Head of Communications

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref.: 17-11 HC/IRS/HQ

Head of Communications

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a highly motivated Head of Communications responsible for the creation, implementation, and oversight of the CIP communication and marketing strategic plan. The position requires a dynamic professional with leadership in designing and managing marketing and communications campaigns with an emphasis on storytelling to convey CIP’s impact globally across a diverse set of stakeholders.

This position will be based in Lima, Peru and will report to the Director of Resource Mobilization and will be part of a Senior Team whose goal is to assist in mobilizing resources by increasing visibility and understandingofCIP missionandvision throughmarketingandcommunications oftheCIPbrandand impact. The successful candidate will manage a team of professionals within the Communications and Knowledge Resources Center responsible developing integrated communications for fundraising plan, as well as for the design, production, and dissemination of the key print and electronic materials which include the annual report, Website, electronic newsletters, project collateral materials, multimedia presentations, speeches and presentations for the Director General and other leaders. The Role:

• Develops communication and marketing strategies to support CIP’s Strategic and Corporate Plan aligning to the Sustainable Development Goals
• Identifies and manages position marketing work and communication campaigns in support of the organization’s overall resource mobilization targets and of significant interest to key strategic donors and partners
• Utilizes storytelling techniques to convey CIP key message to influencers and stakeholders
• Leads in communicating CIP brand and enforcing branding guidelines
• Gathers and expands CIP reach and uptake through effective use of social media, oral, graphic and audiovisual tools, as well as digital branding
• Increases visibility and understanding of CIP vision and purpose, particularly with donors
• Oversees CIP Knowledge Resources including the library and open access functions
• Actively engages with broader CGIAR communication teams and activities
• Champions internal communications
• Guides, as relevant, the development of communications elements in future programmatic initiatives

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and MA in relevant disciplines
• At least 8 years of relevant work experience
• Fullsetofskillsincludingmarketing,communications,socialmedia,mediarelations,andbranding Experience in communications in a scientific setting preferred
• Ability to understand how to utilize both traditional forms of communication (i.e. print material) and new media techniques to promote the organization’s accomplishments to a wide and diverse audience
• Demonstrated experience translating scientific information into formats and messages for diverse audiences
• Demonstrated success liaising among partners or projects to enhance communication and public awareness
• Successful track record in communications and marketing strategy and implementation, working across the marketing communication mix, at senior level
• Demonstrated people management and team building skills
• Proactive approach, with ability to find creative ways to solve problems or exploit potentials
• Superb written communication skills in English, with knowledge of Spanish or another language
• Understanding of research, development, international agriculture, environmental, and food issues, and global context preferred

Background:

The International Potato Center (CIP) is celebrating over 45 years of research dedicated to working with small holder farmers to improve their lives through roots and tuber crops. In 2016 three CIP scientists received the World Food Prize for their working on biofortified orange fleshed sweetpotato to reduce hidden hunger and specifically vitamin A deficiency. CIP also received the Al-Sumait Award for African Food Security for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP is an international non-profit agricultural research for development institution with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean Root and Tuber Crops. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru with staff and offices in over 20 locations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

Conditions: Employment contractwill be for a three-year term with the possibility of renewal. Salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP provides additionalbenefitsincludingemployer-paidmedical,lifeanddisabilityinsuranceandretirementbenefits. Allowances toward relocation, housing, home leave travel, dependents’ education and annual leave are also provided. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply online through CIP’s Job Opportunities website

(http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), including a cover letter, a full C.V. with the names and contact informationofthreereferencesthatareknowledgeableofthecandidate’sprofessionalqualificationsand work experience. Screening of applications will begin on April 17 , 2017 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short listed candidates will be contacted. Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply