Communications Assistant

Vacancy Number: CA/LSE/05/14
Department: Livestock systems & environment
Duration: 1 year fixed term contract

ILRI seeks to recruit a Communication Assistant who will contribute towards implementing a regional communication strategy; provide support in design of program material and management of an online information portal on climate change, agriculture and food security. He or she will work closely with the communication specialist and other program staff.

ILRI works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centers working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in West and southern Africa and South and Southeast Asia. 

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. 

The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) addresses the increasing challenge of global warming on agriculture and food security through strategic collaborations. CCAFS  seeks to promote a food secure world through the provision of science-based efforts that support sustainable agriculture and enhance livelihoods while adapting to climate change and conserving natural resources and environmental services. The program is structured around four closely inter-linked global research themes: Adaptation to Progressive Climate Change; Adaptation through Managing Climate Risk; Pro-poor Climate Change Mitigation; and Integration for Decision Making. The global theme activities are implemented through regions.

Responsibilities

• Design and layout of CCAFS information materials including banners, newsletters, fliers, reports and other promotional material in close consultation with the communication specialist;
• Editorial tasks as directed by the program team;
• Assist in the documentation of program activities through photography and video;
• Regular update of CCAFS photo archive;
• Setup of an online portal on climate change, agriculture and food security issues;
• Assist in training partners on new portal usability once ready;
• Develop training materials and transition communications on portal use;
• Regular update of the portal with relevant content in close consultation with the Communication Specialist  (web content management);
• Promotion of the online portal amongst partners;
• Logistical support during meetings and conferences;
• Any other tasks as requested by the communications specialist and the program management team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field of specialization;
• Proficient in graphic design – Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere pro, HTML and photo editing;
• Experience in website content management;
• Proactive person with good interpersonal skills;
• Ability to communicate fluently in English;
• Personal organization and ability to work independently;
• Team work and sound judgment.

Terms of appointment:

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) positions based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus and is for a 1 year fixed term contract period.

Job level and salary:

This position is job level 2A with a starting salary of KES 71,479per month. In addition to salary, ILRI offers Medical insurance for staff and dependents, Life insurance, Pension at 12.5% employers contribution, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days+ public holidays within ILRI’s National Recruited Staff Scheme.

How to apply:

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Director through our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ before 4 June 2014. The position title and reference number REF: CA/LSE/05/14 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer