Communication and Knowledge Exchange Expert at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of the tropics. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate 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 Communication and Knowledge Exchange Expert.

Job Title: Communication and Knowledge Exchange Expert

Ref: DDG-PCD/CKEE/02/14
Location: Ibadan, Nigeria

Position/Responsibilities
The Communication and Knowledge Exchange Expert will report to the Project Leader, “Sustainable Weed Management Technologies for Cassava Systems” through the Head of the Communication Office at IITA.

The successful candidate will:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement a detailed communication and knowledge exchange plan for the cassava weeds management project in close collaboration with project partners and the IITA Communication Office.
• Lead and support the capitalization of research findings in the project through regular reports and specific documentation (case studies, best practices, lessons learnt, etc.).
• Manage and ensure effective stakeholder relationships and knowledge exchange approaches by engaging in dialog and using feedback mechanisms with project partners, ADPs and beneficiaries.
• Manage project events, including press conferences, promotional events and exhibits.
• Manage in close collaboration with the Head of Communication and the donor the PR aspect of a possible crisis situation and advising management on possible crisis communication strategies.
• Set up, design and coordinate an online media platform on project results in close collaboration with a social media expert.
• Coordinate on-farm field demonstrations (at least 150) for rural populations and extension services in close collaboration with an Extension Expert.
• Design, manage and disseminate an educational video documentation on the project.
• Oversee the Training of Trainers component of the project in close relationship with ADPs and an extension expert.
• Produce training and educational materials for extension services and rural populations.
• Oversee results based rural communication approaches and monitor them via qualitative studies (KAP studies) with beneficiaries.
• Produce efficient communication materials (print and audio) adapted to the needs of cassava farmers.
• Develop, produce and disseminate guidebooks on cassava weeds management technologies to farmers.
• Contribute to competence building of staff related to communication, extension and monitoring.
• Participate and contribute to the yearly reporting, evaluation and planning processes and elaboration of corresponding plans.
• Working as part of the IITA communication team to develop and implement IITA PR activities.
  

Educational Qualifications
The candidate should have a degree in public relations, development support communication, rural development, tropical agriculture or similar discipline (MSc).

Core Competencies:

• Good understanding of poverty, gender and sustainability issues.
• Good understanding of poverty, gender and sustainability issues in rural areas in Africa.
• At least 5 years of working experience in rural development, preferably some experience in Nigeria.
• Proven track record in analysis, writing up and dissemination of scientific findings.
• Experience in implementing monitoring & evaluation systems and capitalising on outcome mappings.
• Excellent team worker and facilitator, communication and networking skills.
• Ability to integrate in an existing complex programme set-up
• Excellent spoken and written English, knowledge of local languages in Nigeria is an additional asset.

General information: Initial appointment is for 3 years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package.

Application Closing Date:
10^th March 2014

Method of Applications:
Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application


Click here for more details on the job