Regional Communication Officer for Central Africa

Regional Communication Officer for Central Africa (Ref: DCARM/RCO/CA/09/13)

 

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position ofRegional Communication Officer for Central Africa.  

 

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of tropical nations. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visithttp://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

 

Position/Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the IITA Regional Director of Central Africa and Head of Communication (who will support the planning and implementation of communication activities at the regional level), the Communication Officer will accomplish the following tasks:

 

·           Support the IITA regional office (covering the DRC, the Great Lakes region, and Cameroon) in all aspects of communication and advocacy in the context of the implementation of the research for development (R4D) strategy.

·           Contribute to the capacity building component in communication for scientists and other staff working for IITA in Central Africa.

·           Support the development and implementation of strategies and public relations plans for an enhanced visibility of the institute in the region.

·           Write, edit and disseminate various communication tools (website, web2, publications, media releases, and corporate communications products).

·           Contribute to the monitoring of communication interventions, including pre-testing approaches and strategies, monitoring communication activities in the various countries of the region, analyzing the results and lessons learned, evaluating communication activities and making recommendations.

·           Support the identification and creation of new partnerships and collaborations in the context of communication for development (C4D) (e.g. radio networks, mobile phone companies and farmers’ associations).

·           Produce educational material for research for development (radio spots, video, brochures, etc.).

·           Conduct exchange of information, guidelines and other documents with the Regional Director in Nairobi and IITA HQ in Nigeria.

·           Document IITA research for development activities through case studies.

·           Develop and support the implementation and evaluation of communication plans, including the participation of different actors in the IITA environment.

 

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have an advanced degree (BA) in Social Communication, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, IEC, BCC, social sciences or a related field.

Core Competencies:

·           Very good experience (at least 7 years) in communication, social mobilization and community participation for rural populations.

·           Good knowledge of public relations tools.

·           Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.

·           Ability to work independently and as a team member.

·           Have good communication skills.

·           Be perfectly bilingual in English and French, knowledge of local languages ??of the region will be an asset.

·           Good experience in database management and graphics (Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Word, Indesign, Windows)

·           Good knowledge of web 2 tools, photography and video.

 

Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya

 

General information: Initial appointment is for three years. Subsequent renewal of the contract will be decided based on communication outputs, performance, and productivity, and continued need for the position. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

 

Applications: Applications should include covering letter which must address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link:http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application

 

 

Closing Date: 31st October 2013

 

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

 

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.