Bio-Innovate Communications Officer at icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health

Ref. No. NRS/176/102016

• Oversee the communication activities of the Programme and take lead in developing a communication strategy for the programme.
• Support the production of programme reports, publications, and web materials and other multimedia and promotional products (such as posters, information packages and documentaries).
• Manage the programme website and social media functions, by continuously monitoring to ensure that the site is maintained.
• Continuously provide web-friendly content to keep the site interesting and up-to-date with new programme information, news and publications.
• Work with the project leaders and teams in the six countries of eastern Africa in sourcing stories about their project activities, achievements, outputs and impacts for the Bio-Innovate website and e-newsletter, ensuring the accuracy of the information, as well as the liveliness of the news and pictorial presentation.
• Mentor and train project leaders and their project teams on generating appropriate communications materials to reflect project work.
• Manage programme’s public awareness activities, including events such as conferences and workshops.
• Identify and liaise with journalists in respective participating countries to publicise project and programme activities.
• Edit programme documents, write articles for the programme newsletter, and develop content for promotional materials.
• Work with graphic designers and printers in producing high quality promotional materials.
• Keep up-to-date about current trends in research communication and methods, to advise the programme on cost-effective ways of communication.
• Facilitate links with communication functions of host institution.
• Maintain a publications inventory and an efficient information management system.
• Compile presentations, handle mailing lists and coordinate distribution of project publications.
• Ensure Programme meeting materials are prepared in a timely manner, and proceedings are accurately captured and archived.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related discipline.
• Qualifications in print and electronic media, development communication, and information management are highly desirable.
• At least four years of experience in conducting communication function for an international organisation or NGO.

• Demonstrable experience in writing, editing, designing, web design management, blogging, use of Web 2.0 and social media tools.
• Experience in supporting communications and/or media relations in international research organisations is an added advantage.
• Ability to read, understand and assimilate complex technical information to produce clear, well-written summaries for a wide range of readership.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office packages.
• Knowledge of and skills in desktop publishing, HTML, photography and photo editing.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Excellent organisational and documentation skills.

• Result Oriented/focused: Ability to consistently meet set goals.
• Focused and goal oriented: Ability to direct others to perform set duties.
• Professionalism: Application of ethics, principles, standards and expertise in all areas of work.
• Integrity: Honest, above reproach and appropriate in actions/behaviour and transparent in conduct.
• Teamwork, interpersonal relations: Ability to work in a team and with good networking and interpersonal skills.
• Good team worker: Working and relating with others in mutual support and respect towards common goals and shared vision.
• Multi-cultural fit and diversity: Ability to work effectively within a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Innovation and creativity: Ability to generate new ideas and ways of working to continuously improve existing work processes, practices, and concepts.
• Willingness to travel.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and well within teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.