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.
CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Asia Communications Manager, to develop and manage strategic communication plans, overseeing internal and external communications, media relations, and public relations to promote CIMMYT's mission and vision in the Asian Region.
The location of this position will be Delhi.
The major activities of this position include:
Strategy :
Manage Communications operational plan aligned with CIMMYT’s mission, vision, and strategic goals to build reputation and maximize the policy and development impact of its research across the Asian Region.
Coordinate communications plans/campaigns with BISA staff in the region.
Provide strategic communications to support resource mobilization efforts.
Work on impactful donor communications plans with the donor relations and fundraising services team as part of donors’ cultivation plans.
Provide input into Chapter strategy and operational plan.
Keep abreast of the latest communication trends and technologies, ensuring that the company is using the most effective tools and strategies.
Manage and implement crisis communication plans to ensure that the company is prepared to respond to negative events, in coordination with Head of Communications.
Creative Hub :
Ensure consistent brand expression and powerful visuals through creative services.
Ensure the creation of high-quality content for various channels, including internal communications, executive communications, websites, social media, email, and publications.
Establish and enforce editorial policies and procedures, in line with C&O global policies and procedures.
Translate CIMMYT’s mission and projects in concrete, tangible storylines with high human interest.
Ensure that the company's brand voice is consistent across all regions and communication channels.
Manages workflows, including project scoping, prioritization, and scheduling, to ensure timely execution of all requirements.
Media Relations :
Coordinate with Media Relations Manager all activities involving programs or projects from Asia, including media events, speeches, interviews, press releases or any other activity related to media management.
Develop engaging content for media channels, such as press releases, news articles, feature stories, and interviews. Craft compelling narratives that highlight CIMMYT's impact, research breakthroughs, and human-interest stories.
Social & Digital Communications :
Manage digital communications to support communications goal of positioning CIMMYT as a leader within food and agriculture within the Asian Region.
Manage and curate content calendars to optimize content for different platforms and formats Plan and execute social and digital campaigns to achieve specific objectives related to Asia’s programs and projects.
Prepare quarterly reports including CIMMYT’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for social media, media, website, and publications.
Monitor and evaluate CIMMYT’s communications and outreach digital platforms and regularly provide analysis and recommendations for improvements.
Internal Communications
Support strategic decisions on internal communications channels and tools including townhalls, intranet, newsletters, etc.
Executive Communications :
Coordinate with Executive Communications Manager all activities related to the Executive team and programs/projects developed in Asia.
Manage systems to ensure quality assurance and streamline event engagement for leadership team members.
Provide guidance and support to senior leaders on communication matters, including media relations, crisis communications, and public speaking.
Regional Communications :
Ensure all regions contribute to building reputation and maximize the policy and development impact of CIMMYT’s impact across the main target regions Asia, Asia, and Latin America.
Develop and Manage workflow and plans of CIMMYT’s Communication unit for Asia and ensure all output and deliverables are produced cost-efficiently and according to predetermined timelines guaranteeing internal clients’ satisfaction.
Create a high performing team that strives for excellence and supports the CIMMYT mission for impact with a culture of shared accountability and results orientation.
Develop and constantly update a global roster of cost- efficient, high-quality freelance editors, translators, designers, web programmers and other specialists.
Mentor and empower the Asia communication team to pursue innovative approaches and set demanding metrics for engagement that deliver results in a fast-changing, competitive external communications environment and build the organization’s brand.
Develop and manage the communications budget/SAS Asia, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
Conduct recruiting and onboarding processes to expand the team as needed.
Promote values and behaviors among the team, to uphold CIMMYT’s culture in the Unit.
Administration :
Develop and Manage workflow and plans of CIMMYT’s Communication unit for Asia and ensure all output and deliverables are produced cost-efficiently and according to predetermined timelines guaranteeing internal clients’ satisfaction.
Create a high performing team that strives for excellence and supports the CIMMYT mission for impact with a culture of shared accountability and results orientation.
Develop and constantly update a global roster of cost- efficient, high-quality freelance editors, translators, designers, web programmers and other specialists.
Mentor and empower the Asia communication team to pursue innovative approaches and set demanding metrics for engagement that deliver results in a fast-changing, competitive external communications environment and build the organization’s brand.
Develop and manage the communications budget/SAS Asia, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
Conduct recruiting and onboarding processes to expand the team as needed.
Promote values and behaviors among the team, to uphold CIMMYT’s culture in the Unit.
Requirements :
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications or a related field.
4 or 5+ years of experience in Communications, with a strong emphasis on external, internal, and executive communications, media relations management, campaign execution, social and digital communications.
Strong knowledge of media outlets, journalists, content development, advocacy, media, writing, editing, and translation.
Proficiency in digital content management systems, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Extensive experience in various countries of the Asia region.
Experience in nonprofit or international development contexts is preferred.
Experience with development, management and execution of strategic communications plans.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines effectively.
Exceptional written and verbal English skills, with the ability to convey complex messages clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Team Leadership, Client Orientation, Critical and Creative Thinking, Teamwork, and Communication.
