Job Vacancies at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities  

• Develop and implement communications strategy for CASA.
• Develop and produce project collateral and communications and knowledge products (e.g. brochure, banners, success stories, briefs, blogs, news articles, video stories and social media posts)
• Engage and keep project stakeholders updated on project activities and outcomes through a regular communication channel, for example, an e-newsletter.
• Review, edit and help format all official project materials, including reports and presentations.
• Ensure visibility of the project at national and regional events and in news media
• Collaborate with scientists and implementation partners to identify and pursue synergistic opportunities for promoting the project’s visibility and advancing its goals through targeted stakeholder materials and activities as needed.
• Engage with media personnel on behalf of the project in close collaboration with the Communications Manager
• Oversee and ensure implementation of WorldFish brand in all project materials and activities.
• Coordinate with global Communications team to provide content for global and regional campaigns, events, website, and social media channels.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, journalism, public relations or similar
• Minimum 7-10 years of applied working experience in implementing communications and marketing for complex research for development project, program, or institution, with at least 2 years with an international organization.
• Demonstrated exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills in English for producing products in a variety of formats (i.e., website, social media, print publications, press releases, event materials, etc.)
• Experience working and communicating effectively with a range of stakeholders including researchers, policymakers and government officials, NGOs, media, and community representatives.
• Well experienced in managing and coordinating development of products with team members and vendors, ensuring quality deliverables in a timely fashion.
• Proven ability to digest, analyze and present complex technical information clearly and concisely in a wide variety of formats to non-scientific audiences.
• Strong skills in event planning and management.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimum       supervision, as well as part of a team.
• Strong editing skills with keen attention to detail in reviewing materials and quality of products.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word and PowerPoint
• Experience with social media channels, drafting posts and promoting content
• Possess excellent organizational skills.
• Proactive and enthusiastic to initiate new ideas and convene teams to execute.
• Ability to produce audiovisual and multimedia materials preferred.
• Sound judgement, effective decision-making, and personal accountability.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple assignments with competing deadlines in a fast- paced environment.
• Flexibility to take on assignments at short notice or to change assignments at short notice.
• Functional skills in PhotoShop, Adobe video editing, Adobe Design or similar software preferred.
• Able to work under pressure and tight deadlines (possibly long hours )  when required.

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Purpose

• Ensure IRRI’s audiences in Africa are appropriately engaged by managing and developing a communication and messaging portfolio in coordination with the global communications team and the Africa Director.
• Develop communications material for resource mobilization, including investment pitches and stories that support the pitches.
• Contribute to and accelerate making a significant increase in funding for IRRI-AFRICA. For example, be a key contributor to prospects (funders and/or proposals) developed, working with relevant research teams and Directors.
• Contribute to broadening the base of IRRI funders for IRRI-AFRICA.

Engagement

• Under the overall direction of the global Communications Head, work hand in hand for the workplan priorities, strategies and implementation with the Deputy Director General of Strategy Engagement and Impact and the Regional Director.
• Work collaboratively with the Country Representatives and all regional staff to ensure that communication for resource mobilization needs are addressed
• Secure linkages and collaborate with regional project partners, other CGIAR centers, donors, communication subgroups, and the media to ensure timely delivery of outputs, information dissemination and technology

Delivery

• Active and responsive communications and messaging portfolio for IRRI-AFRICA
• Targeted stories and case studies capturing IRRI's scientific advancements and impacts in Africa for resource mobilization use and for corporate communications (in newsletters, website, social media, media, and the annual report, etc.). 
• Set of IRRI solutions for Africa prepared for pitching to funders.
• Funder intelligence collated for Africa, in collaboration with PDMO, the Director for IRRI-AFRICA, Country representatives, SEI DDG and others as required.
• Regular donor connections and follow-ups made, and relationships built.
• Coordination with scientific teams for funder requests. 
• Dashboard to track efforts and targets.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Development, Communications, Journalism, or related field with minimum 7 years of relevant work experience. Qualifications in agriculture also highly regarded.
• Experience in developing communication products and in packaging them so they are applicable for different audiences and channels, especially for resource mobilization.
• Experience in resource mobilization and engaging with funders.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence others.
• Knowledge of the Africa media landscape highly regarded.
• Knowledge and experience in agriculture.