Communications Specialist – Africa

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established to foster improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. CIMMYT builds strong partnerships to enhance the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT 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. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on agricultural research and development to address food security challenges.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist – Africa position at CIMMYT is designed to strengthen the visibility of its research programs and projects through strategic communications, content development, digital campaigns, and media engagement. The role involves developing high-quality communication materials, supporting regional events and campaigns, and highlighting CIMMYT’s scientific achievements and impact. The specialist will work closely with Program Directors, the Africa Communications Manager, and key stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with organizational priorities. This position is crucial for enhancing donor engagement and ensuring that CIMMYT's work is effectively communicated to diverse audiences, thereby contributing to the organization's mission of improving food security and agricultural practices in the Global South.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Communications Specialist include:

• Strategic Communication & Content Development: Improve the visibility of CIMMYT and its programs by creating high-quality communication materials. Develop, edit, and disseminate content across various platforms, including websites, blogs, and social media. Ensure consistency in messaging and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Organizational Knowledge and Field Engagement: Collaborate with designers and multimedia specialists to produce cohesive communication outputs. Develop a strong understanding of CIMMYT’s thematic areas, including climate action, genetic innovations, and digital agriculture.
• Campaigns and Events: Support the planning and execution of flagship campaigns and events, preparing necessary communication materials.
• Media and Public Relations: Build relationships with media outlets and support media outreach activities to enhance visibility. Document field activities and conduct interviews for media content.
• Executive Communication Support: Prepare country-specific talking points, presentations, and briefs for institutional leadership.
• Administration: Manage workflows for content and events, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget. Oversee a roster of freelance specialists and uphold CIMMYT values within the Communications Department.
• Other Responsibilities: Identify and mitigate potential risks, and participate in team projects as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Development, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree with significant additional relevant experience may also be considered. Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience in strategic communications, preferably within international development or donor-funded programs. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory, with proficiency in French and/or Arabic considered an advantage. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in agricultural development, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop communication materials for diverse audiences and adapt content for various channels, including print and digital.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Development, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with significant relevant experience may be acceptable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication within the context of international development and agricultural research.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 4 years of experience in strategic communications, particularly within the context of international development, research-for-development, or donor-funded programs. This experience should include developing communication materials for diverse audiences and managing media relations, as well as planning and executing campaigns and events.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. Proficiency in French and/or Arabic is considered an added advantage, as it may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader audience and facilitate communication in diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) role. CIMMYT offers a competitive remuneration package that is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employment contracts in Kenya are issued under ICRAF in compliance with local labor laws. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and opportunities for learning and development in line with organizational policies. The appointment is for a period of two years, including a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the continued relevance of the position.