Communications Manager I at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Responsibilities

• Update and lead the implementation of the communications strategy of the Livestock and Climate Initiative and the AICCRA-Kenya project
• Develop a clear visibility plan for AICCRA and the Initiative including covering attendance of staff at events and identifying audiences and opportunities for engagement, working closely with the ILRI livestock advocacy group GLAD to collaborate at key climate events.  Develop clear key performance indicators to monitor the plan. 
• Coordinate the implementation of  communication strategies with core partners – ILRI, the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT and ICARDA, in coordination and alignment with the CGIAR’s broader communications strategy for the portfolio of initiatives, including both internal and externa learning events.
• Develop new partnerships to fully implement the communication strategies, including connections to global stakeholders, platforms and initiatives. Identify opportunities for co-creating knowledge products with partners (blogs, publications) and for development (farmer field school, rural radio, comics).
• Actively participate in and engage with the global CGIAR and the Resilience AgriFood Systems and the AICCRA communication and outreach teams and working groups as appropriate to ensure coordination and information flows between these groups and the projects.
• Ensure correct and consistent branding of the projects on all communication materials is carried out. 
• Provide guidance to junior communication team members in the development of communication material for the two projects.
• Work with the Initiative team to identify key messages and knowledge products from the Initiative and AICCRA and means of communicating research including to non-research audiences and a pipeline of MELIA-linked stories.
• Develop and oversee the development of strategic communications content, including blogs, interactives, infographics, videos, social media, identifying new opportunities and engaging with relevant reporters on Initiative work via press releases, op-eds relationship building, etc., as appropriate
• Organize internal or external support for more elaborate or specialized communication tasks, events, publications, or other outputs (e.g., event planning and logistical support, editing, graphic design, media engagement)
• Support development of Initiative web landing page/microsite on www.cgiar.org, and keep updated. Maintain Initiative social media presence (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) Build Initiative photo databases and support curation of papers and publications to CGIAR databases and repositories.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in international communications, journalism, or other relevant field. (Master’s Degree with five years relevant experience Or Bachelor with eight years relevant experience)
• A minimum 5 years’ experience in managing communications for complex and international projects, with a preference for experience in climate and/or livestock related research. Experience working in the CGIAR an advantage.
• Excellent writing and critical thinking skills and ability to convey complex data ideas and messages in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.
• Excellent oral communication skills in English, with additional French or Spanish an advantage.
• Experience in media engagement with international and Kenyan media.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative, and decentralized environment, including across teams at several levels.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office with advanced PowerPoint and presentation skills.
• Multimedia experience is a plus.
• Strong interest in science and agricultural development issues with the ability to grasp new material quickly.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with short deadlines.