The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not -for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

We are seeking a skilled and motivated candidate to fill the position of Communications Officer to provide support to the USAID-funded “Feed the Future Zimbabwe Mechanization and Extension Activity” of CIMMYT being implemented in Zimbabwe initially from November 2022 to September 2024.

The job incumbent will develop/write/edit communication products and undertake related activities to raise awareness and promote research findings and activities at the institutional and project/program level, organize field events including field days, fairs, awareness meetings, etc.

This position is based in CIMMYT, SARO, Harare, Zimbabwe and are open to all Zimbabweans with excellent academic track records.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Work with Activity team and partners to develop, produce, and use relevant extension and training materials (flyers, posters, infographics, videos, etc.) to target communities (farmers, mechanization service providers, manufacturers, dealers, NGOs and agricultural extension personnel) and project events (demonstrations, mechanization field days, fairs, awareness/community engagement events). Develop brochures and technical bulletins for the Mechanization and extension activity. As required, travel to document CIMMYT’s work on the ground, including field visits, and taking still and video photography. Assist scientists in preparing scientific posters, presentations, and other materials. Document and communicate Activity news, updates, and stories for wider dissemination in Zimbabwe, and globally. Participates in sourcing goods and services from the vendors and consultants in the Activity including print, photography, and video production. Document high-interest stories for dissemination in suitable formats (interviews, photographs, success stories, and videos) to various target audiences. Produce quarterly newsletter of the Activity Publish and disseminate the Activity results in various forms – print, digital, video or audio. Support networking and engagement activities with other relevant actors in Zimbabwe – as a specific contribution to the Activity’s wider alignment and scaling objectives; Support innovative use of information, communication; and knowledge-based interventions and approaches across Activities, making use of, for example, participatory communication approaches, emerging ICTs, and working with partners in these areas Oversee the activities related to the production of high-quality communications materials, including digital content, annual reports and reviews, newsletters, etc. Liaise with CIMMYT HQ and regional communications team to share Activity updates and stories. Perform other duties as directed by supervisors.

Required academic qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

MSc degree in Communications, Knowledge Management, Journalism or in a related field; or bachelor’s degree in these fields with compensatory years of experience. At least five years relevant experience in a development, research, corporate or international environment is a plus. Clean Class 4 driver’s license is a must. Defensive Driving Certificate will be an added advantage. Experience in relationship building with diverse stakeholders. Experience in supporting communications and/or media relations in agricultural research for development is an added advantage. Basic knowledge of and skills in desktop publishing, HTML, photography and photo editing. Fluency in English, Shona and/or Ndebele while working knowledge of other local languages is desirable. Experience coordinating and managing creative content platforms and working with graphic designers. Experience coordinating virtual and in-person events. Excellent communication, organizational and documentation skills. Experience in supporting communications and/or media relations in agricultural research for development is an added advantage. Ability to think strategically and to develop and execute a strategic communication planning. Ability to read, understand and assimilate complex technical information to produce clear, well-written summaries. Ability to present and package scientific information into various formats to suit specialist and non-specialist audiences. Experience in agriculture and developmental field in the country and/or region highly desirable. The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Creative Thinking, Communications, Client Orientation, Teamwork, and Problem Solving and Decision Making.

How to apply

Interested candidates must apply online here for Z22196_Communications Officer, no later than Sunday, November 20th, 2022. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality. Women candidates are encouraged to apply.

This vacancy is archived.

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