ICIPE CHIESA Jobs in Nairobi

ICIPE - African Insect Science for Food and Health is an intergovernmental organisation funded by governmental aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics.icipe has over 400 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.
1. Vacancy: Research Assistant, CHIESA Project
Ref. No. NRS/82/112014
icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Research Assistant in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) cluster, Climate Change Impacts on Ecosystem Services and Food Security in Eastern Africa (CHIESA) Project, CHIESA/WP8 section.
The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya.
This is a national position and applications are invited from qualified Kenyans only.
The appointment will initially be for one year, with a possibility of extension after successfully completing a six-month probation period of the first contract.
A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
Overall Purpose of the Job

Assist the CHIESA Project in media, communication and dissemination of outputs

Maintain the CHIESA project website, bimonthly newsletter and communication forum

Photograph, prepare project videos and document project activities

Liaise with project partners and stakeholders on sharing audiovisual and printed materials

Liaise with science reporting journalists on disseminating project information, news and outputs through different media

Collect and maintain records of photos, videos, project website activities and the use of communication forum by the project partners, stakeholders and the general public.Responsibilities:
a) Under the guidance of the Work Package 8 Manager, prepare, monitor and manage the CHIESA Project dissemination activities

Monitor, document and report project activities, including field research

Prepare bi-annual and final reports on communication and media activities

Photograph and videotape training sessions, workshops and community outreach events

Prepare and edit audiovisual materials for training and dissemination purposes from all WPs

Produce printed materials, brochures, handouts and manuals for dissemination.
b) Project website maintenance

Administer and update project website and communication forum

Develop and edit website content and multimedia for dissemination

Collect data on user statistics monthly and include these in the project newsletter

Develop and update the visual outlook of the website

Maintain the project communication forum and email lists.c) Any other tasks that may be assigned by the Project Coordinator and WP8 Manager
Knowledge and skills required for performing the job

Demonstrated skills in media and communication

Experience in web administration

Fluent in written and spoken Kiswahili and English

Knowledge and proficiency in photography, video and multimedia

Experience in photo and video editing

Experience in graphic design will be considered an asset.Requirements / Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in the fields of journalism and media studies, mass communication or multimedia

One years’ experience in journalism, communication, multimedia, design and visual arts

Willing to travel between the field research sites in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia.Other Desirable Attributes

Be organised and possess ability to multi-task

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to organise one’s work to respect deadlines

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision

Be a good team playerReporting: This position reports to the Project Coordinator & WP8 Manager.
The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
Please quote the job reference number NRS/82/112014 on the email subject line.
2. Vacancy: Public Relations and Communications Head
Ref. No. IRS/84/112014
The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya.
This is an international position.
The appointment will initially be for two years, with a possibility of extension after successfully completing a six-month probation period of the first contract.
A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate.
Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
Overall Purpose of the Job

To promote a positive image of icipe to donors, governments, NGOs, UN agencies, IGOs, collaborators, stakeholders and the public at large, and to develop public relations policies and procedures for the Centre with the approval of the Governing Council, aimed at supporting icipe’s international cooperation activities.

To be accountable for all communication activities of the Centre including advocacy and liaison activities with organisations with similar interests.

To coordinate all activities involved in the planning, organisation and implementation of conferences, workshops, symposia, seminars, exhibitions, open days, etc.Specific Duties:

Coordinate the reception of visitors to icipe and in consultation with other departments/Units/Projects prepares itineraries for the visitors to the Centre.

Design and oversee production of icipe publications, including print, CD and web materials in the form of articles, reports, briefs (policy), multimedia products, posters, and information packets.

Oversee the design, management and content of the website and provide web-friendly content to keep the site interesting and up to date.

Provide communication/information advice and assistance for icipe teams, either by doing the work required or by contracting the work to consultants.

Edit, proofread and summarise icipe documents, and write articles about icipe work, as requested.

Liaise with local or global printers and publications’ specialists (e.g., graphics and public awareness staff) for producing/publishing/printing icipe materials.

Oversee a publications inventory and keep the publications archives and website pages up to date.

Keep up to date about current trends in research communication and methods used by lead organisations so as to advise icipe management on how to improve icipe communications cost-effectively.

Support all other icipe communication activities as requested.

Arrange interviews between icipe and the media as directed by the Director General (DG) and provide the media with information on the Centre’s activities.

Develop proposals for the DG on advertising and promotional activities.

Draft press releases, monitor media coverage and extracts relevant to articles for circulation and maintain a database of media information.

Organise and support internal and external presentations.

Prepare the icipe monthly newsletter (e-version) of What’s On for review by management team and distribution.

Liaise with science press and science editor on publicity materials, maintenance of mailing list and distribution of icipe’s publications.

Maintain up-to-date notice boards and photographic archives.

Provide leadership and coordination for all communication activities of the Centre.

Ensure consistency of messages emanating from all levels of icipe.

Develop a strategic communication plan based on the communication objectives of the Centre and the global outlook of various sub-groups.

Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts and drive positive media coverage of the Centre through proactive media relations with events such as press releases, media events, contributed articles, speeches, content development, editing and implementation to different communication formats which take place in collaboration with donors, partners, stakeholders, etc.

Ensure effective and appealing internal communication on icipe business, relevant topics, strategies and management decisions by developing and utilising the right tools and communication formats, e.g. print media, online media employee events, management meetings, etc.

Manage and guide all corporate branding and image building activities including corporate events, publications, broadcasts, films, videos, etc.

Leverage the assets of the Centre through appropriate public relations activities.

Ensure communication procedures on issues, crises, etc. are known and respected.

Establish and manage an annual budget for public relations and communication functions in a responsible and cost effective manner.Other Duties:

Organise workshops, seminars, exhibitions and employee functions in liaison with the management team.

Ensure crisis preparedness and steer as well as direct issues and crisis communication management.Knowledge and Skills Required for Performing the Job

Knowledge of media advertising and publishing is essential.

Highly proficient in both spoken and written English.

Knowledge of oral and written French is an added advantage.

Computer proficiency particularly in MS Office Suite, and familiarity with desktop publishing and spreadsheet software is essential.

Familiarity with Apple Macintosh computers is an added advantage.Minimum Qualifications Required

Masters degree in journalism, communications or related specification is essential.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are mandatory.Minimum Experience Required

5 years of related professional experience in positions of responsibility in an international or commercial organisation with an international scope.

Experience in journalism/media relations.

Proven track record in team leading to capabilities in driving and developing a communications team.

Strong in relationship building with journalists and other relevant external and internal stakeholder groups.

High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation, and documentation skills.

Ability to think strategically and to develop and execute a strategic communication planning as well as the corresponding messages and communication activities.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and well within teams.Reporting: This position reports to the Director General.
The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
Please quote the job reference number IRS/84/112014 on the email subject line.
How to Apply
All applications must arrive via email on or before the 28th November 2014.
Interested applicants should submit:
(a) a confidential cover letter,
(b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers), and
(c) a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the job, to: chiesaresearchassistant@icipe.org
icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply