The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

The Asia Communications Senior Associate oversees and implements strategic communication planning and coordinates internal and external communication for the region.

The Senior Associate will provide strategic communications support, fostering a collaborative environment, to researchers and the Regional Hub’s management team in communicating the Alliance’s accomplishments, ongoing research efforts, and impacts to a wide variety of audiences. The incumbent will work closely with the Regional Partnership Specialists to support the resource mobilization efforts in the Region.

u202F

Working closely with the three Communications sub teams (Global, Digital & Internal, and Publications, Brand & Graphic Design), the Senior Associate will deliver innovative, on-time, and high-quality communications products and content for research and support areas that will be disseminated through the Alliances platforms and digital channels.

The Senior Associate is the key focal point in establishing and managing external media relationships, primarily local and regional, to actively promote the Alliance’s broad message.

Oversee and implement regional strategic communications planning, including identification of priority audiences/users, target outputs/outcomes, operational strategies/implementation mechanisms, and required resources, also as input to overall institutional planning;

Coordinate digital, editorial and graphic design support in the region;

Develop external communication products including stories, videos, podcasts, public awareness-raising materials, research briefs and reports, and capacity building tools;

Manage contracts related to external service providers to ensure proper delivery of regional materials;

Manage strategic media relations at the international, regional, and national levels to ensure high visibility for the Alliance’s work in Asia;

Oversee and implement the development of communication tools in support of the resource mobilization initiatives in the Asia region working together with the Managing Director and Partnership Specialists;

Coordinate the intra-institutional communications activities to support timely and regular information-sharing among members of the regional team, and with the Alliance’s global community;

Manage the engagement of communication assistants, interns, and coordinators in the region;

Participate in key CGIAR activities through relevant research initiatives and regional engagements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, or related fields;

Master’s degree in communications or related fields is a plus;

Thematic knowledge of topics including agriculture, food systems, climate change, agrobiodiversity, nutrition, poverty and livelihoods, digital and gender inclusion, crop research and sustainable development;

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;

Fluency in English is essential (oral and written);

Working competency in other UN languages is a plus (oral and written);

At least 5 years of experience in progressive communications, leading and deploying strategic plans and other communications deliverables;

Prior experience working in an international organization, and in multiple time zones.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team with people in a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary environment, including external stakeholders;

Excellent interpersonal skills;

Ability to provide a high level of service under pressure;

Experience and ability to translate complex science into widely compelling and targeted communications stories;

Flexibility and willingness to travel;

Creative, autonomous, and solutions-oriented approach.

This position will be based in Penang, Malaysia. The initial contract will be for one (1) year and is renewed annually based on performance and availability of project resources. The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT offers a multicultural and academic research environment, with competitive remuneration. We are an equal opportunity organization, and strive for gender, diversity, and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.

Applicants are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include 103841 – Asia Communications Senior Associate as the position applied for. Cover letter and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting (Cover letter should illustrate your motivation to apply and suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications and work responsibilities. Detailed curriculum vitae should include the names and email addresses of three professional referees who are knowledgeable about your skills and professional abilities). The Alliance collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Applications closing date: 21st July 2024

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about us at: