Overall Purpose of the Job

The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) – https://www.rsif-paset.org – is a flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), an initiative by African governments to address systemic gaps in skills and knowledge necessary for the long term, sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). PASET was launched in 2013 by the governments of Senegal, Ethiopia and Rwanda. Several governments have since then joined the initiative including Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Nigeria.

With funding from African governments, the World Bank, and the Government of South Korea, Rsif supports Ph.D. training, research, and innovation in various African universities that are selected as centres of leadership in priority fields identified by PASET that include artificial intelligence and ICTs; food security and agribusiness; energy including renewables; minerals, mining, and materials science; and climate change. Rsif is designed to have: (i) a general fund, which supports Ph.D. training, research, and innovation projects, and (ii) a permanent or endowment fund, whose proceeds would support the general fund.

In July 2018, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) – www.icipe.org – was VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (Ref. No. NRS/597/012024) competitively selected and appointed by PASET and the World Bank to be the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) of the Rsif. The RCU is responsible for managing the Ph.D. scholarships, research and innovation grants, facilitating partnerships with governments, universities, and national and international research organisations for research and capacity building, e.g. through the sandwich placement of Ph.D. scholars, and promoting collaboration with and among the centres of excellence in the continent and abroad.

The post holder will report to the RCU Manager and will have the responsibility of implementing effective and impactful internal and external communication and engagement with Rsif stakeholders to demonstrate Risf’s contribution to socio-economic growth in SSA, including scientific contribution, development impact, and contribution to resources mobilisation.

Specific Duties

•  Develop strategies for effective communication of Rsif activities and results for specific stakeholders.
•  Monitor trends, news developments, or changing circumstances that may impact Rsif and its work and appropriately incorporate these in Rsif communication.
•  Develop content based on Rsif results, including writing impact stories, news articles, press releases, opinion pieces, brochures, Q&As, and newsletters.
•  Coordinate photography and videography and their use in Rsif communication products.
•  Oversee content updates on the Rsif website and social media.
•  Promote Rsif brand identity.
•  Organise science communication training workshops for Rsif projects teams as may be necessary.
•  Promote the visibility of Rsif activities, including participating in Rsif events and ensuring the outcomes of such forums are well communicated on time.
•  Keep track of indicators that monitor the impact of Rsif communications and stakeholder engagement activities.
•  In all cases, coordinate with the icipe Communications Unit to ensure adherence to the Centre’s set standards of editorial quality, content accuracy, messaging, timing, etc.
•  Perform any other tasks that may be assigned from time to time.

Requirements

Qualifications

•  A master’s degree in a relevant field including communication, journalism, science and engineering, economics, development studies, international relations, or other related fields.
•  At least five years of practical experience in communication.
•  Experience in establishing and maintaining media relations.
•  Excellent written and spoken command of English, and the ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct, and lively style.
•  Knowledge of French would be an added advantage.
•  Strong writing skills, especially in content development, and editorial skills.
•  Experience with communications and/or media relations in a research-intensive organisation.
•  Familiarity with desktop publishing, HTML, photography, and photo editing.
•  Strong understanding and experience with digital content and social media analytics.
•  Acute eye for detail.
•  In-depth knowledge of international trends and cultural sensitivities of target audiences to ensure responsible communication.
•  Good interpersonal relationship skills and teamwork.

Other Desirable Attributes

•  Use discretion to make decisions on Rsif communication activities in line with established and defined policies.
•  Supervise junior staff working on Rsif communications.
•  Ensure proper use of resources in the implementation of activities.
•  Provide information and data relevant for financial management.
•  Contribute to research publications and reports.
•  Contribute to resource mobilisation efforts.
•  Contribute to strong, consistent messages in interactions between Rsif and its stakeholders.
•  Ensure communication and messages are well-targeted to the relevant audiences.

Reporting
This position reports to the Rsif RCU Manager.