Communication Officer at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Communication Officer

Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2020-019
Location: Abuja
Recruitment Type: National (2-year renewable contract)

Duties

• In consultation with the IITA Communications office; implement communication strategies and campaigns to support AfricaYam II project activities.
• Maintain website of the Yam Community of Practice (YCoP) through a mechanism of regular updates and communication with relevant stakeholders;
• Develop and Participate in producing various communication materials including brochures, flyers, banners, posters, articles, news stories and technical reports on AfricaYam II project activities;
• Support the development and packaging, print/web/audiovisual/multimedia materials in a variety of formats for the AfricaYam II project;
• Monitor stories in the print and news media that cite activities;
• Co-facilitate the dissemination of farmer- friendly information activities through features writing, press releases, field days, radio programs and television;
• Assist in producing unique photography and video coverage for events/occasion;
• Support the production of training videos, conducting informative interviews and testimonials aim at promoting interventions of AfricaYam II project partners.
• Review all publications and designs materials for errors before printing;
• Create and upload engaging social media content using graphics and illustrations to increase awareness and sensitization of yam stakeholders;
• Manage all exclusive photographs and video content for social media platforms;
• Monitor all social media conversations, mentions, and other activities and provide feedback to questions and comments;
• Collect and share feedback from social media channels with relevant unit;
• Maintain the project partner and stakeholder database, making sure the database is populated and data is kept up to date;
• Perform all other related duties that may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualification

• BSc / HND in Mass Communications, Journalism, Media Relations, English Language or related degree in social science with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience performing related roles in an international organization.

Competencies:
The ideal candidate must:

• Expert knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office Applications - Word, PowerPoint, Outlook applications; Cloud data storage tools - Google drive, DropBox, OneDrive.
• Adept at using major social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
• Good skills in writing, editing and proofreading, concept and brand creation
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity.
• Good command of English – possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team-oriented multicultural environment.
• Experience in the use of graphic design software – Adobe Suite, CorelDraw etc; will be a plus

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

Application Closing Date
21st July, 2020.