The role of the Communications Specialist plays a key role in overseeing the production of high-quality, compelling materials that align with ICARDA's mission and strategic goals. In addition, this position will support ICARDA's Communications Team by participating in the developing and implementation of the organization’s overall communications strategy and implementation plan, overseeing content creation, production of the key deliverables such as the Annual Report, managing various consultants to the communication team, supporting press outreach, and creating diverse content formats that effectively convey the organization's work, news, and achievements to a global audience.
Responsibilities:
Manage content creation, including ICARDA’s website content, development and oversight of ICARDA’s annual content calendar, as well as manage and contribute to other high-level products such as brochures, factsheets, event communications, and similar outputs, ensuring consistency and quality across formats.
Support development and implementation of ICARDA’s communications strategy and implementation plan, with a focus on aligning external narratives with institutional priorities and sector trends to effectively target key audiences.
Ensure regular coordination with ICARDA’s technical and other teams, communications staff and roster of consultants to enable drafting of content to highlight ICARDA’s impact and achievements for target global audiences, and travel to high level conferences/meetings, video shoots, and other events as needed.
Oversee production of key deliverables such as the Annual Report.
Lead a refresh of ICARDA’s website to improve accuracy, usability, and strategic alignment.
Oversee and undertake communication activities within designated strategic projects.
Support development of a photo and video library to ensure ICARDA communications and other teams have access to high-quality images for use in various materials.
Lead production of ICARDA’s monthly newsletter.
Manage roster of suppliers, consultants and junior communications staff as required.
Support event promotion, press outreach, communication campaigns, and other communication tasks as needed in coordination with other communications team members.
Support internal communications by creating content for staff newsletters, and internal announcements if/as needed.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field. Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
5+ years of experience in content creation, journalism, or communications.
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English.
Experience in event coordination.
Proficiency in MS SharePoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Proficiency in digital content creation tools and content management systems.
Strong understanding of SEO principles and digital media best practices.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a multicultural and multidisciplinary work environment.
Experience in the agricultural or environmental sectors.
Basic design skills, knowledge of tools for A/V content production, and understanding of photography.
Knowledge of Arabic or French.
Experience with analytics tools to measure content performance and make data-driven decisions.
