Ethiopia: Communications Manager for Africa

Jul 7, 2014 | The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center

CIMMYT seeks a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated and service-orientated professional for the position of Communications Manager for Africa in the Communications and Development Department. This position is critical to enhance the impact of CIMMYT’s work and to build and nurture relationships with employees, the media and external stakeholders in order to improve food security and livelihoods across Africa.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

The position will report to the Director of Communications, Knowledge Management & Development, and will be based at the CIMMYT-Ethiopia office in Addis Ababa (hosted at the International Livestock Research Institute).

****The main responsibilities of this position will be:****

  • Supervise the activities of CIMMYT’s project-focused communicators in Africa.
  • Liaise with CIMMYT Program Directors and project leaders as needed to develop communications plans for various Africa-based projects.
  • In coordination with the Director of Communications, Knowledge Management & Development, plan activities that leverage the capabilities of communications staff in Africa.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to advance CIMMYT’s research-for-development programs in Africa.
  • Provide material for the internal and external information and messaging of CIMMYT (particularly in Africa).
  • Support Africa-based projects to enhance their impact through effective communications. Develop material for CIMMYT’s print and web-based communications channels.
  • Manage activities, communications, special events, workshops, meetings and conferences.
  • Coordinate closely with communications staff at global HQ in Mexico.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive media strategy for key projects, including field trips. Help project-based staff in their efforts to do the same.
  • Raise awareness through media of the value and impact of major CIMMYT projects in the region.
  • Write, edit and oversee the production of publications including, newsletters, science and policy-planning reports.
  • Provide necessary support in the editing of project technical reports.
  • Lead new approaches to create and distribute multi-media content related to CIMMYT.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

****We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications, skills and attitudes:****

  • Masters’ Degree in in Journalism, Communications or related discipline (a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience will be considered).
  • 8 to 10 years of experience in science communications, marketing, public relations, media campaigns and/or non-profit communications.
  • Non-profit organization experience or demonstrated understanding of the non-profit and/or agricultural research for development environments.
  • Clear grasp of communications strategies and creativity in applying them to raise awareness of CIMMYT’s activities and achievements.
  • Ability to express technical concepts in clear, simple language for diverse audiences, including the general public.
  • The position requires full proficiency in English, including ability to interact confidently with colleagues and external contacts on complex issues and to write documents and presentations in English, fluency to persuade, negotiate, coach, conceptualize and train and ability to translate documents (excluding legal, financial or highly technical documents). Knowledge of an additional language is desirable but not required.
  • Proficiency in use of social networking and new media tools.