IRRI-Africa Business Innovation & Communications Strategist (Officer III)

Purpose

• Ensure IRRI’s audiences in Africa are appropriately engaged by managing and developing a communication and messaging portfolio in coordination with the global communications team and the Africa Director.
• Develop communications material for resource mobilization, including investment pitches and stories that support the pitches.
• Contribute to and accelerate making a significant increase in funding for IRRI-AFRICA. For example, be a key contributor to prospects (funders and/or proposals) developed, working with relevant research teams and Directors.
• Contribute to broadening the base of IRRI funders for IRRI-AFRICA.

Engagement

• Under the overall direction of the global Communications Head, work hand in hand for the workplan priorities, strategies and implementation with the Deputy Director General of Strategy Engagement and Impact and the Regional Director.
• Work collaboratively with the Country Representatives and all regional staff to ensure that communication for resource mobilization needs are addressed
• Secure linkages and collaborate with regional project partners, other CGIAR centers, donors, communication subgroups, and the media to ensure timely delivery of outputs, information dissemination and technology

Delivery

• Active and responsive communications and messaging portfolio for IRRI-AFRICA
• Targeted stories and case studies capturing IRRI's scientific advancements and impacts in Africa for resource mobilization use and for corporate communications (in newsletters, website, social media, media, and the annual report, etc.). 
• Set of IRRI solutions for Africa prepared for pitching to funders.
• Funder intelligence collated for Africa, in collaboration with PDMO, the Director for IRRI-AFRICA, Country representatives, SEI DDG and others as required.
• Regular donor connections and follow-ups made, and relationships built.
• Coordination with scientific teams for funder requests. 
• Dashboard to track efforts and targets.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Development, Communications, Journalism, or related field with minimum 7 years of relevant work experience. Qualifications in agriculture also highly regarded.
• Experience in developing communication products and in packaging them so they are applicable for different audiences and channels, especially for resource mobilization.
• Experience in resource mobilization and engaging with funders.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence others.
• Knowledge of the Africa media landscape highly regarded.
• Knowledge and experience in agriculture.