Assistant Director, Corporate Communications

The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), a state corporation under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, is recruiting a Assistant Director, Corporate Communications (KMFRI Grade 4, 1 post, reference KMF/EX/ADVT/AD-CC/7). Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 hrs (EAT).

Key facts

• Role: Assistant Director, Corporate Communications
• Employer: Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)
• Reference: KMF/EX/ADVT/AD-CC/7
• Grade: KMFRI Grade 4
• Posts: 1 post
• Deadline: Monday, 30 November 2026, 11:59 pm EAT
• How to apply: careers.kmfri.go.ke (online only)

Duties and responsibilities

From the official advert:

• Overseeing the development of corporate communication policies, strategies and regulations; execute and manage 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, 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 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
• Make recommendations for the review of the Institute’s brand elements to promote corporate image
• Coordinating the Institute’s advertising and publicity activities and ensure 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 successfully deliver on its mandate
• Scheduling interviews with top management and ensure Chief Spokesperson is well prepared for all media engagements
• Overseeing the development of the organization’s profile and recommend updating of the same from time to time
• Managing departmental budget and ensuring prudent use of the resources of 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
• Provide guidance in the development of pitch messages sent to media outlets on activities and developments within the Institute that need coverage and brief editors from multiple channels on the same to facilitate publishing on interesting and compelling information about the Institute
• Scheduling interviews with top management and identify relevant media training for top management
• Formulating and implementing the Institute’s corporate communication policy; xxii)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, the official advert requires:

• 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 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

Remuneration

Figures below are taken from the official advert.

• Basic salary scale: KShs. 148,634 – KShs. 193,225 per month
• House allowance: KShs. 50,000 per month
• Commuter allowance: KShs. 17,000 per month
• Annual leave allowance: KShs.20,000 per year
• Medical cover and other allowances: As provided by KMFRI

How to apply

Applications are accepted online only through the official KMFRI recruitment portal. Hard-copy applications will not be accepted. The detailed job descriptions, person specifications and other requirements are on the portal and in the official external advertisement PDF.

1. Read the full specification for this post in the official KMFRI external advertisement (PDF, 23 pages) or on careers.kmfri.go.ke.
2. Submit your application online through the KMFRI recruitment portal.
3. Applications must be received on or before 30 November 2026, 23:59 hrs (East Africa Time).

Successful candidates will be required to present originals of: a Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations; a HELB clearance or compliance certificate; a KRA tax compliance certificate; EACC clearance; and clearance from a recognised credit reference bureau. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an oral and practical interview and must produce originals of their national identity card and academic and professional certificates. Canvassing leads to automatic disqualification.

KMFRI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from persons living with disability, women, youth and people from marginalized areas.

KMFRI has research centres and stations at Mombasa, Kisumu, Naivasha, Baringo, Kegati, Sangoro, Sagana, Turkana, Mutonga and Shimoni, a research substation at Gazi, and a Nairobi liaison office. The official advert does not assign this post to a single station.

Recruitment by public bodies in Kenya is free. These agencies do not charge a fee to apply, shortlist or offer a job. Nobody can sell you a slot. See how to spot fake job adverts.

Source: official KMFRI external advertisement, 10 November 2026, published on kmfri.go.ke/resources/careers and in the 23-page advert PDF. If anything here differs from the official advert, the official advert wins.