COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

About the organization

The World Agroforestry Centre is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.
The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

The position

ICRAF seeks to recruit a Communications Officer for the Climate Change Unit to be based at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Main purpose of the job

To initiate, coordinate, develop and expand scientific communication activities for the climate change unit of an international research and development centre.

Key responsibilities

1. Knowledge generation and dissemination

• Research SD6 (Climate Change) and collaborators’ work across all relevant regions, identify high-interest stories and write original blogs for dissemination.
• Work closely with the ICRAF Communications Unit, and the communications units from Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), Alternative to Slash and Burn (ASB), Forest, Trees and Agroforestry (FTA) and other CGIAR centers and partners to enhance SD6 communication and vice versa.
• Work with ICRAF Communications Unit to have SD6 research featured in the international media, including drafting press releases.
• Track relevant research and policy for posting to the world blog.
• Update/maintain ICRAF and SD6 presence on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.
• Maintain relevant pages on the ICRAF website with up-to-date and accurate content.
• Ensure high profile presence of SD6 at international and national events and workshops, and provide communications support including blogging, Twitter, Facebook, photography, filming/recording and media liaison.
• Develop content for posters, fliers, presentations and other communications materials as needed.
• Carry out research and lead and/or contribute to publications as necessary.
• Coordinate/assist in the editing, design, printing and distribution of publications.
• Develop communication monitoring strategies for SD6.

2. Internal communications

• Maintain and update the SD6 intranet site (Google-based), including providing technical support in the use of communication/collaboration tools.

3. Other support tasks

• Assist in reviewing and editing scientific documents and materials.
• Contribute to reporting on various SD6 meetings and workshops.

Qualifications

• At least a BSc in Communications, Journalism or a related discipline with good background in climate change, agriculture, forestry and sustainable management of natural resources; or a BSc in Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences or a related discipline with good background in climate change and demonstrable talent in communications.
• Minimum experience of one (1) year in a communications role, preferably in an international organization.
• Experience in developing compelling stories from research papers and interaction with scientists.
• Experience in developing and maintaining web and social media sites.
• Flawless English language, writing and grammar.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Capacity to work in a multicultural team in a developing country.
• Work experience in a developing country is an advantage.
• Knowledge of web design is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign or other similar software is an advantage.
• Experience with photography and photo-editing is an advantage.
• Experience with filming and video-editing is an advantage.
• Ability to travel for up to 15% of the time.

Terms of offer

The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women and physically challenged persons. This position is on local terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to six (6) months’ probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply

Go to http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies

Applications will be considered until 18 July 2013. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted. We invite you to learn more about World Agroforestry Centre by accessing our website www.worldagroforestry.org

Categories: COMMUNICATIONS, NGO