Communication Specialist AT International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Job description

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) - Aflasafe is a revolutionary biocontrol product, developed by IITA, United States Department of Agriculture - Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS) and national partners, which reduces the prevalence of aflatoxins in treated maize and groundnut by 80% - 99% from farm to fork.

The ATTC Project, funded jointly by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), is designed to run for five years. It is slated to cover eleven countries where aflasafe is, or will soon, likely to be a nationally registered product: Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, The Gambia, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi and Uganda. IITA is looking for a uniquely qualified professional to lead the public relations and communication of the project.

IITA invites applications for this vacant position Job Description

• Lead the development and implementation of the communication strategy for the project to improve its visibility.
• Support the manufacturing and distribution companies of Aflasafe to develop and promote the aflasafe brand.
• Support the awareness creation component of the project.
• Develop and implement communication plans and campaigns to support ATTC project activities, and promote results and impact among investors/donors, partners, beneficiaries, and the general public.
• Lead all public events organized by the project such as launches, business meetings, products presentations, networking events.
• Capture and write up stories about ATTC work for a range of stakeholders and platforms in various formats including video, radio, stills, website and print publications.
• Generate/contribute written content and provide editing and quality control in the production of various publications and project documents such as progress reports, newsletters, annual highlights, R4D Review, among others
• Plan, edit and design a variety of print products/ publications using desktop publishing tools.
• Regularly monitor and report on website analytics to inform digital strategies online.
• Redesign the Aflasafe website, enrich content, provide editorial support and offer guidance to a widening pool of website contributors.
• Create and manage the project’s social media channels, uploading information and materials; monitoring comments and giving feedback.
• Mentor and train program staff in a variety of communications and digital media skills (e.g. social media, writing blogs, editorial style and guidelines, brand).

Candidate Requirements

• The candidate should have a Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Arts.
• 5+ years of professional experience in corporate, or developmental communication; direct experience of working in private sector preferred.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Relevant experience with website production and maintenance, digital media production and management, and design.
• Relevant experience in the development and promotion of brands.
• Experience in designing and organizing high level business and advocacy/policy events.
• Good oral and written communication in French is an advantage.

APPLY HERE