The International Potato Center is seeking to recruit highly qualified Communication Consultant.
The Position: The Communication Consultant will contribute to finetuning the Malawi country communication strategy and workplans, provide communications support to project managers, research scientists, technical support staff, and a wide range partners. The Communication consultant will work closely with the Regional Communication Specialist in CIP Regional Office in Nairobi.
Key responsibilities
- Review and finetune a communication outreach plan for Malawi in line with CIPs and the projects long- and short-term communications goals;
- In line with the branding guidelines agreed for the projects (or of the lead Center), take a lead in the production of project or country-specific publications, including print, web materials in the form of articles, reports, briefs (policy), posters, information packets, and other project documentation;
- Support the planning and implementation of field visits (from HQ and the region) for the development of high impact video, photographic and feature stories;
- Work with the project teams and the regional communication specialist in sourcing blog stories about project activities, achievements, outputs and impacts for different media outlets and audiences to reflect the work and impact of the projects;
- Edit, proofread and summarize project documents, and write articles about project work, as requested;
- Liaise with HQ and Regional Specialists in CPAD (e.g. communication specialist, editors) for producing, publishing, and printing of project materials;
- Maintain a record of partnership communications and assist to prepare and organize outreach programs and activities;
- Work with appropriate media outlets (radio, television, newspaper) to enhance visibility of CIP Malawi activities.
- Ensure CIP and Donor Communication and Visibility guidelines and policies are strictly adhered to.
- Participate in meetings of the Country Communication and Visibility Committee and the KULIMA and DeSIRA project specific C&V committees.
- Contribute to the CIP-wide communications community of practice, sharing and communicating work updates and lessons, participate in department learning, reviewing, and planning activities and ensure that these activities follow the center’s standards and agreed channels.
- Perform any other tasks from time to time as may be assigned by the chair of the Malawi Communication and Visibility Committee.
Selection Criteria
- A Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field of specialization;
- A Master’s degree is an added advantage;
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in editing, blogging, use of Web 2.0 and new media tools;
- Experience working as a journalist at a reputable media outlet is an added advantage;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate effective with agricultural research and development institutions;
- Experience in supporting communications and media relations in the area of agricultural or environmental research for development is an added advantage;
- Ability to read, synthesize complex technical information to produce clear, well-written summaries;
- Ability to present and package scientific information into various formats to suit specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- Proficiency in Microsoft office packages;
- Knowledge of and skills in photography and photo editing;
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and attention to detail;
- Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken.
What are the conditions?
This a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Malawi nationals and permanent residents only. The employment contracts will be for one year, renewable based on performance.
How to apply:
Visit the following link: http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your references. Screening of applications will begin on July 27, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org
*CI**P is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply***
CIP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). CIP also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.