Back to Jobs

External Communications Officer

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) seeks an External Communications Officer (ECO) who can successfully communicate with key partners and audiences about CIMMYT’s mission and achievements in maize and wheat research for development, and help to position external communications effectively in the context of major global issues and stakeholder concerns. The ECO will report to the Head of Corporate Communications and will be based at CIMMYT headquarters near Mexico City, but will be expected to travel to the center's other offices throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Responsibilities

  • Provide high-level support to CIMMYT management, particularly the Director General, helping prepare presentations, think pieces, op-ed articles, and manuscripts for diverse fora and publications.
  • Ensure the client-focused presentation of CIMMYT's webpage, public relations materials, funding proposals, and other communications for non-scientific audiences.
  • Write, edit, and design materials for the general public and CIMMYT stakeholders.
  • Identify opportunities for public relations and media campaigns, and lead such campaigns with relevant background information on CIMMYT's work and by interacting directly with the media, as needed.

Required skills and experience

  • Degree in journalism, communications, public affairs, or related fields (MA or MSc desirable).
  • Minimum four years of relevant work experience.
  • Knowledge of international development issues and the communications and positioning challenges of international NGOs.
  • Experience in communications and the proven ability to write clear, compelling English-language copy for diverse audiences and formats.
  • Ability to work with specialists, often in highly technical areas of research, to write, edit, prepare, and produce communications materials.
  • Sensitivity to the diverse perspectives of various organizations, including the public, private and NGO sector.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural team and under pressure.
  • Excellent knowledge of modern communication tools and approaches.

Desired skills and experience

  • Expertise in web-based publishing and marketing.
  • Ability to speak and write in a language other than English, especially Spanish.
  • Previous experience in developing countries or international organizations, and particularly a successful record in a position similar to that advertised.

CIMMYT is an internationally funded, non-profit research and training organization affiliated with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and has an annual budget of approximately US$50 million. CIMMYT’s mission is to reduce poverty and enhance food security in the developing world by increasing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of maize and wheat-based agricultural systems while protecting the natural resource base. The Center is a global leader in scientific research and training related to maize and wheat, and in biotechnology, socio-economics, and natural resource management research. These activities are conducted in partnership with national agricultural research systems, non-governmental organizations, and advanced research institutions, both public and private, in globally focused projects and programs. CIMMYT employs about 600 permanent staff from over 40 nationalities and operates through decentralized partnership, with staff in 15 countries and projects and networks in many more.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of two years, with renewal likely if there is mutual satisfaction. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance.

CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

Please send your letter of application outlining motivation, date of availability and competencies and experience for the position accompanied by a detailed CV/Resume and the names and addresses (including phone/e-mail) of three referees no later than February 26, 2010.

Human Resources Manager, CIMMYT
(Reference 2010/01)
Email: jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org

For further information contact Mr. Mike Listman, Interim Head of Corporate Communications, m.listman@cgiar.org

Top

January, 2010