CABI is an international not-for-profit organization that improves people’s lives by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. CABI is an intergovernmental organization that can trace its origins back to 1910. Our 48 member countries guide and influence our core areas of work, which include International Development and Publishing.
We have over 500 staff based in 16 countries. We have offices in Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, the UK, the USA and Zambia.
International Development projects and research
Through knowledge sharing and science, CABI helps address issues of global concern such as improving global food security and safeguarding the environment. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting biodiversity from invasive species, and improving access to agricultural and environmental scientific knowledge.
CABI’s Knowledge Business
CABI produces key scientific publications, including CAB Abstracts – the world-leading abstracting and indexing database covering applied life sciences. We also publish multimedia compendia, books, eBooks and full text electronic resources aiming to further science and its application to real life. CABI invests its publishing surpluses directly into development projects, helping to improve livelihoods worldwide.
For more information go to www.cabi.org and www.plantwise.org
THE ROLE
Job title: Development and Communication Officer
(from October 2017)
Salary range: PKR 130,000 - 150,000
Grade: HAY band 5
Reporting to: IAS Coordinator
Direct reports: None
Key peer group: International Development
Location: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Purpose of the role:
CABI implements and manages a wide range of research and development initiatives around the world in partnerships with governments, local organization and donors. The Development and Communication Specialist will work with in planning, designing, implementing and carrying out Invasive Programme communication activities. H/she will draft information, content and blogs for public access, maintain Invasive Programme public communication information systems (such as CABI invasive website, newsletters, press release, Facebook, public website, Twitter, etc.), act as a writer for the Invasive Programme as required, and fulfil requests for information from the media and public.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Communications Specialist to manage our external and internal communications. You will promote a positive public image and control the dissemination of information on our company’s behalf.
Key accountabilities:
- Develop and initiate communication strategy to generate awareness on invasives (e.g. parthenium) at different levels
- Develop in-depth communication tools to produce two-way information system for collecting data on invasive (parthenium) spread as well as delivery of management advice (citizen science, app development, mass extension etc.)
- Conceptualize & deliver effective development & communication strategies: such as
- Manage internal communications (memos, newsletters etc.)
- Draft content (e.g. press releases) for mass media or website
- Organize initiatives and plan events or press conferences
- Collaborate with CABI marketing team
- to gather information through regular monitoring of websites, and circulate this information to the appropriate contact points within CABI.
- to ensure that gender perspectives are adequately communicated.
- To assist the Program Manager in development of communication materials (presentations, stories, reports etc.)
- Drafts press briefings and press releases. In accordance with program team, prepares Project newsletters, brochures and other publicity materials.
- Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Knowledge & Skills
Required
- Fluency in English, with first class written and oral communication skills.
- Proven ability to rapidly evaluate complex information to ascertain its potential usefulness, and to produce a synthesis.
Desirable
- Competence in at least one other major language
- Familiarity with MS SharePoint
Education & Qualifications
Required: Master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Journalism; Communications; Public Relations; Marketing, or a related field
Desirable: PhD or equivalent experience.
Experience
Required
- Considerable and demonstrable post qualification experience in development & conceptual communication in international & donor funded projects – typically 5 years plus.
- Broad range of experience of operating in multiple projects
- Proven experience as communications specialist
Desirable
- Proven writing, editing, design, videography, or photography skills.
- Working knowledge of MS Office; photo and video-editing software is an asset
- Graphic design skills and knowledge of different software’s
Personal Characteristics
Required
- Highly motivated, organized and adaptable, with strong inter-personal and communication skills.
- Comfortable working both independently or as part of a team.
- Able to work under pressure and deliver high quality products to tight deadlines, including occasional out-of-hours working.
- Trustworthy and capable of dealing with sensitive information in a discreet and confidential manner.
- Robust with the operational grip and capacity to handle a demanding workload, including some travel
Desirable
- Ability to articulate scientific concepts effectively to technical experts and non-experts
- Strong influencing and networking skills - a natural ambassador
- Ability to work and interface at a senior level both internally and externally.
NOTE
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. It is expected that the post holder and CABI will adopt a flexible attitude and accept that the duties may have to be varied according to circumstances, in particular changing corporate requirements and individual development needs.