Communication and Media Specialist – International Potato Center (CIP)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for a dynamic and experienced Communication and Media Specialist, to support the 12 countries in Africa with an intensive portfolio of projects. Maintaining a representative profile, among target audiences in these countries requires daily communication activities like writing, social media, web updates, media relations and other activities.

The Communication and Media Specialist will be based in Nairobi and will be supervised by the Head of Communication and Public Awareness.

About CIP

CIP, a member of the One CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. One CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector.

About the role:

This position of Communication and Media Specialist will:

• Coordinate the internal communications messages to guarantee delivery of the information throughout the center, including the organization of related activities for same.
• Coordinates the development and implementation of headquarter-based communications media plans to promote brand visibility in the countries where CIP works using tools like social media, web updates, print material and other forms of communication.
• Tracks media coverage of CIP and related activities, keeps an up-to-date media contact list and prepares on-call reports of media engagement for the head of communications.
• Acts as a liaison between scientists and other staff and journalists seeking to cover CIP and coordinates pitches to locally-based media, ensuring alignment to CIP communications goals.
• In liaison with the Digital Editor, coordinate the relationship between freelance writers and editors and the graphic arts team to ensure the efficiency of the process.
• Works with the finance and logistics departments to ensure appropriate policies and procedures are respected in engaging consultants and reporting on expenses.
• In liaison with communications staff and others, follows up on agreed plans and activities, ensuring the coherence and efficiency of department processes in support of the CIP communications strategy.
• Contributes to the CIP-wide communications community of practice, sharing and communicating work, updates and lessons, participate in department learning, reviewing and planning activities and ensure that these activities follow the center’s standards and agreed channels.
• Coordinate the production of internal and external graphic arts projects in cooperation with the graphic arts team.
• Ensure the accuracy of charge backs to projects on donor funded communications products
• Comply with applicable health and safety CIP policies and procedures.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, marketing, or related area.
• At least 3-5 years of professional experience in internal communications.
• Knowledge of graphic design programs.
• Proficient in MS Office and Canva or another graphic design application.
• Knowledge of social media tools like Sprout Social, Buffer or Hootsuite.
• Internal communication strategies and tools.
• Production and editing of communication materials.
• Fluent in official language according to country location.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.

Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP works with partners in over 20 countries to improve diets and incomes of poor people in Africa, Asia and Latin America through scientific research, innovation, and capacity strengthening.
• CIP’s programs seek to strengthen broader agri-food systems to generate economic, social and nutritional benefits for farmers, enterprises and consumers emphasizing the priorities of women and youth in particular.
• CIP emphasizes the synergies between social and bio-physical sciences as a core strategy for making breakthroughs in our understanding of complex development challenges in food and agriculture and for our ability to overcome these.

What are we offering?

• Excellent working environment.
• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Fixed term contract of 3 years with possibility of renewal.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.