Communications Coordinator Job in Nairobi, Kenya

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Communications Coordinator for Africa
 
Ref. 1319

Based in Nairobi, Kenya
 
CIFOR is a nonprofit, global facility dedicated to advancing human well-being, environmental conservation and equity by conducting research to help shape effective policy, improve the management of tropical forests and address the needs and perspectives of people who depend on forests for their livelihoods. 

CIFOR is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. 

Our headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia, with offices in Asia, Africa and South America.
 
CIFOR is looking for a Communications Coordinator for Africa
 
Overview
 
The Communications Coordinator for Africa will lead the implementation of a well-funded and far-reaching communication program to raise awareness of CIFOR’s research in the forestry sector in Africa. 

The Coordinator will work closely with CIFOR scientists across Africa to create uptake pathways for research findings, with the goal of maximizing outcomes and impact for specific research projects to target stakeholders include government officials, the private sector, civil society, donors, media and the research community.
 
The ideal candidate would have a passion for science communications, with broad experience and familiarity with emerging social media tools and trends. 

He or she would be a strong writer and take pleasure in taking complex research findings and making them understandable and accessible for a wide-ranging audience, especially policymakers. 

The successful candidate would be bilingual in French and English and would be experienced in managing a complex, geographically diverse communication project.

Duties and Responsibilities
 
Reporting to the Media Liaison and Outreach Manager, the Communications Coordinator for Africa will be responsible for:
  • Updating, expanding and overseeing the implementation of a communications strategy to deliver research findings to key stakeholders in Africa and elsewhere;
  • Coordinating implementation of the communication component of the CGIAR Research Program on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry (liaising closely with communication focal points at research partners);
  • Working closely with CIFOR’s communications units. This comprises of a large Outreach team with officers and consultants in Asia and Latin America; a Multimedia unit, which overseas CIFOR’s many web platforms and publications; and a Data and Information group, which coordinates data-sharing and CIFOR’s publication repository;
  • Being the focal point for CIFOR’s media relations in Africa;
  • Drafting and editing press releases, talking points, op-eds, blog stories, multimedia packages and corporate communication documents;
  • Building communication plans and budgets into research proposals and projects;
  • Taking the lead in organizing conferences and workshops in Africa.
Requirements:
  • Master’s degree in journalism, communications or a related discipline;
  • At least eight (8) years experience in science communications and/or top-tier science journal;
  • Experience as a project manager and in coordinating a team;
  • Proven strong writer;
  • Experience in event coordination is an advantage;
  • Knowledge of African communication networks;
  • Fully bilingual in English and French.
Terms and conditions
 
This is an internationally recruited position. CIFOR offers attractive and regionally competitive compensation and benefits, commensurate with skills and experience.
 
The contract will be for two (2) years with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of this project and position, and available resources. 

The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.
 
Application process
 
The application deadline is June 30, 2013 but early submission of applications is encouraged.
 
We will acknowledge all applications; however, we will contact only short-listed candidates.
 
Please send your letter of interest and CV, including contact information for three referees to:
Human Resources Department, CIFOR cifor-hr-jobs@cgiar.org
 
Please indicate the position in the email subject line.
 

CIFOR is an equal opportunity employer. Staff diversity contributes to excellence.