Our mission is to provide youths, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and beyond, with evidence-based tools to improve their life outcomes. We believe in a world where youth, anywhere, can actualize their life outcomes. Founded at Harvard and launched in Kenya in 2018, we combine rigorous social science research with deep contextual knowledge of the education and mental healthcare space in SSA and beyond.

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Associate, Writing & Thought Leadership

Job Type

Full Time

Qualification

BA/BSc/HND

Experience

1 - 3 years

Location

Nairobi

Job Field

Media / Advertising / Branding

The Associate, Writing & Thought Leadership supports the development of clear, credible, and compelling written content that advances Shamiri’s institutional voice and the thought leadership of its senior leaders. The role translates complex ideas, research, and strategy into accessible written outputs for diverse audiences.

Roles and responsibilities

Thought Leadership Writing Support

Support senior leaders (e.g., CEO, CGSO, senior researchers) in developing written thought leadership content

Draft, edit, and refine content:

• Op-eds and articles
• Blog posts and essays
• Speeches and remarks
• LinkedIn posts and long-form threads
• Press releases and media-related content

Translate verbal ideas, notes, or outlines into polished written pieces

Ensure writing reflects the leader’s voice while aligning with organizational messaging

Research & Evidence Translation

Work closely with Research & Learning to translate research findings into accessible written formats

Draft:

• Research summaries
• Policy briefs
• Blog posts and explainers

Ensure accuracy, clarity, and appropriate framing of evidence

Adapt technical content for non-technical audiences

Organizational & Strategic Writing

Support writing of internal and external materials, including:

• Strategy summaries
• Concept notes
• Donor briefs
• Organizational updates

Assist in drafting materials for Board engagement and high-level stakeholders

Edit and proofread leadership-facing documents for clarity and tone

Editorial Coordination & Workflow

Maintain a pipeline of writing projects with clear timelines and owners

Coordinate with Brand & Creative Lead to align written content with visual outputs

Ensure version control and documentation of drafts and final pieces

Incorporate feedback efficiently and accurately

Quality Control & Voice Consistency

Ensure consistency in tone, language, and narrative across written outputs

Apply editorial standards and fact-checking practices

Flag inconsistencies or risks in public-facing content

Ownership of Outputs & Accountability

Drafting and editing written thought leadership content

Research summaries and accessible written outputs

Written materials supporting leadership, fundraising, and partnerships

Timely delivery of drafts and revisions

Maintaining clarity, accuracy, and coherence in assigned outputs

Key competencies

Strong writing and editing skills

Ability to synthesize complex information clearly

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to write in multiple tones and adapt to different voices

Strong organizational and time-management skills

Comfort working with senior leadership and sensitive material

Ability to incorporate feedback constructively

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public policy, social sciences, or related field

1–3+ years of experience in writing, communications, research support, or editorial roles

Strong writing portfolio demonstrating clarity and range

Experience in social impact, research, policy, or nonprofit settings preferred

High-quality written outputs delivered on time

• Support senior leaders (e.g., CEO, CGSO, senior researchers) in developing written thought leadership content
• Draft, edit, and refine content: Op-eds and articles, Blog posts and essays, Speeches and remarks, LinkedIn posts and long-form threads, Press releases and media-related content
• Translate verbal ideas, notes, or outlines into polished written pieces
• Ensure writing reflects the leader’s voice while aligning with organizational messaging
• Work closely with Research & Learning to translate research findings into accessible written formats
• Draft: Research summaries, Policy briefs, Blog posts and explainers
• Ensure accuracy, clarity, and appropriate framing of evidence
• Adapt technical content for non-technical audiences
• Support writing of internal and external materials, including: Strategy summaries, Concept notes, Donor briefs, Organizational updates
• Assist in drafting materials for Board engagement and high-level stakeholders
• Edit and proofread leadership-facing documents for clarity and tone
• Maintain a pipeline of writing projects with clear timelines and owners
• Coordinate with Brand & Creative Lead to align written content with visual outputs
• Ensure version control and documentation of drafts and final pieces
• Incorporate feedback efficiently and accurately
• Ensure consistency in tone, language, and narrative across written outputs
• Apply editorial standards and fact-checking practices
• Flag inconsistencies or risks in public-facing content
• Drafting and editing written thought leadership content
• Research summaries and accessible written outputs
• Written materials supporting leadership, fundraising, and partnerships
• Timely delivery of drafts and revisions
• Maintaining clarity, accuracy, and coherence in assigned outputs

• Strong writing and editing skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information clearly
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to write in multiple tones and adapt to different voices
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Comfort working with senior leadership and sensitive material
• Ability to incorporate feedback constructively

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public policy, social sciences, or related field
• 1–3+ years of experience in writing, communications, research support, or editorial roles
• Strong writing portfolio demonstrating clarity and range
• Experience in social impact, research, policy, or nonprofit settings preferred
• High-quality written outputs delivered on time