India: Head of Communications

ICRISAT seeks applications for a Head of Communications, to be based in ICRISAT’s Headquarters, Hyderabad, India. The incumbent reports to the Director, Strategic Marketing and Communication.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. ICRISAT and its partners help empower those living in the semi-arid tropics, especially smallholder farmers, to overcome poverty, hunger, malnutrition and a degraded environment through more efficient and profitable agriculture.

ICRISAT is headquartered in Patancheru near Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and five country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT, established in 1972, is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. For more details, see www.icrisat.org.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage a communications team of 20.
• Provide strategic direction and input into ICRISAT’s marketing plan and priorities.
• Manage effective communication outputs to show how ICRISAT’s research has an impact on dryland farming communities
• Work with partner organizations (CGIAR, donors, research partners, NGOs etc.) to communicate ICRISAT’s impact in a timely and strategic manner
• Oversee messaging and stories that bring complex and scientific issues to a broader audience and also be able to highlight the human stories in compelling ways.
• Work with consultants to achieve timely global media coverage.
• Be up-to-date with the latest communications tools and approaches
• Develop and manage a variety of communication tools and activities to ensure ICRISAT’s messages have a wide reach: website and blog; global media; social media; multimedia; newsletter; events; and communications products (e.g.: the Annual Report, flyers, corporate material and posters).
• Perform other marketing related functions assigned by the Director, Strategic Marketing and Communication.

Competencies:

• Passion and dedication to ICRISAT’s cause, with experience of research for development communications
• Excellent writing skills in English
• Proven expertise in managing web, social and multimedia communications for a research or development organization
• A pro-active team player able to guide and build communication staff capacity
• Ability to manage communications initiatives and multiple tasks to strict deadlines, lead a team and manage resources
• Excellent skills to work with and build relationships with scientists, donors, research partners and the media

Requirements:

• Graduate of Mass/Development Communication and/or Agricultural or Biological Sciences, preferably with a postgraduate degree in the Social Sciences Journalism and/or related fields
• Minimum of ten years of relevant experience in communications with 5 years in a management position

General:

This is a Scientific & Managerial Group (SMG) position for three years, renewable based on the performance of the incumbent, funding availability and the Institute's continuing need for the position. An attractive and competitive salary and benefits are offered for the right candidate.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer and is especially interested in increasing the participation of women on its staff.

Applicants should apply on or before 30^th November 2017 at www.icrisat.org/careers/, with latest Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.