Communications Specialist – CIMMYT

Reference number: 202668

Job status: In-progress

Job category: Local position

Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya

Download PDF

Landscape Alliance

Landscape Alliance transforms science into action, unlocking the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to
advance planetary health and human well-being. Landscape Alliance is the operating name of the Center for International
Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the International Centre for Research on Agroforestry (ICRAF). CIFOR and ICRAF are
independent International Organizations and CGIAR Research Centers.

Landscape Alliance is looking for a

Communications Specialist – CIMMYT

Overview

About our organization:

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit: cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is hosted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF), a member of the CGIAR that is headquartered on United Nations Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya. We invite you to learn more about CIMMYT and World Agroforestry by accessing our web sites: www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org

Overview

The Communications Specialist develops and delivers strategic communications that showcase project results and impact, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and advance CIMMYT’s institutional visibility and strategic priorities.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Strategic Communication & Content Development for the Program and projects that you support– priorities/plan agreed with the Program Director and Africa Communications Manager (or their designates).

• Improve the visibility of CIMMYT and the Program and projects that you support, to enhance donor engagement through high-quality communication materials.
• Develop, edit, and disseminate high-quality communication materials across various platforms, including: Website content, blogs, and feature stories.
• Develop Social media content and digital campaigns.
• Ensure consistency in messaging, tone, and alignment with organizational priorities.

• Exhibit exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to create clear, engaging, and impactful content across multiple formats.

  1. Organizational Knowledge and Field Engagement.

• Partner with designers and multimedia specialists for cohesive, high-quality delivery.

• Develop a strong understanding of CIMMYT’s thematic areas, including:

  • Climate action, and agrifood systems transformation
  • Genetic innovations and seed systems, and their impacts
  • Sustainable intensification and agronomic innovations
  • Digital agriculture

• Highlight key scientific achievements, policy interventions, and success stories from different
  thematic areas.

  1. Campaigns and Events.

• Support planning and execution of:

  • Flagship campaigns
  • National and state-level events

• Prepare communication materials including:

  • Briefing notes
  • Presentations
  • Talking points

• Manage the Country office events calendar.

  1. Media and Public Relations.

• Build and maintain professional relationships with: Media outlets, Journalists and influencers in
  the region.

• Support media outreach to enhance organizational visibility.

• Documenting field activities and interviews that can be leveraged for media outreach.

• Providing narrative inputs for regional media campaigns.

• Supporting the preparation of press materials, advisories, and spokesperson briefings.

  1. Executive Communication Support.

• Support Executive Communications for country specific talking points, presentations, briefs and
  messages related to projects and events.

• Document visits of institutional leadership to hubs and project sites.

• Provide support with updated information/data related to CIMMYT’s Impact in the region.

• Support development of internal communication products, including:

  • Newsletters
  • Annual reports.
    1. Administration.

• Manage workflow and planning for content, events and partner communications to be
  delivered on time and within budget.

• Oversee a roster of cost-efficient and high-quality freelance editors, translators, designers, web
  programmers, and other specialists.

• Model and uphold CIMMYT values to strengthen a positive, mission-aligned culture within the
  Communications Department.

• Ensure adherence to CIMMYT brand guidelines in the country office and across all outputs.

• Support development and use of standardized templates and visual assets.

• Maintain consistent and professional organizational identity across platforms.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, Development communication, Journalism, Languages or related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Master’s degree in communication, Development communication, Journalism, Languages or related field with a minimum 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. French/Arabic is an added advantage.
• Experience working with international organisations, particularly in agricultural development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop communications materials for diverse audiences.
• Ability to adapt and package content for use across print, digital, and multimedia channels.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and digital communications tools.
• Strong skills in planning and coordinating events.
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Experience producing and editing video content

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with ICRAF policies.
• The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya, ICRAF Offices.
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.
• Go to K26365 Communications Specialist (Locally Recruited) – CIMMYT
• The application deadline is 17 November 2026