Communications Specialist (Locally Recruited)

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

The Communications Specialist is a key member of the CIMMYT Communications Team, focused on specific projects for which she/he is responsible for developing and producing strategic content showcasing activities, results, and impact across the target region. The role ensures that scientific innovations and institutional priorities are translated into compelling narratives and communication products aligned with project objectives and deliverables, CIMMYT’s 2030 Strategy, and regional communication priorities. Working closely with the Program(s) and project(s) scientists, the position ensures alignment, coherence, and effective execution of communication efforts, while supporting advocacy, donor engagement, partner visibility, and CIMMYT’s positioning in sustainable agrifood systems

Key Responsabilities:

The duties and responsibilities of the Communications Specialist will include the following key interventions:

• Strategic communication and content development: Produce high-quality content (website, blogs, feature stories, social media, digital campaigns) to raise the visibility of CIMMYT and its projects and strengthen donor engagement.

• Ensure consistent, well-aligned messaging and work with designers and multimedia specialists to deliver quality products.

• Field engagement: Understand CIMMYT’s thematic areas and highlight scientific achievements, policy interventions and success stories.

• Campaigns and events: Support flagship campaigns and national events, prepare briefing materials and manage the country office events calendar.

• Media relations: Build relationships with media and journalists in the region and prepare press materials and media inputs.

• Executive and internal communication: Prepare talking points and briefs for leadership, document leadership visits and contribute to newsletters and annual reports.

• Administration and branding: Plan content and events on time and within budget, manage freelancers and ensure compliance with CIMMYT brand guidelines.

• Any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Requirements

• Master’s degree in science, journalism, or communications, or a relevant technical, vocational, or professional qualification requiring four or more years of study.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant administrative and/or operating protocols and policies of the function.
• Basic managerial competence.
• 4 to 5 years of experience in science communications, marketing, public relations, media campaigns, or nonprofit communications, including prior communications experience in agricultural research, food security, international development, or nonprofit work.
• Proven field experience, including documenting field activities, conducting interviews, and developing success stories; experience collaborating with field teams and engaging policy and project stakeholders.
• Experience with WordPress, social networking, and new media tools.
• Experience working with regional media and journalists, and supporting leadership teams with communications materials.
• Excellent writing and editing skills in English, with the fluency to persuade, negotiate, present, and train on complex issues; strong written and verbal French; and proficiency in other local or regional languages.
• Advanced proficiency in standard office and presentation software (e.g. mail merge, customized reports, audiovisual presentations); knowledge of Adobe applications is an advantage; strong graphic design skills and videography and photography skills.
• Creative, analytical, and flexible thinking to handle complex technical content and link several disciplines; ability to work with project teams across CIMMYT to share information and secure cooperation; ability to work autonomously on defined objectives and manage own time and priorities.
• Eligible to work in Senegal.

Benefits

Working with us, offers competitive international compensation packages, multicultural work environments, and meaningful engagement in food security and agricultural research across Africa.

This position is recruited locally. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the duty station country at the time of application. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.