Communications Officer at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

Key Responsibilities

• Write, edit, illustrate, design, format and oversee production of a stream of public materials generated by the programs, including regular news and feature blog articles and more occasional program reports, policy briefs, brochures, posters, and multimedia products
• Populate program-specific blog sites with content, engaging with the readers of these blogs and with responders to social media content generated by the programs
• Help disseminate the programs’ messages and materials through CGIAR, and ILRI’s publishing, knowledge sharing and social media channels as well as more widely as needed
• Develop AIFSD website and content on relevant pages of ILRI’s main website and other relevant web portals
• Develop program-related materials, such as summaries of reports, updates of progress reports, staff profiles, feature articles and success stories
• Document meetings and workshops and manage the uploading of all relevant materials online
• Compile, draft and summarize internal reports as needed
• Assist Value Chain component communication specialists with media such as organizing journalist interviews and staff profiles, and disseminate key messages
• Ensure that program publications and other outputs are deposited and indexed in ILRI’s repository and contribute information as needed for ILRI’s online calendar of events and contacts systems
• Follow and keep abreast of CGIAR, ILRI and USAID communication guidelines
• Engage in ILRI and CGIAR related CKM planning and sharing meetings
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Program manager from time to time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, advertising, or related field or 7 years of experience in lieu of masters
• At least five years of progressively advanced experience in relevant communications work with a focus on writing, editing, proofreading and design of materials for print and web
• Outstanding written, and excellent verbal, English
• Skilled in mainstream computer programs, especially Microsoft Office applications
• Experience in supporting communications and/or media relations in the area of agricultural research for development is an added advantage.
• Ability to think strategically and to develop and execute a strategic communication planning.
• Ability to read, understand and assimilate 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
• Basic knowledge of and skills in desktop publishing, HTML, photography and photo editing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and well within teams
• Excellent communication, organizational and documentation skills
• Conversant in social media platforms and social networking tools
• Experience with process facilitation
• Ability to write/edit under pressure, with high accuracy and to deadline

Post location: The position will be based inmNairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG 14. The position is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances