Project Communications Officer
Under the direct supervision of the Project Mangers of the 2 projects and with technical backstopping from IITA’s Regional Communication Officer for Southern Africa, the Project Communication Officer will be responsible for designing and implementing integrated communications strategies and tactics aimed at effectively building the profile of the 2 projects by informing and raising public awareness while also facilitating knowledge sharing and internal communications between and among stakeholders for efficient project operations
This is position under senior staff category on Pay Grade 9
Design and implement a communications plan that is relevant and meets information needs of stakeholders, Disseminate relevant project information to the public utilizing traditional (print and broadcast), electronic and social media, Assume the public relations role and speaks on behalf of project management on all matters relating to project activities and operations, Establish and maintain working relations with local and Malawi-based regional and/or international media to create awareness, raise the profile and promote project operations at national and regional levels, Support project implementers in creating demand for farmers’ agricultural commodities without necessarily engaging in competitive or commercial advertising, Facilitate learning and dialogue events between and among project stakeholders and beneficiaries, Generate content and prepare press briefing notes, press releases and update any developed website for the project, Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Project Managers
Minimum of first Degree in Journalism, Development Communications, Marketing or any related discipline, Experience in designing and implementing communications campaigns within the context of agricultural research for development projects, Excellent written and verbal communications skills, Established network of local, regional, and/or international media an advantage, Knowledgeable in the development (conceptualization, design and execution) of IEC materials, Knowledge of online communication, particularly social media and internet based knowledge-sharing platforms, Fluent in spoken English and Chichewa
The contracts will be for a period of 2 yrs with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding, These are nationally recruited staff positions and IITA offers nationally competitive remuneration packages paid in local currency
These positions will be based at IITA-Malawi Offices, Chitedze Research Station, Lilongwe
Please send your CV and letter of application with names and addresses of 3 refs by email to Mr Davie Botie (D.Botie@cgiar.org) OR by post to Mr Davie Botie, IITA-Malawi, Chitedze Research Station, P O Box 30258, Lilongwe 3, Malawi, The deadline for receiving applications is Friday 2ndOctober
