VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (Ref. No. IRS/84/112014)
HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS (RE-ADVERTISEMENT)
icipe—the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology—is an international research organisation focused on African insect science for food and health. Its mission is to alleviate poverty by ensuring food security, improving health, protecting the environment and building the capacity of researchers and communities across the developing world. icipe has over 450 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in Kenya and Ethiopia, and projects in a number of countries across Africa.
icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position of HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS in the Office of the Director General. The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya. This is an international position. After successfully completing a six-month probation period, the appointment will initially be for two years, with a possibility of extension of the first contract. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
icipe ‘s communications
This role is a chance to help shape the communications agenda of an international organisation. In collaboration with the management team, the successful candidate will design and implement a Centre-wide communications strategy, boosting the visibility of the Centre to its international donors and sharing the results of its research widely.
This role will be supported by a communications team of four full-time staff (a communications officer, a graphics designer, a science editor and an administrative assistant). Across the organisation, there are several communication officers and social scientists whose work supports the aims of the Communications Unit. Various other writers, photographers and filmmakers who are familiar with icipe‘s work will be available to support specific projects.
icipe‘s communication outputs include its website, newsletters, corporate reports, training and dissemination materials, internal bulletins, social media, as well as scholarly articles in journals (including our journal, the International Journal of Tropical Insect Science).
Living in Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, with a population of over three million and plentiful supermarkets, malls, bars and restaurants as well as many parks and open spaces. Although it is important to be conscious of security, Kenyans are largely warm, welcoming and forgiving of visitors.
Nairobi has a thriving international research scene, hosting various CGIAR centres and several UN agencies. icipe employs a number of international staff. If the successful candidate is appointed from outside Kenya, he or she will be offered support to relocate and settle in the city.
Key responsibilities
- Provide leadership and coordination for all communication activities of the Centre to enhance icipe‘s visibility and credibility as a centre of excellence by supporting the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy to raise the profile of icipe‘s corporate brand, programmes, projects and individual researchers.
- Strengthen and diversify icipe‘s communications products by reviewing the adequacy of icipe‘s current communication materials and recommending improvements. Oversee the design and production of icipe‘s various publications, including press releases, corporate reports, brochures, training materials, newsletters, social media posts and the website.
- Provide communication/information advice and assistance to icipe teams, helping them to meet their visibility obligations to donors and partners either by assigning the work to the internal icipe team or by contracting the work to consultants, and coach research and support staff on the implementation of the communications strategy.
- Share icipe‘s work widely in local and international media, meeting our obligations to donors, collaborating with partners and stakeholders, and bringing the results of our research to those who might benefit from it.
- Ensure effective and appealing internal communication on icipe business, relevant topics, strategies and management decisions through internal bulletins, intranet and meetings, and help to organise workshops, seminars, exhibitions and employee functions in liaison with the management team.
- Ensure crisis preparedness and communications procedures are known and respected.
- Establish and manage an annual budget for communication functions in a responsible and cost-effective manner.
- To be accountable for all communication activities of the Centre including advocacy and liaison activities with organisations with similar interests locally and internationally.
Knowledge and skills required for performing the job
- Knowledge of media advertising and publishing is essential.
- Highly proficient in both spoken and written English. Knowledge of oral and written French is an added advantage.
- Computer proficiency particularly in MS Office Suite, and familiarity with desktop publishing and spreadsheet software is essential.
- Familiarity with Apple Macintosh computers is an added advantage.
Minimum qualifications required
- Degree in journalism, communications or related specification is essential.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills are mandatory.
Minimum experience required
- 5 years of related professional experience in positions of responsibility in an international or commercial organisation with an international scope.
- Experience in journalism/media relations.
- Proven track record in team leading, and capabilities in driving and developing a communications team.
- Strong in relationship building with journalists and other relevant external and internal stakeholder groups.
- High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation, and documentation skills.
- Ability to think strategically and to develop and execute a strategic communications plan, as well as the supporting messages and communication activities.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and well within teams.
Reporting
This position reports to the Director General.
The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
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