Writer/ Editor Consultant at World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)

Overview

• This full-time consultancy is an opportunity for a skilled, energetic, and creative science journalist/editor to run and shape established, respected online news sites under the guidance of the Head of Global Outreach and Engagement.
• CIFOR-ICRAF's news sites are key elements of the organization’s communications strategy, reaching thousands of people weekly and reporting new research findings, on-the-ground projects, and analysis in language accessible to a broad readership, while maintaining scientific accuracy and journalistic styles and principles. Articles are written by consultant science writers working remotely, by partners the world. Most are also translated into French, Spanish, Bahasa Indonesia, and other languages.
• CIFOR-ICRAF's news sites are both crucial resources for researchers, academics, policymakers, students, the general public and journalists. Key to its success are the quality and accessibility of the writing, the strong scientific base, the volume of stories published and the production of special features.
• The News Editor/Content Manager will support CIFOR-ICRAF’s news sites’ ongoing success through their experience in science journalism, flair for writing catchy headlines and compelling leads, ability to spot and fix story flaws, genuine interest in science, environment and development, and a whole lot of energy and spirit.

Duties and 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, copy-editing, content packaging and disseminating, this role will oversee a range of materials including news stories, feature articles, op-eds, speeches, fact sheet s, 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 copy edit 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 the 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

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 desirable

The application deadline is 20 Aug, 2023