Science Writer, Communication Unit at The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

(Ref: DDG-R4D/SW/CU/02/19)

The Communication Unit is a strategic unit under the Research for Development directorate that covers corporate communication, publishing, data management, and knowledge management.

Position Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop ideas for communicating science and success stories to various audiences across multimedia platforms, including web, social media, and other online platforms.
• Write and produce science communication materials about research topics and projects, outputs, important and timely themes, or events in close collaboration with scientists and partners, other stakeholders, hub/station communicators, and IITA communication community of practice (COP).
• Provide science communication advice and training to members of the communication COP, media partners, and scientists at HQ and hubs, as needed.
• Assist in developing communication strategies/plans for hubs, projects, outputs, and/or events, and institutional communication products with the team of communication specialists.
• Work with IITA communication colleagues in the Communication Unit, hubs, and COP to communicate and promote IITA’s visibility.
• Produce institutional communication products such as the annual report, slide presentations, newsletters, blogs, posters, and other collateral materials for different audiences.
• Develop infographics and other multimedia content for use in IITA communication campaigns, materials, and media outlets.
• Develop blogs and social media posts for Flickr, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other IITA social media platforms.
• Contribute to resource mobilization through participation (as a lead or team member) in the development of concept notes and proposals.
• Perform any other tasks assigned.

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should hold a BS or master’s degree in communication, journalism, science (e.g. agricultural sciences, social sciences, political sciences, economics, etc.) or a relevant/related field.

Core Competencies:

• At least 5 years’ experience in producing high-quality science communication materials across a range of mediums and in multimedia formats.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific concepts and research into compelling and meaningful stories.
• Strong interest in science and agricultural development issues with the ability to grasp new material quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit English across multiple styles and formats at a very high level.
• Experience working with technical experts, preferably in a multicultural context.
• Experience in working in an international and/or regional organization.
• Experience working in developing countries an advantage.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Self-motivated and resourceful.
• Dynamic, curious and creative.
• Good team player with excellent interpersonal skills, able to interact effectively and positively with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with short deadlines.
• Strong client service orientation.
• Fluency in English. Other languages an advantage.

Duty Station: Ibadan, Nigeria.

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.