Responsibilities

Establish a communication strategy and plan

• Develop a communication strategy, including identifying audiences (stakeholders mapping) and opportunities for engagement, in collaboration with the Communication and Outreach (C&O) Global Group as well as the Head of Communications of the Systems Transformation Science Group and communications contacts for Initiatives mapped to the Platform
• Engage with C&O Global Group as appropriate to ensure coordinated engagement (e.g., knowledge management, event participation, stakeholder engagement, content development)
• Actively engage in planning, monitoring, and executing communications activities as part of the platform workplan and roadmaps.

Develop communication content and identify opportunities for engagement

• Work with the Platform leadership and community of practice (CoP) to develop clear messages and tools of communicating relevant research, to various audiences including technical and non-research groups
• Develop or oversee the development of strategic communications content, including blogs, interactives, infographics, videos, social media
• Monitor global, regional, and national media for Platform-related opportunities and actively engage with relevant reporters on Platform work via press releases, social media, relationship building, etc., as appropriate, in collaboration with the C&O Global Group as well as the Head of Communications of the Systems Transformation Science Group
• Engage Initiative communicators in Platform communications activities and opportunities, and lead or support engagement for Portfolio-wide activities and events that map to the Platform, as appropriate and in coordination with the C&O Global Group and the Head of Communications for Systems Transformation
• Organize internal or external support for more elaborate or specialized communications tasks, events, publications, or other outputs (e.g., event planning and logistical support, editing, graphic design, media engagement)

Website and social media

• Support and contribute to the development of the Platform microsite on cgiar.org
• Keep Platform website current, relevant, and up to date and in alignment with CGIAR guidelines
• Identify opportunities to amplify Initiative content through Platform website, as appropriate
• Manage Platform social media channels (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook), including access to the channels by Initiatives mapped to the Platform, in coordination with the C&O Global Group and the Head of Communications for Systems Transformation
• Develop Platform social media strategies and content
• Ensure Platform videos are properly tagged, described, and posted to CGIAR YouTube channels

Branding

• Ensure the Platform is fully compliant with CGIAR guidelines on branding and funder acknowledgement guidelines
• Protect and promote the correct use of the Platform brand in all internal and external communication
• Ensure Platform core team and CoP are aware of the communication and branding/funder acknowledgement guidelines and have appropriate resources to comply.

Internal communication and other tasks

• Manage Platform-level knowledge management needs, including photo and video databases, in collaboration with the Platform manager, and curation of papers and publications to CGIAR databases and repositories
• Participate in the CoP for Initiative communicators, particularly for the Systems Transformation group and the Impact Area group and represent the Platform in these fora.
• Compile or oversee the compilation of meeting minutes and/or workshop proceedings, when involved in such meetings and/or workshops
• Other duties as assigned by the Platform director or manager

Requirements

• A master’s degree in international communications, journalism, or other relevant field. (Master’s Degree with five years relevant experience Or Bachelor with eight years relevant experience)
• Significant experience (minimum five years) in communications, with a preference for experience in international settings
• Substantial experience performing in communication units with special focus in research for development, science, and agricultural development issues
• Working experience in organizations or institutions with a strong focus on environmental health and/or biodiversity would be a great asset

Key Competencies

• Excellent writing and critical thinking skills and ability to convey complex data ideas and messages in a clear and easy-to-understand manner
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative, and decentralized environment, including across teams at several levels.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office with advanced PowerPoint and presentation skills
• Effective communication skills in English (writing, speaking, and reading)
• Fluency in any other UN language would be a great asset (writing, speaking, and reading)
• Ability to perform in high complexity work environments with the capacity to deliver on time with short deadlines.
• Leadership skills, including interpersonal relationship, effective communication, and conflict management in multidisciplinary and multicultural environment
• Sensitivity to and respect for gender equity, youth empowerment, and social inclusion