Summary
Date Posted: Tuesday, July 04 2023, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Description
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is not-for-profit agricultural research for development organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: http://www.cimmyt.org
CIMMYT is seeking an outstanding, motivated candidate for the position of Communications Regional Manager for Africa who will oversee and manage all communications activities within the designated region. Also, will develop and implement strategic communication plans to enhance the organization’s reputation, promote its mission, and engage stakeholders across various platforms. This role will involve collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication across multiple channels.
The position will be based in Zambia.

Specific duties:
• Develop and implement communication strategies: Create comprehensive communication strategies that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. Identify key messages and target audiences to effectively communicate the organization’s mission and initiatives in the African region.
• Stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, media outlets, NGOs, community leaders, and other relevant organizations. Collaborate with these stakeholders to leverage their networks and support for the organization’s programs and initiatives.
• Media relations: Act as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses. Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and other media professionals to secure media coverage and manage the organization’s reputation in the region.
• Content development: Create compelling written and visual content for various communication channels, including press releases, articles, blog posts, social media updates, and newsletters. Ensure all content is tailored to the target audience and aligns with the organization’s brand guidelines.
• Crisis communication: Develop crisis communication plans and protocols to effectively manage and respond to potential crises or sensitive issues. Act as a spokesperson during crisis situations, coordinating with relevant stakeholders to mitigate risks to the organization’s reputation.
• Internal communication: Facilitate effective internal communication within the organization’s African operations. Ensure that employees are informed about key developments, programs, and initiatives, and promote a strong internal culture through regular updates, newsletters, and other communication tools.
• Performance tracking and reporting: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives in the region. Provide regular reports on key performance indicators, such as media coverage, stakeholder engagement, and brand perception, and make recommendations for improvements.
• Team management: Supervise and mentor a team of communication professionals, providing guidance, support, and performance feedback. Foster a collaborative and productive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation.

Requirements
• Master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• At least 5 of experience in communications, public relations, or a related role, with a focus on Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of the African media landscape, cultural nuances, and communication trends.
• Strong understanding of stakeholder engagement strategies and experience in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging content for different platforms and audiences.
• Crisis management skills and the ability to handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and professionalism.
• Proficiency in using various communication tools and technologies, including social media platforms, content management systems, and media monitoring tools.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to track and measure communication performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in additional languages spoken in Africa is highly advantageous.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Conflict Resolution, Communication, Teamwork, and Client Orientation.

Benefits
The position is temporary for an initial fixed-term of three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health, and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Associate Degree

Job application procedure
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