Reference number: 2499
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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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 todayโs 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. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a
Africa Communications Manager
Overview Develops and delivers integrated communication strategies for the African Region, ensuring alignment with CIMMYTโs 2030 Strategy and global objectives. Manages high-profile media relations, internal communications, and public engagement to enhance CIMMYTโs reputation, influence, and impact across Africa and beyond.
Duties and responsibilities
1. Strategy.
Provide strategic communications to support resource mobilization efforts in the region, ensuring global impact.
Work on impactful donor communications plans with the Donor Relations and Fundraising Support services team as part of donorsโ cultivation plans.
Represent the organization at high-profile regional and international forums, such as UN assemblies and COP events, to amplify CIMMYTโs mission and impact.\"
Provide input into Chapter global strategy and operational plan.
Keep abreast of the latest communication trends and technologies, ensuring that the organization is using the most effective tools and strategies.
Manage and implement crisis communication plans to ensure that the organization is prepared to respond to negative events, in coordination with the Global Head of Communications.
2. Creative Hub.
Ensure the creation of high-quality content for various channels, including internal communications, executive communications, websites, social media, email, and publications.
Establish and enforce editorial policies and procedures, in line with C&O global policies and procedures.
Translate CIMMYTโs mission and projects in concrete, tangible story lines with high human interest.
Ensure that the company's brand voice is consistent across all regions and communication channels.
Manages workflows, including project scoping, prioritization, and scheduling, to ensure timely execution of all requirements.
3. Media Relations.
Develop engaging content for media channels, such as press releases, news articles, feature stories, and interviews. Craft compelling narratives that highlight CIMMYT's impact, research breakthroughs, and human-interest stories.
4. Social & Digital Communications.
Lead innovation in social and digital communications in the region by driving digital transformation, implementing AI-driven content strategies, and managing campaigns; oversee the development of enterprise-wide communications systems and platforms to strengthen reach and impact according to the global communications strategy.
Manage and curate content calendars to optimize content for different platforms and formats Plan and execute social and digital campaigns to achieve specific objectives related to Africaโs programs and projects.
Prepare quarterly reports including CIMMYTโs Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for social media, media, website, and publications.
Monitor and evaluate CIMMYTโs communications and outreach digital platforms and regularly provide analysis and recommendations for improvements.
5. Internal Communications.
6. Executive Communications.
Manage systems to ensure quality assurance and streamline event engagement for leadership team members.
Provide guidance and support to senior leaders on communication matters, including media relations, crisis communications, and public speaking.
7. Regional Communications.
8. Administration.
Create a high-performing team that strives for excellence and supports the CIMMYT mission for impact with a culture of shared accountability and results orientation.
Develop and constantly update a global roster of cost-efficient, high-quality freelance editors, translators, designers, web programmers, and other specialists.
Mentor and empower the Africa communication team to pursue innovative approaches and set demanding metrics for engagement that deliver results in a fast-changing, competitive external communications environment, and build the organizationโs brand and contribute to succession planning.
Develop and manage the communications budget/SAS Africa, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
Conduct recruiting and onboarding processes to expand the team as needed. ยท