Communications Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a renowned research organization dedicated to providing evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. Established in 1975, IFPRI operates in multiple countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, employing a diverse team of experts focused on food policy research. The organization aims to improve food systems and enhance the livelihoods of vulnerable populations through innovative research and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Communications Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the dissemination strategy of the Strengthening Food Systems for Youth project. This position is designed to ensure that the findings of the project are effectively communicated to a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, regional bodies, practitioners, youth networks, and the general public. The consultant will be responsible for developing and packaging various knowledge products, organizing events, managing social media campaigns, and ensuring that communication outputs are accessible and engaging for youth. This consultancy is set for a duration of 10 months and will be conducted remotely from Nairobi, Kenya, allowing for flexibility and the ability to engage with diverse partners across different regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a variety of essential duties, including but not limited to: developing and packaging knowledge products such as policy briefs, blogs, infographics, and digital stories; organizing events and producing post-event materials like summaries and highlights; managing social media campaigns and supporting website updates to maintain visibility; designing communication materials including flyers, banners, and brochures; coordinating the organization and coverage of roundtables, webinars, conferences, and Fireside Chats; collaborating with youth networks and youth-led organizations to expand outreach; tracking communication metrics to assess the impact of dissemination efforts; ensuring that all communication outputs are gender and youth-sensitive; making communications more accessible and attractive for youth; leveraging youth networks to amplify dissemination; and introducing innovative formats to enhance engagement and interaction.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in communications for development is required, with a preference for experience in agriculture and food systems. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to produce youth-friendly and accessible content, strong writing and editing skills, and fluency in English. Familiarity with digital tools, social media campaigns, and visual storytelling is essential, as is the ability to work independently while coordinating with diverse partners.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively communicate complex information to various audiences, particularly in the context of food systems and youth engagement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communications for development, ideally with a focus on agriculture and food systems. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the nuances of communicating effectively within this sector and for engaging with stakeholders at various levels, including policymakers and youth organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as strong writing and editing skills are essential for producing high-quality communication materials. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which the project operates.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is set for a duration of 10 months and is a remote position based in Nairobi, Kenya. The role is designed to be flexible, allowing the consultant to engage with various stakeholders and partners across different regions. The position is full-time, and while specific compensation details are not provided, it is expected that the consultant will be compensated competitively based on their experience and qualifications.