COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST I/ II

Jan 24 2023

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as Communication Specialist for its South Asia Regional Office (SAR). This position is based in New Delhi, India and is a one-year, appointment that is renewable depending on performance and funding. This position may require travel to other countries in the region. 

The successful candidate will provide critical support for the policy impact of our research by drafting communications strategies, producing communications content, and disseminating the IFPRI’s work in the South Asia Region through multiple media channels including traditional print and new digital media. The successful candidate will report to Director-South Asia but will work closely with the institute’s Communication and Public affairs (CPA) division in Washington DC. Interested applicants must have work authorization to work in India.

Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Serving as the point of contact (POC) between South Asia Regional Office and the CPA, which will involve a) keeping CPA informed of IFPRI’s work in the region; b) supporting CPA in holding global or regional events, and c) producing other outreach and communication materials.

Working with the authors and research team to identify and refine key messages aimed at target audiences, helping to ensure that all outreach materials for the report are audience-focused while this major report is still in draft form.

Managing design, development, and dissemination of outreach products, including briefs, broachers, infographics, web features, blogposts, newsletters, press releases, op-eds, and social media and web contents.

Building media relations, maintain database of journalists contact, and handle from the media, parliaments, and other relevant stakeholders. 

In consultation with CPA, supporting communication in South Asia for the significant amount of IFPRI’s work related to South Asia that originate from HQ and other offices (i.e., does not originate from SAR).

Managing SAR, program, and project pages on IFPIR.org and IFPIR.info in collaboration with IFPRI web team.

Working with the authors, various stakeholders, as well as internal communications staff, to develop a strategic communications work plan for launching the report, including identifying existing influencing opportunities and events at which to showcase the report.

Producing and sharing content for social media, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

Managing, editing, designing, and providing content for the microsites hosted by SAR.

Writing the annual program wrap-up document for the SAR.

Managing the logistics at a series of launch events, including establishing relevant local contacts, writing, media outreach, liaison with and direction of local host partners, arranging for materials to be distributed and assisting onsite when necessary.

At Communication Specialist I – Bachelor’s degree in Communications, International Development, or related field, plus two years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree 

At Communication Specialist II- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, International Development or a related field, plus five years of relevant professional experience or a Master’s degree plus three years of relevant professional experience.

Excellent written and oral English communication skills. 

Ability to convey scientific and research information to diverse audiences in an engaging and concise manner.

Ability to interact professionally with a diverse employee population and with all levels of staff and management.

Highly output-focused and conscientious with a strong attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and multitask under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Superior communications skills: ability to engage a broad range of stakeholders; excellent listening and negotiating abilities.

Demonstrated experience working in a global environment with multiple partners and in various countries.

Proficiency in a second language of the U.N. system

Work experience in the UN or International Organizations

Proficiency in Microsoft office Suit and basic HTML

Employee will sit in an upright position for a long period of time. 

Employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing computer terminal; extensive reading.