Communication Specialist (17-63)

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref: 17-63/CS/IRS/AM

Communication Specialist

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a highly talented Communication Specialist to drive the internal and external communications activities for the upcoming USAID SERVIR Amazonia project. SERVIR Amazonia is a joint USAID/NASA opportunity to help the Amazon region (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Guyana, and Suriname) to improve environmental management and resilience to climate stress by strengthening the capacity of governments and other key stakeholders to integrate Earth observation information and geospatial technologies into development decision-making.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR which is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The position: The Communication Specialist will be based in Amazonian Region and involve work in Peru, Brazil, and Colombia as well as travel other countries in the Amazonian region. Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development and implementation of the project communication strategy.
• Coordinate communication efforts in partner Centers, programs, and organizations.
• Coordinate promotion of the SERVIR Amazonia brand, particularly among donors and decision makers.
• Supervise online content for the project website.
• Support preparation of reports, social media, and brand journalism efforts. Contribute communications components to program development in the countries served by SERVIR Amazonia.
• Develop and coordinate communication plans for external events.
• Actively collaborate with other Communications team members to execute the project communication efforts.

Selection Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) in journalism, communication, marketing or a related area.
• Five years of professional experience in developing and implementing communication strategies or exemplary communications results in fewer years.
• Demonstrated experience working with media.
• Strong and effective use of social media skills.
• Knowledgeable and familiarity with public relations.
• Experience with website content management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Proactive approach, with ability to find creative ways to solve problems or exploit potentials.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English. Spanish and Portuguese language skills a plus.

Conditions: Employment contract will be for a three-year term (with a three-month probation period) with the possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. Any offer made with regards to this vacancy is conditional to the formal award of the afore-mentioned grant to the CIP-led consortium. The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

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

(http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), including a letter of motivation, a full C.V. with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on 26 September, 2017 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; 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