The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

CGIAR FOCUS Climate Security is searching for a highly talented professional to serve as a Communication Specialist with extensive experience in producing communication strategies and materials on the topics of peace, migration, displacement and conflict studies, policy, and climate-smart agriculture.

Key duties & responsibilities

The Communications Specialist will be responsible for overseeing and executing the communications strategy for CGIAR FOCUS Climate Security, ensuring that the initiative’s research and policy insights are effectively communicated to global audiences. The role involves strategic leadership, development, and management of communications content across various channels. This position will also include managing and mentoring a Communications Assistant and working closely with research and leadership teams to maximize outreach and impact.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy for CGIAR FOCUS Climate Security.
• Guide and manage the Communications Assistant, delegating tasks and ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Oversee strategic development of content including blogs, infographics, videos, social media posts, and other materials.

Content Development and Management

• Lead the creation of targeted communication outputs to support key research areas: Evidence for Climate Security, Programming for Climate Security, Policy for Climate Security, and Finance for Climate Security.
• Ensure that all communication products comply with CGIAR branding guidelines and funder acknowledgment requirements.
• Work closely with researchers to translate complex climate security research into accessible, engaging communication materials.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, managing relationships with media outlets, partners, and donors.
• Support CGIAR FOCUS Climate Security’s participation in global events and initiatives, ensuring effective communication presence.
• Engage actively with the CGIAR global communications team to align initiatives and ensure coordinated messaging.

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and support the Communications Assistant, ensuring they are fully integrated into communication workflows and able to deliver on assigned tasks.
• Delegate tasks effectively, monitor performance, and provide guidance as needed to ensure high standards.

Media and External Relations

• Maintain relationships with key media outlets to promote CGIAR’s climate security research.
• Monitor and engage with global media to capitalize on opportunities for outreach and awareness-building.
• Draft and disseminate press releases, editorials, and media pieces to further publicize climate security research and its implications.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitor the impact and effectiveness of communication activities, regularly reporting on performance metrics.
• Adjust communication strategies as necessary to ensure maximum visibility and impact.

Internal communications and other tasks

• Work with other communicators and Communications & Outreach (C&O) working group lead to ensure the flow of information between Research 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)
• Attend events to ensure communications support
• Actively participate and engage in the global CGIAR C&O team.

Requirements

Required qualifications and experience.

• Master’s degree in international communications, Journalism, or other relevant fields.
• At least 5 years of experience in leading internal and external communications, preferably in international settings and/or on climate or sustainability issues.
• Experience in managing staff or consultants in a communications setting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience mentoring and guiding communications staff.
• Excellent writing and content development skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific ideas clearly and engagingly.
• High proficiency in developing multimedia content including infographics, audio editing, video editing, reports and media flyers.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms, website content management, and media monitoring tools.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and delegate tasks effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative, and decentralized environment, including across teams at several levels.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office with advanced PowerPoint and presentation skills.
• Excellent oral communication skills in English.

Terms of employment

This is an internationally recruited position which will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The initial contract will be for 2 years subject to a probation period of six months and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.

This position is graded at BG08 level, with a minimum basic salary of USD44,248 per annum, in a scale of BG01 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework policy). We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working arrangements.

The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications

Applicants are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number RFP300021 – Communication Specialist – Climate Security as the position applied for. The Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting. The Alliance collects and process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Applications closing date: Friday, 20^th December 2024

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about us at:

http://alliancebioversityciat.org

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements