Are you a digital guru? UK embassy is looking for you

The position, graded at Higher Executive Officer (HEO), runs for 24 months and begins on 1 April 2026.

The British High Commission in Nairobi has announced a vacancy for a Head of Digital, targeting seasoned communicators capable of steering its fast-growing online presence across Kenya and Somalia.

The position, graded at Higher Executive Officer (HEO), runs for 24 months and begins on 1 April 2026.

According to the notice, the office occupant will sit within the broader Kenya and Somalia Communications Team based at the British High Commission in Nairobi.

Their core mandate will be to drive all digital outputs across the British High Commission in Nairobi and the British Embassy in Mogadishu.

The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping and executing a digital content strategy for seven existing social media channels, ensuring that the mission’s messaging remains timely, compelling and well aligned with UK government priorities.

Duties include leading content creation, managing publishing on GOV.UK, coordinating internal communication channels and spearheading monitoring and evaluation across platforms.

The job description notes that the role involves “identify­ing opportunities for creative and impactful digital outputs” and collaborating with national and regional partners to widen reach.

The Head of Digital will also manage two digital communications assistants and oversee the team’s photography, videography and video-editing functions.

To support evidence-based decision-making, the officer will conduct routine analysis on engagement rates and audience sentiment and deliver quarterly monitoring and evaluation reports to senior leadership “up to Ambassador level.”

They will also manage the team’s equipment inventory, lead digital skills development within the unit and serve on the crisis media management roster.

While the position is based in Nairobi, it covers the full Kenya–Somalia communications portfolio, requiring an understanding of regional social media dynamics and the ability to deliver at pace in a complex environment.

Qualifications and requirements

Applicants must demonstrate excellent communication skills and prior experience in the media or communications sector.

They are required to show strong digital competencies, including photography, videography and editing software, as well as monitoring and evaluation skills—particularly on Meta and X platforms.

Management experience and high proficiency in written and spoken English are mandatory.

The High Commission emphasises behaviours such as communicating and influencing, delivering at pace, managing a quality service and working together.

The mission is also clear on authenticity in the application process: “Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences… Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.”

"If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance," the mission said.

Applicants are advised to complete the form in full and review it carefully because “no changes can be made once submitted.”

Candidates must already have the legal right to live and work in Kenya, as the High Commission cannot sponsor work permits.

Successful applicants will undergo reference checks and security clearances.

Employment terms

The role offers a monthly salary of Sh435,093.85, subject to tax and statutory deductions.

Applicants who are not liable for local income tax may have their salary reduced by an equivalent amount.

Locally recruited staff work under terms aligned with Kenyan employment law.

The High Commission reiterates that it “will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position” and encourages candidates to check their profile on the application system regularly for status updates.

Appointable but unsuccessful candidates may be placed on a six-month reserve list for similar future vacancies.

The British Government describes itself as an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer that “welcomes and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds” and promotes flexible working where possible.

Applications must be submitted by December 5, 2025, through the link: https://tinyurl.com/ymh5ay8a