Communications Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a renowned research organization established to provide evidence-based solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI focuses on food policy research and aims to improve food systems globally. The organization operates in multiple countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and employs a diverse team of experts dedicated to addressing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security challenges. IFPRI collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to influence policies and practices that enhance food systems.

Job Overview:
The Communications Consultant position at IFPRI's Africa Regional Office is a critical role aimed at enhancing the dissemination strategy for the Strengthening Food Systems for Youth project. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the findings of the project are effectively communicated to a wide range of audiences, including policymakers, regional bodies, practitioners, youth networks, and the general public. This consultancy is designed to last for 10 months and will be conducted remotely from Nairobi, Kenya. The consultant will play a pivotal role in developing and packaging knowledge products that are engaging and accessible, thereby facilitating better understanding and uptake of the project's findings. The role requires a proactive approach to communication, utilizing various formats and channels to reach diverse audiences, particularly the youth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake 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 and covering roundtables, webinars, conferences, and Fireside Chats; collaborating with youth networks and youth-led organizations to enhance 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 appealing to youth; leveraging youth networks to amplify dissemination efforts; and introducing innovative formats to foster lively and interactive exchanges.

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 or food systems. The ideal candidate should have a proven ability to produce youth-friendly and accessible content, along with strong writing and editing skills. Fluency in English is mandatory. Additionally, experience with digital tools, social media campaigns, and visual storytelling is essential. Familiarity with regional and international development organizations is also important, 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 required 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 development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communications for development, ideally with a focus on agriculture or food systems. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the nuances of communicating effectively within this sector and for producing content that resonates with target audiences, especially youth.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for the target audiences. While not specified, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which IFPRI 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 full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including youth networks and organizations. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job posting.