About the Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD):
The Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD) is a Non-Governmental Organization duly registered by the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Board of Kenya. It has its Head Office in Lodwar town and field offices in Kakuma and Lokiriama, Turkana County. Founded and registered as a Community-Based Organization in 2002, APaD transitioned to an NGO in 2019. APaD envisions a community that is empowered, secure, dignified, and resilient. The organization implements its programs in pastoralist Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in Northern Kenya, with a particular focus on Turkana and West Pokot Counties; and across the international borderlands with Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia (the IGAD’s Karamoja Cluster).
To contribute to addressing issues plaguing the pastoralist communities within the IGAD’s Karamoja Cluster, APaD implements programs in the following thematic areas of focus: Peacebuilding and Governance; Food Security and Livestock Development; Community Health and Nutrition; Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management (NRM); Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Humanitarian Response; Women and Youth Empowerment; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); and, Research, Advocacy, and Policy Influence.
As part of its commitment to impactful and sustainable change, APaD employs a comprehensive set of programmatic approaches that integrate peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian action to ensure seamless transitions from emergency response to long-term resilience (the twin-track approach). Its multi- sectoral and community-led interventions address complex challenges—such as conflict, climate change, food insecurity, and governance deficits—through participatory, inclusive, and rights-based strategies. APaD emphasizes evidence-based programming, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and policy advocacy, while actively promoting women’s and youth leadership. The organization also adopts adaptive management and continuous learning to enhance the relevance, innovation, and effectiveness of its programs in cross-border pastoralist contexts.
As part of its organizational growth and program expansion, APaD is seeking to recruit qualified, competent, passionate, and committed professionals for the following positions:
COMMUNICATIONS & ADVOCACY OFFICER
Location: Kakuma, Turkana County, Kenya
Reports To: Head of Programs
Position Type: Full-time
Contract Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and funding availability)
Application Deadline: 21st July 2025
Position Summary
The Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD) is seeking a creative, dynamic, and results- oriented Communications and Advocacy Officer to lead its internal and external communication and advocacy efforts. The Officer will be responsible for amplifying APaD’s visibility and impact, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and supporting policy and advocacy initiatives through compelling storytelling, strategic messaging, and targeted outreach.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement APaD’s communications and advocacy strategies in line with
organizational priorities.
- Generate high-quality content, including newsletters, press releases, success stories, brochures, policy briefs, and case studies.
- Manage and grow APaD’s digital presence, including regular updates on the website and social
media platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.).
- Document and disseminate program outcomes, human-interest stories, and lessons learned through text, photography, and video.
- Support the design and execution of advocacy campaigns aimed at promoting policy change, inclusive governance, and community engagement.
- Build and maintain relationships with media houses, journalists, and communication professionals.
- Maintain a media and communications database (journalists, influencers, publications, partners).
- Work closely with program teams to ensure coherent branding, messaging, and donor visibility.
- Provide communications support during key events, donor visits, community forums, and policy dialogues.
- Contribute to the production of knowledge products, including infographics, presentations, and video documentaries.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Studies, or a
related field.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in communications, advocacy, or media relations, preferably in the nonprofit or development sector.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills in English and Kiswahili.
- Strong digital communication and social media skills, including content creation, community engagement, and analytics.
- Proficiency in graphic design, photography, videography, and editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
- Experience in advocacy, campaign management, and stakeholder engagement is an added advantage.
- Knowledge of pastoralist communities, peacebuilding, development, humanitarian, or cross-border programming is desirable.
- High levels of initiative, creativity, cultural sensitivity, and attention to detail.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Communication: Ability to align communication and advocacy efforts with organizational goals.
- Creativity and Innovation: Skilled in presenting complex information in engaging, accessible formats.
- Relationship Building: Builds and nurtures positive relationships with media, stakeholders, and communities.
- Analytical Thinking: Able to distill information and insights into clear, persuasive messages.
- Project Management: Manages multiple deadlines, tasks, and priorities with strong organizational skills.
- Cultural Competence: Demonstrates sensitivity and respect for diverse cultures and contexts.
- Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environments and adjusts strategies as needed.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
- A cover letter
- A detailed and up-to-date CV
- Copies of academic certificates, professional certifications, and testimonials
- Contact information for three professional referees
Applications should be sent via email, addressed to the Human Resource Officer, at recruitment- hr@apadkenya.org. The email subject line should clearly indicate the position being applied for, e.g., “Procurement & Logistics Officer Application.” The deadline for submission is 21st July 2025, at 5:00 PM EAT (Close of Business).
Alternatively, hard copy applications may be hand-delivered during official working hours (Monday to
Friday) to the organization’s Head Office in Lodwar and addressed to:
The Human Resources Officer
Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD)
P.O. Box 342-30500
Lodwar, Turkana County; Kenya.
Turkwel Buildings, Off NORAD Road; Nawoitorong’.
The Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APaD) is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. All employment decisions are made without regard to gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Female candidates and other qualified applicants from Turkana County are strongly encouraged to apply.
We appreciate ALL applications. However, due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
