Writer/Media Specialist CPAD

The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks the service of a dynamic and innovative writer/media specialist. This person will develop creative materials and strategies for working with media as active partners in CIP’s efforts to translate its research work into tangible applications that can improve the health and livelihoods of the world’s poor.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The position: The Writer/Media Specialist will be based in Lima, Peru. He/she will report to the Head of the Communications and Public Awareness Department (CPAD), working with the CPAD team and CIP scientists to enhance and promote CIP’s messages and publications. Objectives of the position include to:

• Improve CIP internal capacity to identify key messages for media and work with them to translate scientific findings, advances, or potential
• Enhance the quality of communications on agricultural research for development
• Promote and publicize CIP's research-for-development objectives, outcomes, and impacts, taking advantage of new media to further disseminate messages/stories and increase their potential for promoting positive changes
• Strengthen CIP's credibility as a reliable source of pertinent, newsworthy agricultural research information

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify, write, and promote a variety of publications and outputs such as press releases, articles, blogs, newsletters, factsheets and backgrounders
• Rewrite and/or edit communications materials
• Produce short videos, storyboards, power points, and other forms of presentations to highlight CIP and its research
• Collaborate with colleagues from other CGIAR centers and partner organizations for cross-cutting stories and events
• Keep track of large international meetings/events of relevance to CIP outreach/public awareness
• Pursue proactive media outreach and networking to tap into and expand the network of journalists interested in CIP’s contribution to agriculture, research, and development issues.
• Respond to frequent requests from journalists with strategic and creative proposals to enhance understanding and reach of CIP priorities and research
• Organize and support media and related training for researchers and other Center staff to increase the effectiveness and impact of their interactions with journalists
• Track CIP’s media presence
• Some travel may be required

Selection Criteria: 

• Undergraduate degree in journalism, public relations, or communications (preferred)
• Excellent, demonstrated writing and communication skills in English, with working knowledge of Spanish
• At least 2-3 years demonstrated experience in journalism/communications/media relations
• Demonstrated skills in reporting, writing, editing/proofreading, social media, and general messaging, quality and standards control of communications pieces
• Video production, photo editing experience desirable
• Ability to work well independently and as a team member
• Outgoing personality and ability to take initiative
• Curiosity and interest to explore multiple topics with CIP scientists, partners, and other colleagues
• Sensitivity to CIP and CGIAR reputation, mission, and values

Conditions:

The duration of this consultancy will be for 5 months, with the possibility of renewal.

Applicants:

Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of interest, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org

The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on November 5, 2012 and will continue until the post is filled.

All applications will be acknowledged, only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.