Communication Officer Job 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 Position: Communication Officer

Job 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 of 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.
• Media relations.
• Understanding of resource management and operational procedures.
• Knowledge of Branding.
• Cross-cultural awareness.
• Creativity.
• Expertise in managing and mitigating reputational risk.
• Analytical skills.
• Problem-solving skills including the ability to prioritize and think quickly.