Communications and Public Awareness

Head, Communication and Public Awareness Department

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and innovative professional to lead the Communication and Public Awareness Department (CPAD). The candidate should be committed to exercising leadership in a cooperative, challenging science environment. Women and developing country professionals are particularly urged to apply.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on genetic resources of potatoes, sweetpotatoes, and other Andean roots and tubers, crop genetic enhancement and improvement, integrated crop management and sustainable management of natural resources. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular those Goals that relate to poverty, hunger, child and maternal mortality, and sustainable development. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru with staff and activities in locations across Africa, Asia and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Alliance of the CGIAR Centers, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 60 donor members.

The Position:

The Head of CPAD is a member of the Senior Management team and reports to the Deputy Director General – Research. The primary responsibility of the Head of CPAD is to implement a strategic program of communications and public awareness for the Center. The position is "hands on" with the Head involved in much of the science writing in English of the Center. The position also involves close liaison with the Director General, the fund raising team, institutional team building, corporate planning, and participation in the business of the center, liaison with regional offices, the scientific program, human resources and contributions to the CGIAR System.

The Department:

The Communication and Public Awareness Department has a staff of 13, consisting of a Spanish writer/journalist, Chief Designer, Web Master, executive assistant, graphic artists and production assistants. The department has responsibility for the production of the Annual Report, the quarterly Newsletter, the CIP website, and all other communication materials such as scientific papers, publications, posters, working papers and specific public awareness and fundraising support material. It has direct responsibility for all public awareness activities and media relations in Peru and internationally, as well as communications training, participating in contests and exhibitions and preparation of exhibition materials.
Key words, Communications, Media Relations, Publicity, Public Awareness, Multimedia, Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Publications (production writing and editing)

The successful candidate will have:

• A BSc. or Masters degree in a biological or communications area, with at least 6 years’ experience in managing a program of communication, public awareness, management and strategic planning, particularly in a scientific, non-profit environment.
• Proven leadership in implementing a strategic program of communications and public awareness.
• Experience in developing and directing projects characterized by innovation in public awareness design.
• Proven ability to lead, manage and motivate communications, publications design and production teams.
• Proven ability in working directly with a senior management team.
• Demonstrated experience working with, developing and cultivating media contacts.
• Knowledge of multimedia production.
• Excellent visual, oral, and written communication skills, capable of interacting professionally with different audiences and users.
• Proven ability to work with subject-matter specialists and staff at all levels of technical proficiency, and as part of a team.
• Experience in using graphics programs such as PageMaker, Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as experience in website development and production.
• Ability to impart creativity and expand ideas in fund-raising strategies.
• Knowledge of Spanish (desirable).
Conditions:

The Head, Communications and Public Awareness Department, is an international position based in Lima, Peru. CIP offers an attractive remuneration package, including a range of benefits such as retirement savings plan, health care, home leave, and exoneration from local income tax. Some regional and international travel is required. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth. Lima is a comfortable, modern coastal city with a variety of educational, recreational, cultural and entertainment options. See http://www.expatperu.com/eperu.php for more information.

Applications:
Applicants should apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their interest and qualifications for this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to Rosario Marcovich at r.marcovich@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on March 23, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled.
All applications will be acknowledged; only short listed candidates will be contacted.