Consultant – Central Africa Communications Coordinator

Reference number: 2134
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Consultancy
Duty station: Home-based
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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 Central Africa Communications Coordinator will be responsible for leading and implementing regional efforts towards achieving CIFOR-ICRAF’s goal of putting tropical forests and landscapes on the global agenda. Working closely with the Communications, Outreach and Engagement team at HQ and across the world, the Central Africa Communications Coordinator will make sure CIFOR-ICRAF’s research and work in the region and related to specific projects (see below) is interpreted for different audiences and mediums to ensure it achieves maximum impact. The outputs will be assigned on a quarterly basis as part of a product-based contract.

Duties and responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of a communications strategy for Africa.

• Coordinate messages to advance CIFOR-ICRAF’s regional outreach and ensure coherent, aligned and effective communications.
  
• Feed information and stories related to CIFOR-ICRAF’s work Central Africa to the COE team.
  
• Oversee CIFOR’s regional social media channels for Central Africa.
  
• Edit Forests News in French.
  
• Draft communication plans and budgets for project proposals.
  
• Organize and participate in events to give visibility to CIFOR-ICRAF’s activities in Central Africa.
  

Provide editorial services to CIFOR scientists in the region.

• Coordinate with CIFOR-ICRAF’s editorial team in HQ to oversee the formatting, translation and design of project flyers, publications, banners and other print materials.
  
• Supervise English-French translations of communications materials and publications.
  

Lead the development and implementation of a regional media outreach strategy.

• Pitch stories to international, regional and national media to give visibility to CIFOR-ICRAF’s work in Central Africa.
  
• Manage CIFOR’s relations with regional media networks and serving as a focal point for journalists’ queries.
  
• Organize capacity building seminars for environmental journalists.  Draft, edit and disseminate press releases and media advisories.
  

Produce creative, strategic and engaging content that tells powerful stories and contributes to maximize CIFOR’s impact.

• Draft and edit blogs, infographics, news stories, flyers, policy briefs, and other communications materials.
  
• Assist the production of promotional objects such as USBs, t-shirts, and calendars.
  
• Manage photography, design and video providers and supervising the production of audio-visual materials.
  
• Produce awareness-raising and environmental education materials to support project objectives.  
  

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, sustainable development, international relations, or similar subjects.
• At least five (5) years of experience leading and implementing communications campaigns, preferably in the environment or development sectors.
• Relevant experience working in Africa and/or Latin America.
• Tech-savvy with excellent command of digital tools.
• Proficiency in English and French.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Have the ability to organize heavy loads of work and strategize.
• Be a team player and have outstanding interpersonal communications skills.
• Able to work with significant autonomy

Terms and conditions

• This is full-time consultancy position.
• Working locations: Home-based.To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor.org/careersTo learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor.org and www.worldagroforestry.orgCIFOR is an equal opportunity employer. Staff diversity contributes to excellence.

Application process

The application deadline is 15 Aug-2021
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.