senior specialist - Communication (internal hiring)International Rice Research Institute

About IRRI
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world's premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.
Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.
Job Purpose
Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Advocacy and Brand, and in collaboration with the Healthy Crops project Leader and the Advocacy and Brand team, develop and implement a communication and stakeholder engagement strategy to create an enabling environment to achieve the project goals and IRRI's/OneCGIAR's advocacy objectives more broadly; segment and assess the information needs of relevant stakeholder groups, develop communication plans, toolkits and campaigns collaboratively with project stakeholders; strengthen the team's capacity for advocacy communication.
Liaise with project partners, relevant third-party organizations and community members on the implementation of advocacy strategies and activities.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.
This position is only open for internal applications.
Roles and Responsibilities
Develop and implement a project engagement and advocacy strategy that creates an enabling environment to achieve the project goals
Actively cultivate the support of stakeholder groups, communities and policy makers through creative engagement strategies Implement IRRI/ OneCGIAR advocacy strategy, in collaboration with IRRI/ OneCGIAR researchers and leaders and under the guidance of the Advocacy and Brand leadership
Provide accurate and timely information and evidence to help stakeholders, cultivate informed opinions and make informed decisions regarding regulatory progress, product promotion and consumption
Actively cultivate positive perception for the product among media, policymakers and consumers, in preparation for regulatory regularization
Build advocacy capacity by developing modular curriculums that include technical (e.g. cross- breeding, tissue culture, special techniques etc) and communications skill building
Engage with policy advocacy groups related to agricultural biotechnology as well as IRRI's five impact challenges to build reciprocal relationships and support for Healthy Crops project goals and IRRI's advocacy efforts
Collaborate with IRRI Advocacy & Brand Unit staff, HHU, and other project partners to identify potential spokespeople and provide support and capacity development to successfully take on the role
Identify and cultivate opportunities to engage with target stakeholders in innovative and meaningful ways
Collaborate with IRRI and HHU science leaders, and other project partners to identify opportunities, develop and disseminate relevant advocacy collateral (white papers, policy briefings, reports) Collaborate with IRRI media team to identify relevant media and develop strong relationships, providing up-to-date information
Act as the primary media contact for the project
Identify, assess and segment target stakeholder groups including relevant topics of interest aligned to IRRI and HHU advocacy strategies
Develop and regularly update a communication toolkit for the project team and partners to use, including FAQs, good news stories, memes, infographics, posters, brochures, exhibit materials, etc
Develop and implement evidence-based policy advocacy campaigns
Collaborate with IRRI media team to develop and implement a comprehensive media plan for the various phases of the project
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Communication, Agricultural Science, or related fields and/or minimum 6 years of relevant work experience
Master's degree in Public Policy, Communication, Agricultural Science, or related field and/or minimum 4 years of relevant work experience
Skills Required
Mandatory
Has excellent written and oral communication skills
Has experience understanding complex scientific information and theories related to agriculture
Has experience conducting training and managing events
Has experience in communication material development
Has excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
Has media relations experience
Has good organizational skills and is timely in delivery
Substantial experience working or liaising with partners and : stakeholders, including national government agencies, non-government organizations, media, local government, and the like Substantial experience packaging and disseminating communication materials through several channels
Has strong interpersonal skills Independent and reliable Team player and highly collaborative
Has stakeholder engagement and coordination experience
Preferred
Has experience working for an international organization
Has basic understanding of agricultural biotechnology
Has knowledge on equal opportunity, cultural, and gender diversity
Has experience in developing training materials and conducting training
Has experience working in an international, multicultural setting
Familiarity with risk communication principles and practice
IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances. Join our team and be part of our story!
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.
International Rice Research Institute

Philippines
Permanent
Full-time