment and climate change
• Governance and accountability

AFIDEP operates in Kenya, Malawi, and the United States, collaborating with governments, research institutions, and global partners to strengthen development outcomes through data-driven decision-making.

Available Roles

AFIDEP is currently hiring for the following positions:

1. Executive Assistant to the Executive Director
2. Communications & Policy Engagement Manager

1. Executive Assistant to the Executive Director

The Executive Assistant will provide high-level administrative and operational support to the Executive Director.

This role is ideal for someone who is:

• highly organized
• detail-oriented
• proactive
• capable of handling confidential information
• comfortable working closely with senior leadership

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Executive Director’s schedule, meetings, and priorities
• Support internal coordination and communication
• Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation
• Assist with planning and execution of organizational activities
• Handle correspondence and administrative tasks
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations at the executive level

Who This Role Is For

This position is best suited for candidates who:

• enjoy working in structured, high-responsibility environments
• have strong organizational and coordination skills
• can manage multiple tasks efficiently
• are interested in leadership support and operations

2. Communications & Policy Engagement Manager

The role focuses on ensuring that research evidence is effectively communicated, understood, and used in policymaking across Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Communications, Visibility, and Profiling

• Design and implement AFIDEP’s communications and policy engagement strategy
• Strengthen AFIDEP’s brand as a leading policy institute
• Lead development of publications including:
  • annual reports
  • newsletters
  • website content
  • social media outputs
  • African Development Perspectives
• Support packaging and communication of evidence across key thematic areas
• Build relationships with media to promote evidence-based public discourse
• Disseminate research findings and stimulate policy debate

Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation

• Build and maintain partnerships with:
  • governments
  • academic institutions
  • research organizations
  • development partners
• Engage stakeholders who use research evidence in decision-making
• Contribute to fundraising through proposal and concept development

Capacity Strengthening

• Support internal and external efforts to improve how research evidence is communicated and used
• Strengthen capacity of stakeholders in evidence-informed decision-making

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education

• Master’s degree in:
  • Communications
  • Media
  • International Relations
  • Or a related field

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in science or development communications
• At least 3 years at an international level

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent writing and technical editing skills
• Strong presentation and public speaking ability
• Experience in publications design, website, and social media management
• Strong understanding of policymaking and legislative processes
• Ability to translate research into actionable policy and advocacy strategies
• Proven experience influencing policy at national or international level
• Strong knowledge of African socio-political contexts
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively
• Experience facilitating advocacy and engagement activities

Why Work at AFIDEP?

Working with African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) offers:

• Opportunity to influence real policy decisions across Africa
• Exposure to high-level research and development work
• Collaboration with global and regional partners
• A platform to contribute to sustainable development and governance
• Meaningful work that connects research, policy, and real-world impact

Deadline: April 17, 2026