CIMMYT,Director International Communications and Development

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and team-oriented professional for the position of Director International Communications and Development. The successful applicant will provide strategic oversight for external and internal communications for the organization, with the unique international mandate and mission of “sustainably increasing the productivity of maize and wheat system to ensure global food security and reduce poverty”.

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

The position will be based in CIMMYT’s main campus (45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico), and will contribute to the visibility of CIMMYT’s research, partnerships and impacts in Mexico and worldwide.

The selected candidate will engage in the following activities:

·         Develop and implement a state-of-the art communications strategy, in conjunction with directing, scientific, and communications staff.

·         Lead and support an effective, motivated communications and development team for global impact.

·         Guide CIMMYT‘s communication and development policy, and implementing effective protocols for planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluating communications activities and products.

·         Raise the positive public profile of the Institute in support of fundraising and the successful pursuit of CIMMYT‘s mission.

·         Handle/streamline the project-specific needs in balance with CIMMYT´s corporate needs.

·         Pursue the funding support for major inter-institutional programs such as MAIZE, WHEAT, MasAgro or the Borlaug Institute of South Asia.

·         Focus and enhance knowledge sharing with our target audience for greatest impact of our programs.

·         Foster existing partnerships and help build new ones.

·         Support effective internal and external communication.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications, skills, characteristics and interests:

·         Minimum BA/BS degree in Communications or related field.

·         At least 10 years of relevant experience.

·         Proven track record of leadership and impact in high-level communications for a top organization.

·         Experienced in a project environment.

·         Able to sell CIMMYT as a Research-4-Development Organization.

·         The incumbent needs to be responsible and able to work in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary collaborative team environment.

·         Superb English writing and communications mastery. Fluency in Spanish and another world language highly preferred.

·         Knowledge of / experience in / commitment to international development and empowering people to better their lives. Experienced at working in multicultural teams and settings.

·         Must be proficient in Microsoft environment.

·         Candidate will be required to travel up to 50% of the time.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, which is renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

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.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 6 April, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12277 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.