Job Vacancies at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), 9th July, 2019

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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 invite applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:       Job Title: Communication Assistant Ref:IITA-HR-NRS2019-0024 Location: Ibadan, Oyo Recruitment Type: National (1-year renewable contract) Duties Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties: Communication and Event Support:

• Participate producing various communication materials including brochures, flyers, posters, articles, news stories and technical reports on HarvestPlus activities in Nigeria;
• Support the development and packaging, print/web/audiovisual/multimedia materials in a variety of formats for donors, and policy makers as well as farmers, processors and marketers;
• Monitor stories in the print and news media that cite HarvestPlus activities;
• Provide communication support and documentation for all project activities;
• Co-facilitate the dissemination of farmer- friendly information on HarvestPlus project activities through features writing, press releases, field days, radio programs and television;
• Assist in producing unique photography and video coverage for HarvestPlus events/occasion;
• Support the production of training videos, conducting informative interviews and testimonials aim at promoting HarvestPlus Interventions in Nigeria.

Creative Design:

• Develop and design concepts, graphics and layouts for HarvestPlus communication materials (Brochures, pamphlets, flyers, banners, etc);
• Maintain brand consistency throughout all HarvestPlus communication materials;
• Generate creative ideas and develop new design concepts, graphics and layouts;
• Review all publications and designs materials for errors before printing;
• Work with all HarvestPlus investors and partners to achieve product branding and packaging standards;

Social Media and Website management:

• Create and upload engaging social media content using graphics and illustrations to increase awareness and sensitization of stakeholders;
• Manage all exclusive photographs and video content for HarvestPlus social media platforms;
• Monitor all social media conversations, mentions, and other activities and provide feedback to questions and comments;
• Collect and share feedback from social media channels with relevant unit;
• Assist in updating information on HarvestPlus website;
• Perform all other related duties that may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• B.Sc/HND in Agricultural Extension, Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field with minimum of three (3) years' experience performing same role.

Competencies:

• Expert use of graphic design software – Adobe Suite, CorelDraw etc; Microsoft Office Applications - Word, PowerPoint, Outlook applications; Cloud data storage tools - Google drive, DropBox, OneDrive.
• Adept at using major social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
• Good skills in writing, editing and proofreading, concept and brand creation
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity.
• Good command of English – possess excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, client management, social skills.

Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format, The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague and evidence of current remuneration package. Click here to apply Click here for more information (PDF)     Job Title: Communication Officer Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2019-0024 Location: Ibadan, Oyo Recruitment Type: National (1-year renewable contract) Duties Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Internal Communications and Knowledge Management Develop and direct the implementation of the communications strategy for HarvestPlus, ensuring integration and alignment with the country office strategy, and targeting key audiences to build profile and support for HarvestPlus work;
• Provide technical, editorial, documentation and communication support during project events such as Nutritious Food Fair, farmers' days etc;
• Develop compelling stories - features, photo and video stories, and events that reinforce HarvestPlus brand, while managing regular and efficient sharing and exchange of information through effective internal communications to bring to life HarvestPlus work;
• Manage delivery of core communications resources and assets, including reports, briefings, factsheets, profiles and coordinate production (design and printing) in line with HarvestPlus brand guidelines, and manage distribution;
• Develop relevant documents, including strategies, proposals, donor reports and other technical documents, to ensure proper reporting with well written and clear communication messages;
• Work with relevant staff to develop communication materials including press releases, newsletters, articles, website pages, brochures, banners, posters, guidelines etc, to support partners and investors;
• Provide technical advice and support to unit leaders and other staff in planning and developing relevant information and communications products and organise inhouse media training for staff as necessary;
• Develop and evaluate feasibility, efficiency and quality of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials;
• External and Media Engagement
• Maintain positive profile through impactful media and outreach campaigns across key external online and offline communications channels;
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with targeted online, print and broadcast journalists, editorial writers, bloggers and columnists, as well as other media influencers, and mobilize them for HarvestPlus events;
• Monitor the media landscape with special focus on brand and image attacks and work with appropriate internal stakeholders to formulate responses as required.
• Limit and prevent crisis communications by providing frequent updates and critical messaging on FAQs;
• Oversee and manage the program’s digital media strategy, ensuring that website and social media channels content are updated and engaging;
• Contribute to communication capacity-building for partners and stakeholders, including developing training programmes and guidelines to support and ensure partners can detect, shape and tell their stories of social change and ensure these stories are further incorporated to wider HarvestPlus communications;
• Proactively identify media opportunities and, in close liaison with HarvestPlus partners, plan and implement media events including press conferences
• Oversee monitoring of the current and future news agenda to identify and exploit communications opportunities, manage press enquires and pursue opportunities for promoting HarvestPlus;
• Oversee management of media contact and communications database and execute and monitor media strategies and activities, including press conferences, one-to-one briefings, press releases, and other written materials;
• Link HarvestPlus Nigeria advocacy campaigns to other regional and international campaigns, and keep stakeholders and partners informed on various HarvestPlus activities;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Agricultural extension or related field with minimum of 3 years work experience in Communications, Branding Media and Public Relations

Competencies The ideal candidate must have:

• Deep understanding of marketing and communications principles – strategy & execution
• Good Knowledge in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook applications, Cloud data storage tools like Google drive, DropBox, OneDrive etc
• Social media knowledge and experience - adept at using major social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
• Proven skills in writing, editing and proofreading, concept and brand creation
• The ability to effectively convey programme goals, enlist partnerships, and work with a range of programme and external stakeholders
• High degree of motivation, initiative, independence, reliability, adaptability, and professional maturity
• Strong command of English – possess excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, client management, social skills
• Experience working with diverse team including web developers, journalists, graphic artists
• Working experience with DFID, BMGF and USAID funded programmes

Remuneration

• We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format, The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague and evidence of current remuneration package. Click here to apply Click here for more information (PDF)       Job Title: Employee Services Officer Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2019-023 Location: Ibadan Contract: 3-year renewable contract Duties Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Collaborate in facilitating welfare program for NRS such as medical registration and processing of reimbursement requested by staff, commiseration with families of deceased in line with the policy, handling NRS loan and salary advance;
• Contribute to effective management of employee relation by promoting effective communication, engagement and consultation with staff, staff association and other internal stakeholders;
• Maintain a working knowledge of changes in the external environment such as in legislation, government policies, etc that may affect people management in order to ensure compliance;
• Proactively explore and exploit new sustainable opportunities in all aspect of employee services meeting a variety of staff’s need including employee assistance programs;
• Support the promotion of adherence to policies through enlightenment, information and education while monitoring and analysing report on matters relating to health and safety in offices, laboratories and field, punctuality, canteen services and other aspect of employee services;
• Support the processing of requests needing IITA’s legal retainer attention;
• Participate actively in the organization of IITA staff events (for example: Sportsfest, Open Day family celebration and annual Long Service Awards);
• Ensure availability of lunch tickets to eligible staff and support smooth running of the canteen services;
• Prepare the employee services monthly reports;
• Perform all other related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualification and Experience

• A good University degree or equivalent in Human Resources Management, Social Sciences, Humanities or related fields with a minimum of four (4) years’ working experience performing similar role.

Competencies: The ideal candidate must have:

• Keen interest in wellness program and employee relation.
• Ability to use computer (Microsoft Office Packages).
• Excellent communication skill (Oral and written).

Remuneration We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.   Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format, The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague and evidence of current remuneration package. Click here to apply Click here for more Information (PDF)   Application Deadline 22nd July, 2019   Note

• IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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