Development Communication Manager, Africa. At Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International

THE ROLE:

The Development Communication Manager is responsible for researching, planning, implementing and documenting communication campaigns to address complex agricultural issues, with the objective of improving food security, livelihoods, and gender equity.

They will provide senior level development communication expertise across CABI’s African research and development project portfolio, with the purpose of continually improving the quality of CABI’s delivery and impact using communication for change approaches. The role will coordinate development communication activities in Africa. The individual will work alongside communication, social and biological science colleagues across CABI as part of science-based and multi-disciplinary projects and programmes.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategy, innovation and management

• Coordinate a team of development communication colleagues across Africa region to support their development and growth in line with CABI objectives to expand this field of work
• Oversee best practice delivery of development communication activities which are research-led, effective, operationally efficient, and provide evidence of outcomes and impact which can be shared widely
• Support the Strategic Lead – Development Communication to jointly plan and implement coordinated activities for CABI’s flagship programme, PlantwisePlus during its lifecycle. Work closely with the Strategic Lead to contribute to development communication strategy across the organisation, in conjunction with the Development Communication Manager – Asia.
• Offer strategic and advisory insights on DCE work in line with the broader business plan for the growth of the Africa Centre.

  Project implementation

• Design, plan and implement a range of communication strategies including science-communication-related as well as social and behaviour change communication campaigns aimed at influencing structural constraints, facilitating dialogue and changing individual and stakeholder behaviours in order to contribute to development outcomes such as food security and improved livelihoods in countries across Africa, as projects dictate.
• Conceptualise, source, and develop high quality development communications products (e.g. video) which engage and educate audiences across
• Africa including farmers, researchers, development partners, policy makers and the public.
• Develop and maintain relationships with in-country partners such as government, non-government and service provider organisations, to facilitate an enabling environment allowing CABI to operate effectively and in a timely fashion
• Manage development communication consultancies including the development of Terms of Reference (ToR); working with the procurement team and People team in the recruitment; and management to ensure expected project delivery.

Research and learning

• Provide insights and learning from development communication activities undertaken in this role, and from other external programmes, in written or verbal form for sharing across the development communication team to improve practice
• Work closely with evaluation specialists to evaluate outcomes and impacts of campaigns and contribute to reporting. This includes working closely with the evaluation specialist to ensure that implementation of campaigns is carried out in ways in which evaluation can take place.
• Monitor campaigns, lead After Action Reviews, and work closely with Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning team to assess and report the early-stage outputs, outcomes and impacts of development communication activities in projects and programs countries.
• Contribute to CABI’s science strategy by engaging in participatory research, producing publications, conducting outreach, and fostering partner engagement to gather insights on the most impactful interventions.

Business development

• Work alongside the Project Development and Development Communications teams in Africa and across the organisation to identify potential opportunities within Development, Communication, and Extension (D, CE) Theme including proposal writing to secure funding and support for new initiatives.
• Represent CABI at relevant sector-based fora, conference, or events by delivering presentations contributing to knowledge around development communications and enhance visibility of CABI.
  • At least an MSc in development communication, social science in communications, or any other relevant field

ABOUT YOU:

• 10 years plus demonstrable experience working on development issues
• Management experience
• Experience in development communications on large, complex, multi-country donor-funded projects is highly preferred
• Experience in leading the planning and implementation of outreach and media events, including press conferences and project launches
• Agricultural background preferred
• Ability to professionally communicate across all levels of an organization and the public
• Willingness to travel

  Knowledge and Skills

• Skilled in communication strategic thinking and planning
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team player
• Ability to adhere to program deadlines and priorities
• Excellent networking and communication skills
• Track record of contributing to scholarly output including publications and technical reports
• Personal attributes
• Capacity to build effective relationships with programme stakeholders
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environments
• Self-directed/self-motivating personality
• Deliver quality results that are action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• continuously seek to learn, share knowledge, and innovate.

  ROLE DETAILS:

  Grade: HAY Band 6

  Reporting to: Deputy Director- Development & Outreach

  Contract Duration: The position is on a 3-year contract, renewable.

  Peers: SBCC Lead; Gender Coordinator; ME&L Manager, climate change expert

  Direct reports: 2 direct reports.

  WHAT WE OFFER:

• We aim to recruit and retain passionate people who have the necessary skills, knowledge, and commitment to help us achieve our mission. Our benefits are designed to make our lives easier, improve our work-life balance, save money and safeguard our well-being.

  They include:

• Competitive salary;
• Defined contribution pension scheme with employee contribution that CABI will double-match up to 10% of gross salary;
• 30 days of annual leave (including public holidays);
• An Employee Assistance Programme, with a full calendar of health and well-being initiatives
• Life assurance and long service awards;
• Flexible working options including family-friendly policies;
• Career development opportunities including internal promotions, mentoring, and Development Bursary to visit another CABI office;
• A culture committed to being a fully inclusive, enjoyable, and fulfilling place to work.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

We are a thriving international organisation attracting a diverse range of talented people from around the world. Our staff currently comprise over 30 nationalities and as an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, color, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. No applicant will be disadvantaged by conditions which cannot be shown to be justified and selection will be based on merit.