Writer / Editor Consultant at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Ref. No.2350

Summary of responsibilities

• The News Editor/Content Manager will oversee the day-to-day running of CIFOR-ICRAF's news sites and develop content for the organization’s digital channels and direct the production of multimedia content. From reporting, researching and writing, to commissioning, copyediting, content packaging and disseminating, this role will oversee a range of materials including news stories, feature articles, op-eds, speeches, factsheets, briefs and infographics, and will be used to raise awareness about global issues that CIFOR-ICRAF research addresses, as well as the organization’s activities and will be used to promote the organization’s work. 
• Manage all facets of day-to-day publication, including but not limited to building a content calendar, commissioning articles, and liaising with writers, scientists and stakeholders
• Interview, research and write engaging, scientifically accurate content, including blogs, briefs, press releases, news items and leaflets
• Develop content for CIFOR-ICRAF websites
• Assist with newsletter production
• Source photos, fact-check content, and copyedit
• Recruit and cultivate a roster of talented, diverse writers
• Develop strategies for coverage of different kinds of events and news coverage
• Develop relationships with partner organizations and stay abreast of latest trends and research
• Plan conference coverage, theme-based coverage, news coverage
• Develop monthly in-depth features highlighting key aspects of CIFOR-ICRAF’s work
• Coordinate with social media team to support outreach via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other platforms
• Liaise with production team to produce graphic art images and infographics for stories or social media
• Increase global profile and reach of CIFOR-ICRAF news sites
• Post stories on website, update carousel and troubleshoot technical issues

Requirements

Education, knowledge, and experience:

• The ideal candidate would have an undergraduate degree in journalism or a related field, a master's in a subject other than communication (or a combination thereof) and at least five years of print journalism experience
• Fluency in English (flawless idiomatic written English). Other major languages, especially French and Spanish, an asset
• Experience in working for a research organization or within the development sector is desirablePersonal attributes and competencies:
• Be excited by science and environmental literature and issues – someone who genuinely enjoys engaging with scientists and stakeholders and the topics they research.
• Have a passion for creative and innovative storytelling and connecting with targeted audiences.
• Be a team player as well as a self-starter.
• Take direction well.
• An eye for ROI.
• Have a proven ability to work well in a fast-paced environment; have a sense of humor and enjoy the art of communication
• Have a strong client-service approach.
• Be skilled at copyediting other journalists’ work, able to rewrite a clumsy or jargon-filled sentence, fix a script, and spot typos.
• Have a flair for writing catchy headlines and intriguing leads.
• Be a skilled journalist who can spot a great angle and tell a strong story.
• Have a good understanding of the complementary use of photos, text, and multimedia.
• Have experience in using WordPress and an understanding of how social media works.
• Be able to maintain the publishing pipeline, with a large number of stories on the go at any time, and able to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Be able to come up with and develop ideas for communicating science for impact, and be open to and excited by new possibilities