Main purpose of the position
The International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
(ICARDA) in partnership with the collaborating institutions of the
CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Systems (CRP-DS) has a vacancy
for a well-qualified, enthusiastic Communication Program Coordinator.
The CRP-DS uses an agro-ecosystems approach to test and deliver
strategies and tools to reduce vulnerability of the rural poor in
drylands and to support the sustainable intensification of food
production in higher potential dryland regions.
We are seeking an individual with extensive experience in organizing
and implementing communication plans in complex programs. The
successful candidate will have proven expertise in delivering
communication activities, ideally in a research or development setting,
producing: creation and editing marketing and communication
products (newsletters, publications, reports, brochures, web content,
etc.) for diverse audiences (donors, policy makers, research partners,
development specialists). Hand’s on ability to use web based and
social media tools in a requirement.
About Dryland Systems
The CRP-DS is a global research partnership to develop, test and
out/upscale solutions to increase food and nutrition security, and
improve livelihoods in the world’s most fragile agro-ecosystems. DS
started in 2013 with an integrated agro-ecosystems approach to
develop research to produce solutions to benefit low income countries
and their rural communities. It combines knowledge from basic,
strategic, applied and adaptive research using the latest innovation
system approaches, communication and knowledge sharing strategies,
and tools. The Program’s new thinking and findings will be harnessed
to create measurable, sustainable, and large-scale impacts on rural
livelihoods. With an annual budget of over $50 Million, the program
operates in the five Flagship Target Regions of the West African Sahel
& Dry Savannas, North Africa & West Asia, East & Southern Africa,
Central Asia, South Asia, and is led by ICARDA with seven other CGIAR
centers: ICRISAT, Bioversity, CIAT, CIP, ICRAF, ILRI and IWMI. Details are
available at:
http://drylandsystems.cgiar.org
About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
(ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research
organization temporarily based in Beirut, Lebanon, supported by the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
ICARDA is committed to the improvement of livelihoods of the
resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating
poverty through agricultural research, and the equitable use of natural
resources. For more details: www.icarda.org
Main responsibilities
The position is based in Amman, Jordan at ICARDA and will report to the
Director of the Program.
Core tasks and activities of the Communication Program Coordinator:
1. Support to Director
• Provide communications support for program reporting (annual
reports, workplans, donor reports, etc.).
• Coordinate with the ICARDA Communication Unit (CODIS) to
maintain and update communication policies, procedures, strategies
for compilation and dissemination of CRP results.
• Coordinate with CODIS to design and implement publishing policies,
procedures and workflow for the program.
2. Strategic Communication
• Ensure that communication deliverables match the related workplan
and timeline.
• Implement and monitor branding and corporate identity guidelines
and monitor their use across the program (for meetings, events,
publications, etc.).
• Provide and manage weekly updates to the CRP-DS website, and
other media outlets, including social media.
• Liaise with project managers to collect and update all program
information on the web and other information products.
• Provide editorial support to the program.
• Provide communication support for program events and meetings.
• Liaise with DS partners’ communication teams, in coordination with
CODIS.
3. Knowledge Sharing
• Implement and update the knowledge sharing strategy, workplan
deliverables and timeline, in coordination with CODIS.
• Liaise with regional coordinators and other research leaders to
ensure the efficient collection, synthesis of learning and experience
in the research locations, and sharing across locations, and
mentoring of local staff to deliver these tasks, in coordination with
CODIS.
4. Information Management
• Implement and update the information management and open
access strategy and action plan, and ensure compliance, and
maintain internet and intranet archives.
• Manage and organize photo-video material produced by DS.
• Manage a database on the website with information on DS partners.
Education, qualifications and experience
1. MSc/MA in communication, journalism, communication, marketing or a
related discipline.
2. Five year experience working in a similar position, preferably in an
international science or development organization or network.
3. Demonstrated ability to write high-quality communication products
(press releases and promotional material, compiling and editing of
reports, web content, blogs, twitter, etc.).
4. Excellent spoken and written English.
5. Knowledge of other languages will be an asset.
6. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office tools; experience using web
content management systems and web based contacts database
systems and social media tools.
7. A team player, able to work independently and efficiently with a
minimum of supervision.
8. Well organized and a problem-solver, able to interface easily with
people at different levels of the organization in a multi-cultural,
inter-disciplinary environment


How to apply
Please apply online at www.icarda.org/iea/
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from women.
Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted