A Regional Communications & Knowledge Management Coordinator is needed at IWMI
Description
The Communications & Knowledge Management Expert will lead the development and delivery of a communication strategy required for achieving impact primarily for the IWMI Western Africa office, and especially for the regional integrated initiative. The Expert will provide communications and public relations support to the IWMI-WA Country Representative, Project Leaders and a team of researchers undertaking various research projects in the region.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The position holder will work closely with the Project Leader, Country Representative and Communication & Knowledge Management team to:
- Develop and implement communication and knowledge management action plans that include media outreach and social media content creation for research projects
- Conceptualize and develop digital, printed and multimedia communications materials including presentations, press releases, fliers, brochures, posters, web and social media campaigns, infographics, informational videos, and blogs based on insights research projects and according to donor requirements and IWMI branding guidelines
- Identify and filter key messages and recommendations from technical research reports and package for dissemination to different stakeholders.
- Develop news stories and opinion articles, cultivate relationships with journalists, coordinate interviews with researchers and organize media participation in field visits and key events.
- Perform writing, editing and, translating services to the research teams.
- Develop and maintain contacts with the media and establish a media outlet database for the project.
- Public relations and engagement coordination: engage/network, support the identification of key clients and partners, maintain relevant information on and with them, and engage with research.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in development planning and policy making.
- Compile, edit and distribute regular newsletters to targeted audiences and update project mailing lists.
- Support the documentation of internal and external meetings and workshops with clients and partners.
- Provide editorial assistance to Researchers.
- Learn and share – develop systems to support learning, reflection and sharing amongst teams, projects and partners.
- Liaise with IWMI HQ and CGIAR communication and KM Coordinators to provide information and materials as needed.
- Contribute to the preparation of project proposals to ensure inclusion of clear communications and uptake strategies, and activities.
- Manage all communications sub-contracts and service providers needed by the office and/or project teams e.g. graphic design firms, videographers, photographers etc.
Requirements
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Essential:
- A Master’s degree in journalism/mass communication or any discipline relevant to IWMI’s mandate eg: in natural / physical sciences or social sciences
- A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional and applied experience
- Experience in the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of communications and knowledge management plans in multi-disciplinary research for development programs
- Experience in content writing and editing for all relevant media platforms
- Demonstrated success in working on international programs and in international work environment
- Basic understanding and willingness to consider gender and inclusion in communication materials
- Experience in writing on scientific and development issues
- Experience working in Western Africa
Desirable:
- Additional degree in public relations, journalism or mass communication or related subjects
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Essential:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French.
- A demonstrated ability to use various communication channels, social media and collaborative tools to communicate research for development studies to a broad range of stakeholders
- Ability to work with partners to achieve joint objectives
- Strong analytical mind, the ability to listen carefully, synthesize and communicate persuasively
- Innovative, positive attitudes and the ability to take independent initiative
- Good organizational and planning abilities
- Highly computer literate with capability in Microsoft Office
- Good interpersonal skills
- Strategic communicator and public speaking skills
- Pragmatic, proactive, passionate, strategic and creative mindset
- Knowledge of photo and video editing and use of requisite software
- Ability to write script and produce videos for social media and other promotional purposes
- Skills in photo storytelling and graphic design
Desirable:
- Ability to write script and produce videos for social media and other promotional purposes
- Skills in photo storytelling and graphic design
Benefits
We Offer
This is a regionally recruited position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international insurance coverage and a transportation allowance. Additional allowances may include housing, education, shipping assistance, and annual home leave travel for you and eligible dependents. The duration of the contract will initially be for a three-year period with possible extension.
How To Apply:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through 25 August, 2022. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
