Organization: CIFOR – Center for International Forestry Research
Location: Nairobi
Grade: Mid level – Mid level
Occupational Groups:
Communication and Public Information
Managerial positions
Closing Date: 2025-01-06

CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The position holder coordinates all communications activities at the SEI Africa and is also part of the SEI wide Comminutions team. The purpose of the job is to be responsible for building SEI Africa’s continental and international profile, develop and implement SEI’s Africa’s Communications Roadmap as aligned to SEI’s Global Strategy 2025, manage and coordinate SEI Africa’s communication needs according to the organization’s policies, provide communication support to projects, and manage Centre events.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the preparation and implementation of the Centre Communications Roadmap in line with SEI Strategy, and the preparation of the Annual Centre Communications Plan.
• Lead and coordinate SEI outreach activities that include media appearances, public presentations, science-policy dialogues, media briefings, and preparation of articles for specialist publications as appropriate;
• Manage the Centre’s digital presence, including websites and social media content (e.g. blogs, LinkedIn, X, Facebook), and monitor trends in social media.
• Coordinate and lead the preparation of the Centre’s outreach documents, publications and materials (annual report, brochures, fact sheets, etc.), and work with the Global Communications team to ensure wide dissemination of the outreach materials across the various target audience and the public
• Contribute to the Centre’s knowledge management activities in liaison with the Centre’s Knowledge Management and Learning (MEL) Focal Point and the Engagement and Impact Officer
• Establish and build relationships with decision-makers, and journalists, and maintain communication with key contacts in media, research, government, private sector and partner organizations in Africa.
• Lead and coordinate events organized by the Centre including Workshops, Conferences, Seminars, Press Briefings, and Trainings, among others.
• Contribute to reputation management for the Centre and global SEI.
• Provide guidance to the Centre Director and Management team on communication needs and decisions pertaining to SEI Communications.
• Lead the Communications team, including supervision of the Communication staff and Communications Interns.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree, preferably in Communications, Science Communications, Journalism, or Communication related fields.
• At least 10 years of progressive working experience in the field of communications, and/or journalism and related areas, preferably in Africa.
• Expert knowledge of social networking channels and demonstrated experience in administering social media platforms is essential.
• Experience in science writing.
• Experience in event management.
• Experience working for an international organization.
• Fluency in English is required; fluency in Kiswahili is preferred; and fluency in French is an added advantage.

Education, knowledge and experience

•A Master’s degree, preferably in Communications, Science Communications, Journalism, or Communication related fields.
•At least 10 years of progressive working experience in the field of communications, and/or journalism and related areas, preferably in Africa.

Terms and conditions

This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and on competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.

Application process

The application deadline is 06 Jan 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

How to apply

Simply click on the apply button, fill out of the form, and upload your documents

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