Burness, a mission-driven communications firm with nearly 40 years of experience, is hiring a Senior Communications Associate to join its growing team in Nairobi, Kenya. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned communications professional who is passionate about using their skills to drive social justice, global health, climate action, and other critical issues through storytelling and media engagement.
Since its founding, Burness has partnered with over 700 nonprofits, foundations, and international agencies to amplify voices that matter.
The Nairobi office plays a central role in Burness’ global work, and the firm is looking for an individual with both international experience and local insight to join their efforts to shape public narratives and influence positive change.
The Role: Shaping Stories That Move the World
In this position, the Senior Communications Associate will bring 6–10 years of international public relations experience to the table, contributing to campaigns that support Burness’ mission of advancing equity and justice. From income inequality and sovereign debt relief to gender equality, food security, and climate resilience, this role offers the opportunity to be on the frontlines of critical global conversations.
This is not a traditional communications role—it’s a dynamic, multifaceted position for someone who thrives in complexity, understands the power of storytelling, and is committed to impact.
Why Burness?
Burness offers a work environment grounded in purpose, innovation, and collaboration. Here’s what makes the opportunity stand out:
- Meaningful Work: Every campaign, story, and partnership contributes to meaningful change on issues that matter.
- Global Exposure: Engage with an international portfolio of clients, building cross-cultural communications skills.
- Challenging and Rewarding Projects: Work on complex, timely issues with global consequences.
- Professional Growth: Expand your capacity in areas such as digital media, health communications, and environmental strategy.
- Thought Leadership: Collaborate with subject-matter experts and contribute to shaping public discourse.
- Team Culture: Join a mission-driven, inclusive team where your ideas and voice matter.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Communications Associate will work closely with clients, media, and internal teams to:
- Design and execute communications strategies that effectively reach diverse audiences across local, regional, and global platforms.
- Craft compelling content, including press releases, media pitches, op-eds, talking points, speeches, and messaging documents.
- Manage and nurture relationships with journalists across top-tier media outlets and regional platforms.
- Organize and lead media engagements, such as press conferences, interviews, field visits, and media briefings.
- Support digital storytelling strategies, integrating social media and other digital tools into broader communications plans.
- Translate complex research or policy themes (e.g., sovereign debt, global health, or ocean protection) into accessible and persuasive narratives.
- Coordinate multi-stakeholder projects, manage deadlines, and liaise across global teams in varying time zones.
- Travel into the field, when necessary, to support client events or accompany journalists on site visits.
Desired Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic insight, creativity, and media expertise, along with a deep commitment to advancing social change. Key qualifications include:
- 6–10 years of public relations or strategic communications experience, preferably with a focus on international development, policy, or advocacy.
- Strong media relations background, including demonstrated success in pitching to regional and global media outlets.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences and platforms.
- Project management skills, including the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Experience working in Africa, with a deep understanding of local context and media landscapes.
- Comfort working across time zones and with diverse teams, both in person and remotely.
- Experience integrating digital communications, including social media, into broader outreach strategies.
- A passion for social change, and a personal connection to issues such as global health, gender equality, environmental justice, or economic reform.
What Burness Offers
Burness believes that impact begins with people. That’s why they offer:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and contributions.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, wellness support, and professional development resources.
- A mission-driven culture, where everyone contributes to positive global change.
- Opportunities for continued learning, growth, and global networking.
How to Apply
To express interest in this position, applicants are invited to send their résumé or LinkedIn profile to:
[email protected]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged.
About Burness
Burness is a global communications firm focused on partnering with nonprofits, foundations, researchers, and change-makers to tell stories that spark action. With nearly four decades of experience, Burness has a proven track record of elevating underrepresented voices and driving conversations that lead to real-world impact.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
