International Potato Center Communication Specialist Job in Kenya

The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks a highly talentedCommunication Specialist to organize and manage the internal and external communications activities in order to contribute toward the improvement, consistency, and heightened visibility of the CIP brand.

Ref: 14-20/CS/IRS/SSA

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. 

Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.

CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. 

CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 

CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The position: The Communication Specialist will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The specialist will report to the Head of CPAD and the Regional Operations Leader in SSA. 

The principal tasks and responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following:

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Coordinate and implement communication activities to support CIP’s research teams in SSA.
• Program and coordinate external communication strategies promoting the CIP brand, in line with the SCP and CGIAR.
• Support with the proposal development teams through final edits and proofreading, periodically.
• Contribute with communications components to program development and project proposals in the region.
• Expand internal communication activities, to ensure all staff in SSA is well informed about CIP's research activities, corporate priorities, and policies.

Selection Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, marketing or a related area.
• Five years of professional experience in developing and implementing communication strategies or exemplary communications results in fewer years.
• Demonstrated experience working with media, and other communication forums.
• Strong and effective use of social media skills.
• Knowledgeable and familiarity with public relations, communication strategies, and website content management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Proactive approach, with ability to find creative ways to solve problems or exploit potentials.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English, working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese desirable.
• Familiarity with international agricultural researches for development, CGIAR, CRPs a plus.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for a three-year term (with a three month probation period) with the possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. 

The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. 

CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site athttp://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. 

Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply
 

How to apply:
 

Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org. 

The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. 

Screening of applications will begin on April 25, 2014and will continue until the post is filled. 

All applications will be acknowledged, only short listed candidates will be contacted.