Communication Officer at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)


The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

 

Job Title: Communication Officer

Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Job type: Full-time

Job Summary

  • We seek a skilled and experienced Communication Officer to join our team at IITA-BIP. The Communications Officer is in charge of managing and enhancing the organization's public image, handling internal and external communications, and producing internal newsletters for the organization.
  • The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that enhance awareness and visibility for the IITA-BIP and provide support for coordinating and leading all communication of all its projects and businesses.
  • The role involves content creation, media management, social media engagement, and stakeholder relations to promote the project's objectives and progress.

Terms of Reference (ToR)
Developed Communication Strategy:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy  for BIP, its subsidiaries and all its businesses and projects 

Create and Manage Content:

  • Draft, edit, and produce high-quality written and visual content for various channels, including press releases, newsletters, reports, social media, and the project website.
  • Oversee the project’s presence on social media platforms, including content scheduling, audience engagement, and performance analysis.

Media Relations and Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Build and maintain relationships with local and national media outlets.
  • Organize press briefings, media tours, and interviews with key project stakeholders.
  • Maintain active communication with project stakeholders, officials, development partners, farmers, and the general public.

Managed Events and Activities:

  • Support stakeholders and consultants on events, workshops, field days, and other public activities, ensuring effective communication before, during, and after events.

Monitoring and Reporting:

  • Prepared reports on communication activities and media engagement for newsletter publication.
  • Coordinate with project partners and stakeholders to align communication efforts.
  • Provided communication support to joint initiatives and collaborations

Requirements

  • MSc, B.Sc., HND, in Communication or related areas 
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years’ working experience performing a similar role in a structured environment.
  • Experience working with international research institutes, development organizations, and the public sector. 
  • Ability to coordinate team in multi-organization teams and manage consultants. 
  • Technical skill: Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) or video editing tools is an added advantage.
  • Readiness to travel both scheduled and at short notices.

Knowledge / Skills / Competencies:

  • Good written and verbal communication skills .
  • Digital and social media literacy.
  • Understanding of resource management and operational procedures.
  • Knowledge of Branding.
  • Cross-cultural awareness.
  • Problem-solving skills including the ability to prioritize and think quickly.
  • Media relations.
  • Creativity.
  • Expertise in managing and mitigating reputational risk.
  • Analytical skills.

 

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply