Associate, Writing & Thought Leadership

by

  • Full Time
  • Nairobi

Website Shamiri Institute

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 … read moreresearch with deep contextual knowledge of the education and mental healthcare space in SSA and beyond. Since 2018, we've deployed 400 interventions to more than 1600 youths in 10 schools in Kenya. Rigorous gold-standard field experiments show our model works: our intervention reduces depression and anxiety and improves peer relationships and academic performance. In a region where half the population is 19 or younger, our potential for impact is immense. In 2021, we are delivering our in-person group-based intervention, Project Thrive!, to 5,000 students across 25 schools, and delivering our digital intervention, Thrive! Online, to 100,000 Kenyan youths.

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

Apply Through:

shamiri.applytojob.com

To apply for this job please visit shamiri.applytojob.com.