Job: Communications Officer

Location: Mexico
Deadline: Friday, 16 August 2013 

Description

The CGIAR Generation Challenge Programme (GCP;www.generationcp.org ) is an internationally funded, non-profit research and capacity-building program hosted by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®. GCP pools together public and private research efforts in developed and developing countries to develop and promote genetic and genomic resources and tools that can be used to deliver the fruits of the genomics revolution to resource-poor famers through improved crops.

Since July 2009, GCP has been coordinating the development of the Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP; www.integratedbreeding.net), a one-stop shop providing access to modern tools applications, and services for integrated crop breeding with a focus on breeders in developing countries. This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with a broad range of partners from CGIAR Centres, Universities and country-based programmes. Moving into an implementation phase, we are seeking a dynamic, self-motived individual with a wide range of skills and experience in communication and product marketing for the position of IBP Communications Officer. The incumbent will be responsible for designing, developing, maintaining and managing IBP communications and promotion activities in close collaboration with the IBP Team, key collaborators and external contractors.

CIMMYT is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to the website for more information:www.cimmyt.org

The position will be based at CIMMYT's main campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico), but the location can be negotiated.

Specific duties of this position include:

• Formulate and lead the implementation of a communication and promotion strategy for the implementation phase of IBP, with segmented audiences clearly identified.

• Contribute to and oversee the production of, promotional materials to implement the strategy above, including audiovisual pieces, brochures and other write-ups, press releases, images etc., as well as external liaison as necessary.

• Oversee and coordinate the development and update of manuals and tutorials for IBP tools as well as services documentation.

• Coordinate new product launches and promotion.

• Manage and actively promote IBP social media accounts and blogs, for both information and promotion purposes.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Public Relations or Marketing; or degree in social science with supplementary training or experience in communication and/ or advocacy and promotion.

• At least five years of experience in the arena of communication and product promotion.

• Excellent written and spoken English is essential; Knowledge of Spanish and/or French desirable.

• Experience in product awareness communication and promotion.

• Ability to analyze technical documents and transform them into interesting messages in everyday language.

• Good interpersonal and team skills and ability to work in a multicultural setting.

• Affinity for international agricultural research and development.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract up to December 2014, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds (IBP Phase II proposal under development).

CIMMYT's internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later thanFriday, 16 August, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email:irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number:12321 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, at g.flores@cgiar.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.