The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Communications Manager who will lead the communications for two high-profile projects – the CGIAR Research Initiative on Livestock and Climate and the World Bank-funded project Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), Kenya cluster.
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
Responsibilities
- Update and lead the implementation of the communications strategy of the Livestock and Climate Initiative and the AICCRA-Kenya project
- Develop a clear visibility plan for AICCRA and the Initiative including covering attendance of staff at events and identifying audiences and opportunities for engagement, working closely with the ILRI livestock advocacy group GLAD to collaborate at key climate events. Develop clear key performance indicators to monitor the plan.
- Coordinate the implementation of communication strategies with core partners – ILRI, the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT and ICARDA, in coordination and alignment with the CGIAR’s broader communications strategy for the portfolio of initiatives, including both internal and externa learning events.
- Develop new partnerships to fully implement the communication strategies, including connections to global stakeholders, platforms and initiatives. Identify opportunities for co-creating knowledge products with partners (blogs, publications) and for development (farmer field school, rural radio, comics).
- Actively participate in and engage with the global CGIAR and the Resilience AgriFood Systems and the AICCRA communication and outreach teams and working groups as appropriate to ensure coordination and information flows between these groups and the projects.
- Ensure correct and consistent branding of the projects on all communication materials is carried out.
- Provide guidance to junior communication team members in the development of communication material for the two projects.
- Work with the Initiative team to identify key messages and knowledge products from the Initiative and AICCRA and means of communicating research including to non-research audiences and a pipeline of MELIA-linked stories.
- Develop and oversee the development of strategic communications content, including blogs, interactives, infographics, videos, social media, identifying new opportunities and engaging with relevant reporters on Initiative work via press releases, op-eds relationship building, etc., as appropriate
- Organize internal or external support for more elaborate or specialized communication tasks, events, publications, or other outputs (e.g., event planning and logistical support, editing, graphic design, media engagement)
- Support development of Initiative web landing page/microsite on http://www.cgiar.org, and keep updated. Maintain Initiative social media presence (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) Build Initiative photo databases and support curation of papers and publications to CGIAR databases and repositories.
Requirements
- A master’s degree in international communications, journalism, or other relevant field. (Master’s Degree with five years relevant experience Or Bachelor with eight years relevant experience)
- A minimum 5 years’ experience in managing communications for complex and international projects, with a preference for experience in climate and/or livestock related research. Experience working in the CGIAR an advantage.
- Excellent writing and critical thinking skills and ability to convey complex data ideas and messages in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.
- Excellent oral communication skills in English, with additional French or Spanish an advantage.
- Experience in media engagement with international and Kenyan media.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative, and decentralized environment, including across teams at several levels.
- Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office with advanced PowerPoint and presentation skills.
- Multimedia experience is a plus.
- Strong interest in science and agricultural development issues with the ability to grasp new material quickly.
- Ability to work well under pressure and with short deadlines.
Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Terms of Appointment
This position is at job level HG 16 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 3 year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes; pension, medical and other insurances.
How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our portal ilri.simplicant.com on or before 19 April 2024. The position title and reference number REF: CKM/1273/2023 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
To find out more about ILRI visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.
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