About IRRI

Job Purpose

The Asia Communications Senior Associate oversees and implements strategic communication planning and coordinates internal and external communication for the region.

The Senior Associate will provide strategic communications support, fostering a collaborative environment, to researchers and the Regional Hub’s management team in communicating the Alliance’s accomplishments, ongoing research efforts, and impacts to a wide variety of audiences. The incumbent will work closely with the Regional Partnership Specialists to support the resource mobilization efforts in
the Region.

Working closely with the three Communications sub teams (Global, Digital & Internal, and Publications, Brand & Graphic Design), the Senior Associate will deliver innovative, on-time, and high-quality communications products and content for research and support areas that will be disseminated through the Alliances platforms and digital channels.

The Senior Associate is the key focal point in establishing and managing external media relationships, primarily local and regional, to actively promote the Alliance’s broad message.

This position will be based in Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Oversee and implement regional strategic communications planning, including identification of priority audiences/users, target outputs/outcomes, operational strategies/implementation mechanisms, and required resources, also as input to overall institutional planning;
• Coordinate digital, editorial and graphic design support in the region;
• Develop external communication products including stories, videos, podcasts, public awareness-raising materials, research briefs and reports, and capacity building tools;
• Manage contracts related to external service providers to ensure proper delivery of regional materials;
• Manage strategic media relations at the international, regional, and national levels to ensure high visibility for the Alliance’s work in Asia;
• Oversee and implement the development of communication tools in support of the resource mobilization initiatives in the Asia region working together with the
• Managing Director and Partnership Specialists;
• Coordinate the intra-institutional communications activities to support timely and regular information-sharing among members of the regional team, and with the Alliance’s global community;
• Manage the engagement of communication assistants, interns, and coordinators in the region;
• Participate in key CGIAR activities through relevant research initiatives and regional engagements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, or related fields;
• Master’s degree in communications or related fields is a plus

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Thematic knowledge of topics including agriculture, food systems, climate change, agrobiodiversity, nutrition, poverty and livelihoods, digital and gender inclusion, crop research and sustainable development;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;
• Fluency in English is essential (oral and written);
• Working competency in other UN languages is a plus (oral and written);
• At least 5 years of experience in progressive communications, leading and deploying strategic plans and other communications deliverables;
• Prior experience working in an international organization, and in multiple time zones.

Preferred

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team with people in a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary environment, including external stakeholders;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to provide a high level of service under pressure;
• Experience and ability to translate complex science into widely compelling and targeted communications stories;
• Flexibility and willingness to travel;
• Creative, autonomous, and solutions-oriented approach.

Terms of contract

This position will be based in Los Banos, Philippines. The initial contract will be for one (1) year and is renewed annually based on performance and availability of project resources. The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT offers a multicultural and academic research environment, with competitive remuneration. We are an equal opportunity organization, and strive for gender, diversity, and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.

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 103841 – Asia Communications Senior Associate as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting (Cover letter should illustrate your motivation to apply and suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications and work responsibilities. Detailed curriculum vitae should include the names and email addresses of three professional referees who are knowledgeable about your skills and professional abilities).

The Alliance collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Applications closing date: 21 st July 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