About the Consultancy Service

The Press and Media Engagement Consultant enhances the organization’s visibility, promotes timely research findings, and communicates complex scientific concepts to the public, media outlets, and relevant stakeholders.

 
Key Responsibilities    

The Press and Media Engagement Consultant will manage media relations and press engagement on behalf of the Alliance, via activities including:

• Spearheading a new media strategy aligned with the organization’s goals and mission, globally and regionally.
• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets on an international scale.
• Supporting regional communications officers to engage with journalists and media.
• Preparing and pitching press releases, media kits, op-eds, articles, and other communication materials about the organization’s research.
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities for media coverage, interviews, and feature stories.
• Monitoring media coverage and analyzing its impact on the organization’s reputation and public perception.
• Relaying press inquiries for conferences, media briefings, and interviews for scientists and organizational leaders.
• Collaborating with internal teams to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information to the media, identify media opportunities and develop proactive media pitches.

Requirements

• Activities: A comprehensive media strategy outlining key objectives, target media outlets, and action plans.
  Deliverables: A comprehensive media strategy
• Activities: Monthly (at least 6 total) press releases, media advisories, and communication materials to promote events and announcements.
  Deliverables: 6 press releases
• Activities: A portfolio of 10 potential stories to pitch to journalists.
  Deliverables: 10 stories
• Activities: Successful placement of content in at least 2 top-tier media outlets.
  Deliverables: 2 contents
• Activities: A press database of 75 relevant media contacts and regular updates on media interactions.
  Deliverables: 1 database
• Activities: Monthly reports on media coverage and its impact on the organization’s reputation.
  Deliverables: 6 reports
• Activities: Evaluation of media engagement efforts with recommendations for improvement.
  Deliverables: final report
   

The ideal candidate for the Press and Media Engagement Consultant role should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in public relations, media relations, or communications, with a focus on scientific or technical subjects.
• Proven track record of successful media outreach and securing coverage in reputable outlets.
• In-depth knowledge of the scientific landscape and ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible content for diverse audiences. Prior experience working for an international organization and knowledge of food systems, agriculture, and sustainable development are major assets.
• Strong network of media contacts within the science and research sectors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in other languages, especially Spanish, would be advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field. A higher degree in a scientific discipline is a plus.

The consultancy is expected to last for 6 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and organizational requirements.

For this remote position, location and hours are flexible, bearing in mind that the organization covers Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Benefits

Terms of the consultancy

This is an international search and will be managed through a consultant agreement. The Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with honoraria according to the consultant’s experience. We are an equal opportunity employer, 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.

Applications

All applications should be sent to the email address listed in the vacancy announcement, NOT THE APPLY BUTTON, addressed to ([email protected]) with a CV attached. The subject line should clearly state:
“Application: Press and Media Engagement Consultant–“.
Closing date for applications: September 15^th, 2023. We invite you to learn more about us at:
Careers | Alliance Bioversity International – CIAT (alliancebioversityciat.org)