Job Opportunities at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

• The Communications Specialist will actively communicate about key CIMMYT projects in Africa on a regular basis.

Duties and responsibilities

• Develop and execute the communications strategy for CGIAR Plant Health Initiative under the including identifying audiences and opportunities for engagement, in partnership with Initiative leadership. 
• Ensure coordination and alignment with CGIAR’s broader communications strategy around the Portfolio of Initiatives. 
• Work with other Initiative-level communicators, Communications & Outreach (C&O) Initiative working group lead, Center Communications Leads to ensure flow of information between Initiatives, as well as with the C&O Global Group. 
• Engage with C&O working groups as appropriate to ensure coordinated engagement (e.g., knowledge management, event participation, stakeholder engagement). 
• Work with Initiative team to develop clear messages and means of communicating research, particularly to non-research audiences.
• Advise Initiative team on how to generate awareness and publicity for the work.
• Actively engage in planning, monitoring, and executing communication activities as part of the Initiative.
• Develop or oversee the development of strategic communications content, including blogs, interactives, infographics, videos, social media. 
• Monitor global and regional media for Initiative-related opportunities and actively engage with relevant reporters on Initiative work via press releases, 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 microsite on cgiar.org
• Keep websites related to the Initiative current, relevant, and up to date and in consultation with CGIAR guidelines. Maintain Initiative social media presence (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) and ensure Initiative videos are properly tagged, described, and posted to CGIAR YouTube channels.
• Ensure the Initiative is fully compliant with CGIAR Initiative branding and funder acknowledgement guidelines.
• Protect and promote the correct use of the Initiative brand in all internal and external communication.
• Ensure Initiative staff is aware of the communication and branding/funder acknowledgement guidelines and has appropriate resources to comply.
• Manage Initiative-level knowledge management needs, including photo databases and curation of papers and publications to CGIAR databases and repositories. 
• Actively participate and engage in the global CGIAR C&O team. 

Other duties as assigned.

• Requirements Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or other relevant field and/or a minimum five years’ experience in communications Excellent writing and critical thinking skills and ability to convey complex data ideas and messages in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or other relevant field and/or a minimum five years’ experience in communications 
• Excellent writing and critical thinking skills and ability to convey complex data ideas and messages in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. 
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

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Overview

• The purpose of this position is to support and assist the maize line development breeders and researchers in managing maize nurseries and related activities at the CIMMYT-managed research station in Kiboko.
• By effectively managing these responsibilities, the Field Technician contributes to the success of CIMMYT’s efforts to develop multiple stress tolerant, improved maize germplasm for the benefit of farmers in Eastern Africa and beyond.

Duties and responsibilities

• Management of Maize Nurseries Implement appropriate agronomic practices, including fertilizer application, irrigation, weed control, and pest control, following prescribed guidelines. Coordinate with the Research Station Manager to ensure timely preparation of land for timely nursery plantings, adhering to the experimental design and breeder's instructions.
• Ensure timely and appropriate pollination of different nurseries based on breeders' instructions.
• Document input receipts and monitor input usage. 
• Prepare requests for inputs in advance to ensure smooth operations and planning. 
• Data Collection Collect accurate and relevant data from nurseries using electronic gadgets for data collection and upload to breeding management software.
• Seed Processing and Shipment Ensure seeds are packed according to breeder instructions to facilitate timely planting.
• Oversee the harvesting and processing of seeds at the right time for various trials and nurseries.
• Store the processed seeds in a cold room to maintain quality.
• Supervise seed packing and coordinate the shipment of field trials to various testing locations within the country and the region, ensuring timely planting.
• Requirements Diploma or B.Sc. degree in Crop Science or related field A Kenyan national with a valid driver’s license Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing field research trials for a crop research program.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Diploma or B.Sc. degree in Crop Science or related field
• A Kenyan national with a valid driver’s license
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing field research trials for a crop research program.