Multimedia Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established as a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT focuses on improving the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems for basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets. The organization operates primarily in the Global South, fostering partnerships that enhance the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT is committed to creating a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while working within planetary boundaries. The organization is part of a global research partnership aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Multimedia Specialist position is crucial for leading the production of high-impact audiovisual content that effectively communicates scientific research, institutional initiatives, and global impact stories. This role is integral to strengthening the organization's brand positioning and enhancing its digital visibility. The specialist will be responsible for translating complex technical information into compelling visual narratives, managing the entire multimedia production cycle from concept development to final delivery. This includes ensuring technical excellence, strategic alignment with CIMMYT's goals, and compliance with institutional brand standards. The role requires a blend of creativity, technical skills, and project management capabilities to produce engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Multimedia Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Planning, filming, and editing professional videos that showcase research projects, scientific initiatives, field activities, and institutional milestones.
- Conducting interviews, capturing high-quality footage, and recording professional-grade audio.
- Leading pre-production processes such as scripting, storyboarding, logistics planning, and creative direction.
- Executing post-production editing using industry-standard software, ensuring strong narrative structure, pacing, sound design, and visual consistency.
- Integrating motion graphics, animations, subtitles, and visual enhancements to elevate storytelling quality.
- Adapting content into multiple formats for various digital platforms.
- Managing and maintaining audiovisual equipment, including cameras, lighting systems, and audio devices.
- Capturing high-quality photographs that document research activities, events, partnerships, and key personnel.
- Applying advanced lighting techniques and composition principles to produce visually compelling imagery.
- Editing and retouching photographs to ensure they meet professional standards and align with brand guidelines.
- Organizing and maintaining a structured visual asset library for efficient retrieval.
- Collaborating with communications teams, researchers, and stakeholders to define multimedia objectives and storytelling approaches.
- Conceptualizing and developing scripts, visual treatments, and multimedia proposals that effectively communicate scientific achievements.
- Staying current with emerging multimedia trends, technologies, and production techniques to continuously improve content quality and audience engagement.
- Managing multiple multimedia projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Coordinating with cross-functional teams and external vendors to execute projects efficiently.
- Providing technical guidance on multimedia best practices, tools, and workflows.
- Supporting internal process improvements and standardization initiatives as required.
- Performing additional duties assigned by the direct supervisor in alignment with departmental priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Production, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in video production, photography, multimedia storytelling, and post-production editing is required. A strong portfolio showcasing documentary-style content, institutional storytelling, and digital media outputs is essential. Proficiency in industry-standard editing and production software is necessary, along with a solid understanding of branding principles and digital content optimization.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Production, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the principles of effective communication, media production techniques, and storytelling methodologies that are essential for the role.

Experience:
The Multimedia Specialist should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in video production, photography, multimedia storytelling, and post-production editing. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate can handle the complexities of multimedia production and deliver high-quality content that meets institutional standards.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of CIMMYT's work. Additional languages may be beneficial for communicating with diverse stakeholders and audiences.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes provisions in accordance with Mexican Labor Law. Benefits include a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits under Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position may be full-time, and the organization is open to recruiting both nationally and internationally.