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

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of SASAS Communication Specialist for the USAID-funded Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS) implemented in Sudan from October 2022 to September 2024. The goal of the SASAS project is to ensure smallholder farmers in important food production regions in Sub-Saharan Africa have the information and innovations needed, using market-based approaches, to maintain or increase food production to mitigate the impacts of the global food, fuel, and fertilizer price increases resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Communication Specialist is responsible for contributing to the development of the SASAS communication strategy and its implementation in coordination with the SASAS Lead and stakeholders, and the CIMMYT Communication function.

The position is based in Khartoum, Sudan.

Specific Duties:

• Work with SASAS project team and partners to develop, produce, and use relevant extension and training materials (flyers, posters, infographics, videos, etc.) to target communities (farmers, private sector, seed and fertilizer companies, agro-dealers, NGOs and agricultural extension personnel) and project events (demonstrations, field days, fairs, awareness/community engagement events).
• Develop brochures and technical bulletins for the SASAS project.
• 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 SASAS project news, updates, and stories for wider dissemination in project countries, and globally.
• Participates in sourcing goods and services from the vendors and consultants in the project 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 SASAS project.
• Publish and disseminate the SASAS project results in various forms – print, digital, video or audio.
• Support networking and engagement activities with other relevant actors in project countries – 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 the regional communications team to share project 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 a Bachelor’s Degree in these fields with compensatory years of experience.
• At least five years of relevant experience in a development, research, corporate or international environment is a plus. 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 and working knowledge of other local languages in project countries 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.
• Understanding of the specific work processes of the job with an emphasis on deliverables.
• 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 the developmental field in the country and/or region is highly desirable.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Organization, Critical thinking, Teamwork, Client Orientation, Problem-Solving decision-making, Negotiation, and Conflict resolution.

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development.

Candidates must apply online to SD23138_Communications Specialist.

For more information on the recruitment process please, contact Didier Gonzalez ([email protected])

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.