Organisation: Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI)
Programme(s): All KDI Programmes
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 6 months
Reporting to: Communications Lead
Background: Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) is a public benefit design and community development organization. We partner with under-resourced communities to advance equity and activate the unrealized potential in their neighborhoods and cities. We accomplish this mission through advocacy, research, planning, and design. Communications is central to documenting this work, amplifying community voices, and translating technical programme information into clear, accessible narratives.
KDI is seeking a creative Communications Intern with strong writing, campaign, events organising and graphic design proficiency skills to support content development, visual storytelling, and digital communications across all programmes. This is an opportunity for an emerging communications professional interested in development work and eager to work with residents to tell positive stories about change in their communities. As KDI approaches its 20-year anniversary in 2026, this role will also be central in shaping communications that celebrate our legacy while amplifying community voices, and positioning our work within our overall mission.
Purpose of the Role: The Communications Intern will support KDI’s communications team in producing clear, engaging, and people-centred content for digital platforms, reports, events, etc. While primarily communications-focused, the intern will also support creating professional visual materials using tools like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator. The intern will also contribute to anniversary-related communications, helping to craft narratives and visuals that highlight KDI’s 20-year journey and set the stage for future impact. The role offers hands-on experience in advancing social, economic, and environmental justice through effective communications.
Key Responsibilities: Communications Content & Storytelling
- Draft and edit content for KDI digital platforms (website, e-newsletters, blogs, social media) for promotional, educational, informational, and networking purposes.
- Support the development of human-interest stories, case studies, and programme updates highlighting positive change in informal settlements.
- Assist in editing and proofreading communications materials for clarity and alignment with KDI’s tone of voice.
- Coordinate with project staff to develop social media content and interact with online audiences as needed.
- Support the planning, coordination, and communications for KDI events, workshops, launches, and public campaigns.
Graphic Design & Visual Content
- Create simple to intermediate graphics and layouts for social media, presentations, reports, and event materials.
- Use Adobe InDesign, Illustrator or other software to produce visually compelling, on-brand content.
- Adapt existing templates and materials for different platforms while maintaining brand consistency.
- Support basic photo selection, cropping, and light editing for digital use.
Anniversary Campaign support
- Assist in developing content that celebrates KDI’s 20-year milestone, including stories of impact, timelines, and legacy features.
- Support creation of campaign assets (anniversary logo, infographics, social media series) that reinforce the anniversary theme.
- Help coordinate anniversary events and digital campaigns, ensuring alignment with the broader 20-year narrative.
- Assist in developing event-related content, including invitations, agendas, presentation decks, signage, and post-event communications.
- Coordinate closely with programme and operations teams to ensure timely dissemination of event and campaign information.
- Contribute to compiling historical content (photos, reports, testimonials) into accessible formats for anniversary storytelling. Support the design of high-quality legacy materials.
Events Coordination
- Assist in developing event-related content, including invitations, agendas, presentation decks, signage, and post-event communications.
Documentation & Reporting Support
- Document workshops, community engagements, and events through notes, photos, and visual content.
- Assist in compiling content for donor reports, briefs, presentations, and other materials for internal and external audiences.
- Organise communications assets (photos, graphics, documents) for easy access.
Communications Strategy & Advocacy
- Support implementation of KDI communications systems (content calendars, templates, review/approval workflows).
- Prepare presentations and materials that help share KDI’s model and programme learning with partners and donors.
- Support communications that explain KDI’s approach to responsive design, research, and community development.
- Undertake other communications and graphic design duties as required.
Role Deliverables
- Written content for digital platforms, newsletters, and reports.
- Professionally designed visual materials (graphics, infographics, presentations, and reports).
- Event and activity collateral and documentation summaries.
- Updated content calendars and organised visual asset library
- Anniversary campaign content (stories, visuals, social media posts).
- Documentation of anniversary events and campaign milestones.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree (completed or in final year)/equivalent experience.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills (English and Kiswahili, Sheng’ is bonus)
- Strong graphic design skills, including proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Interest in informal settlements, community development, and social impact.
Desired Skills
- Photography or visual documentation experience
- Familiarity with social media management tools
- Experience in development or advocacy communications
- Interest in commemorative campaigns and institutional storytelling.
- Ability to connect immediate communications outputs to long-term legacy narratives.
- Familiarity with campaign planning and event communications.
Core Competencies
- Strong communication and storytelling skills
- Visual awareness and professional presentation abilities
- Initiative, creativity, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Integrity, credibility, and commitment to KDI’s mission
- Respect for ethical storytelling, safeguarding, and Do No Harm principles
How to apply: Use this Form (linked here: https://tinyurl.com/4s6v3958) to submit your application. Applications require your resume, 3 references, a cover letter, and a portfolio or up to five work samples that demonstrate your communication skills, both written and graphically.