Research Communication Officer at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Research Communication Officer. This position is funded by USAID under the Program Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation / Africa RISING.

Job Title: Research Communication Officer - (Africa RISING) - (2 year renewable contract)

Location: Ibadan

Responsibilities

The Research Communication Officer will report to the Africa RISING Project Coordinator for East/Southern and West Africa through the Communication Office at IITA

In collaboration with the Africa RISING Coordinator, the research teams, and the IITA Communication Office, the successful candidate will:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement a detailed communication strategy for the two regional Africa RISING projects (West Africa, and East and Southern Africa).
• Support the collection, evaluation and capitalization of research findings through specific documentation (case studies, best practices, lessons learnt, fact sheets, articles for website and web2; etc.).
• Document and communicate news, updates and stories from the two projects for wider dissemination.
• Organize and manage project information and knowledge outputs for wide access and application in various forms: print, digital, video or audio and contribute these to the open sharing platforms and tools established at the Africa RISING Program level.
• Support and facilitate collaboration and communication within and across the two projects. This includes support for online tools, face to face meetings, workshops and facilitation, as needed.
• Assist with organization and facilitation of country and regional learning events bringing together project partners.
• Support networking and engagement activities with other actors in the target countries as a specific contribution Africa RISING’s wider alignment and scaling objectives.
• Support the innovative use of information, communication and knowledge-based interventions and approaches across the project, making use of, for example, participatory communication approaches, emerging ICTs, and working with partners in these areas.
• Plan and implement, information campaigns organized to promote Africa RISING generated findings and knowledge as needed.
• Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and experiences of the project through participation in related events and exchange meetings.
• Assist in the implementation of the monitoring system and regular reporting in close collaboration with project coordinator and partners.
• Contribute to donor reporting, evaluation and planning processes.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating the impact of the project communication activities
• Be a member of the steering committees for Africa RISING East/Southern Africa and West Africa
• Liaise with the Program Communication Team at ILRI in Addis Ababa to ensure Africa RISING-wide consistency in publication styles.
• Support the Program Communication Team in planning and organizing Program-wide events and products.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Qualification, Experience and Skills

• University degree in communication, knowledge management, or similar discipline (MSc. or Bachelor)
• Good understanding of poverty and sustainability issues in rural areas in Africa
• At least 5 years of working experience in communication agricultural research and science to different audiences
• Working experience with sustainable intensification of mixed crop livestock systems in rural areas (preferable)
• Proven track record in analysis, writing up and dissemination of agricultural research findings
• Experience in implementing monitoring & evaluation and impact assessment systems for communication activities
• Knowhow and experience in knowledge management including ICT and web2 tools
• Some experience in working with an international organization would be of advantage
• Excellent team worker and facilitator in an international environment, with good communication and networking skills
• Ability to integrate in and adapt to an existing complex project set-up
• Excellent spoken and written English, knowledge of French is an additional asset
• Willingness and ability to travel within Africa

General information: Initial appointment is for two years. Subsequent renewal of the contract will be decided based on research outputs and productivity, and continued need for the position.

Remuneration:
We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Application Closing Date:
20th June, 2013

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae, the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work and evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials, to IITA Website.

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