Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Dakar, Senegal or Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya
Download PDF:
CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
Senior Communications Officer (Outreach & Awareness)
Overview
This role involves strategic planning and implementation of communication activities to ensure effective visibility, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge dissemination for key regreening and landscapes restoration initiatives in Africa.
Duties and responsibilities
- Develop and implement communication strategies and tactical plans including messaging, budgets, action plans and performance metrics.
- Develop content plans/strategies and coordinate the production of content such as publications, articles, web content, social media content, media releases, infographics, videos, photography, newsletters, presentations and event related content.
- Develop and execute comprehensive event plans, including concept development, budget management, logistics coordination, and post-event evaluation.
- Develop and implement media relations/engagement plans or strategies.
- Produce analytical reports on the performance of all communications activities as agreed upon.
- Other Responsibilities
- Identify and mitigate potential risks within your work area
- Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy and cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.
- Identify and mitigate potential risks within your work area
- Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety, as well as those of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy.
- Cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.
- Participate in project activities as may be required.
Requirements
- Excellent English and French language skills (both verbal and written).
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in strategic communications planning, messaging, and monitoring.
- Three years (3) of full-time experience in journalism, writing and editing.
- Great photography and/or videography skills.
- Proven ability to manage communication activities.
- Must be able to multitask and work well under pressure.
- Excellent understanding of different communication formats and channels, as well as strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media.
- Proven ability to coordinate content contribution within a team and/or across teams; ability to build strong working relations with counterparts worldwide.
- Background experience and understanding of environment, climate, forestry or related subject areas, as well as science communication.
Education, knowledge and experience
•Excellent English and French language skills (both verbal and written).
•A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in strategic communications planning, messaging, and monitoring.
•Three years (3) of full-time experience in journalism, writing and editing.
•Great photography and/or videography skills.
•Proven ability to manage communication activities.
•Must be able to multitask and work well under pressure.
•Excellent understanding of different communication formats and channels, as well as strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media.
•Proven ability to coordinate content contribution within a team and/or across teams; ability to build strong working relations with counterparts worldwide.
•Background experience and understanding of environment, climate, forestry or related subject areas, as well as science communication.
Terms and conditions
•This is a Locally Recruited Position (LRS). CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
•The initial appointment will be for two (2) years, with a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
•The duty station will be in Dakar, Senegal or Nairobi, Kenya CIFOR-ICRAF Offices.
Application process
Click on the link to apply: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/career/206844000044312863/senior-communications-officer-outreach-awareness/
The application deadline is 29 Aug 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.
