Kenya: Regional Communication Specialist

Organization: International Potato Center

Country: Kenya

Closing date: 28 May 2016

Regional Communication Specialist

The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks a highly talented Regional Communication Specialist to drive the internal and external communications activities of the International Potato Center.

The Program: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a network of 15 Research Centers and 16 Research Programs mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The position: The Communication Specialist will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. A member of the CIP Communications team the specialist will report to the Head of Communications of CIP and the Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The principal tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Support the development and implementation of the CIP communication strategy

• Coordinate communication efforts for Strategic Objectives across all SSA countries.

• Coordinate promotion of CIP crops (potato and sweetpotato), particularly among donors and decision makers.

• Supervise online content for CIP websites

• Support preparation of CIP Annual Report, social media, and brand journalism efforts.

• Contribute communications components to program development in SSA for the CGIAR Research Program for Roots, Tubers and Bananas

• Develop and coordinate CIP communication plans for external events.

• Actively collaborate with and coordinate other Communications team members to execute communication efforts.

Selection Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) in journalism, communication, marketing or a related area.

• Five years of professional experience in developing and implementing communication strategies or exemplary communications results in fewer years.

• Demonstrated experience working with media.

• Strong and effective use of social media skills.

• Knowledgeable and familiarity with public relations.

• Experience with website content management.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

• Proactive approach, with ability to find creative ways to solve problems or exploit potentials.

• Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English.

• Experience with international agricultural research for development, CGIAR, and CGIAR Research Programs a plus.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a three-year term (with a three month probation period) with the possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

How to apply:

Applications: Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website (http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), including a letter of motivation, a full C.V with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on 24 May, 2016 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.