Regional Communications Officer at World Vegetable Center Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA).

The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headguarters in Taiwan and five regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to realize the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. Forfurther information please visit our website: www.worldveg.org

The Center is recruiting a Regional Communications Officer to lead the Center’s communication function at ESA-level and thus contribute to the building and enhancement of WorldVeg’s image, raise the Center’s profile and influence policies and actions of governments, farmers, development partners, corporates, foundations, academia, philanthropists in respect to nutritional, social and economic importance of vegetable crops.

JOB SUMMARY

The Regional Communications Officer will be responsible for the implementation of the WorldVeg’s communication strategy at regional level. She/he will develop and implement communications plan for internal and external audiences including staff, resident scientists, development partners, media and other stakeholders.

The post holder will also be responsible for establishing and promoting the brand of WorldVeg regionally, raising awareness about the organization’s work at various forums and ensuring transparency and regular information sharing with the public. He/she will be a strategic thinker with strong understanding of various media platforms and the development sector.

Reporting: The Regional Communications Development Officer will report to the Regional Director, ESA and will work closely with other regional communications officers of WorldVeg, the Director Global Engagement, and the Communications team at Headguarters.

KEY RESULT AREAS

Develop and implement annual communication workplans.
Produce periodic (country, regional, project-level) reports.
Organize and manage the Center’s events including the activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of WorldVeg to be held throughout 2023.
Share knowledge to inform and influence policy and programmes at national and regional level.
Collaborate with other WorldVeg regional communications officers to enhance the visibility of WorldVeg’s at global level.
Develop a good partnership with WorldVeg project managers to generate ideas and stories for dissemination to the public.
KEY ACTIVITIES

Develop the ESA annual communication and outreach strategy and contribute to other WorldVeg communication plans as may be required from time to time.
Support country or project offices in the region in communication related activities producing communication and visibility products and materials, as well as providing necessary guidance to the country/project teams etc.
In collaboration with WorldVeg project managers and the Communications team at HQ. develop knowledge and communications products on on-going projects, initiatives and impacts for wider dissemination to regional economic communities, governments, resource partners, and other development partners with the goal of informing, raising awareness, and facilitating advocacy / resource mobilization.
Be the regional focal point for information requests from outside actors and channel such requests to technical staff for effective response.
Provide oversight and quality control of communication support for events organized by the Region.
Participate in One CGIAR inter-agency communication and reporting efforts particularly in relationship to projects which are implemented jointly.
Establishing standard information-sharing and clearance processes, in consultation with technical colleagues.
Contribute to the development and production of communication and visibility products (e.g., success/beneficiary stories for print and web, leaflets, brochures, presentations, posters, etc.), including drafting/reviewing texts in English, and overseeing the design, printing and distribution process.
Facilitating media relations for ESA, including organizing press conferences/briefings or field visits and producing media-style public information products, media speaking/talking points, press releases, human interest stories for use by WorldVeg. Liaise with relevant colleagues in headquarters, specifically the Communications Team at HQ and the Director Global Engagement to facilitate exposure of WorldVeg’s activities and ensure the accuracy/coherence of content developed.
Providing information and advice to staff on communications related matters.
JOB REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Experience

Master’s degree in Social Science, Business Management, Communication, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field.
Minimum 8 years of demonstrated experience in the communication industry.
A good understanding of the media industry in terms of communication for development aspects.
5-10 years business/management experience
Proven competence in written and spoken English, good writing and editorial skills.
Fluency in French will be an added advantage.
Proven skills in developing, writing, editing and dissemination of impactful communications pieces.
Have high energy, confident person who is able to engage people and get them to buy-in to our mandate and/or to partnering with WorldVeg.
Strong organizational and time management skills. Also, very strong networking skills and excellent interpersonal relationship skills
Ability to work effectively across multiple functions, locations and cultures
Strong team leadership skills.

Applicants should submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with their curriculum vitae, a recent passport size photograph, names and addresses (including telephone/e-mail) of three professional referees and date of availability. Please send applications stating the job title by email to info-esa@worldveg.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.