Communication Officers at the 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.

We hereby invite applications for the position below:

Job Title: Communication Officer

Location: Ibadan, Oyo

Job Description
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement a detailed communication and knowledge exchange plan for the ATASP-1 Project outreach program 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 dialogue and using feedback mechanisms with project partners, ADPs, and beneficiaries in the SCPZs.
• Manage project events, including press conferences, promotional events, and exhibitions.
• Manage in close collaboration with the Head of Communication and the key partners (AfDB and FMARD) the PR aspect of any possible crisis situation and advise 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.
• Design, manage, and disseminate an educational video documentation on the project.
• Oversee the Training of Trainers component of the project in close relationship with the FMARD, the youth (Agripreneurs), 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, rice, and sorghum farmers.
• Develop, produce, and disseminate guidebooks on cassava, rice, and sorghum-based technologies to farmers.
• Contribute to the 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.
• Work as part of the IITA communication team to develop and implement IITA PR activities.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualification and Experience

• The candidate should have M.Sc in Public Relations, Development Support Communication, Rural Development, Tropical. At least five years of working experience in rural development, preferably with some experience in Nigeria. agriculture or a similar discipline.

General Information

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

Application Closing Date
25th April, 2015.

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include 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.

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