Development Communication Manager

Position description

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

They will also provide senior level development communication expertise across CABI’s Asian 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 work alongside communication, social and biological science colleagues across CABI, but with a focus on coordinating development communication activities in Asia.

The role will support the delivery of the PlantwisePlus programme outcomes relating to safe, equitable and sustainable crop production for improved food security and livelihoods.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and implement 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 Asia, as projects dictate;
• Engage with partners and stakeholders at the field level to research and clearly understand the challenges and realities around the issues being communicated and how to respond to them;
• Conceptualise, source and develop high quality development communication products (e.g. video) which engage and educate audiences across Asia including farmers, researchers, development partners, policy makers and the general public;
• Coordinate Asia communication team activities in conjunction with the Strategic Lead – Development Communication for effective project management and delivery through the project cycle;
• 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;
• Be a spokesperson for CABI’s development communication activities at relevant sector-based fora, generating awareness of the work CABI is doing in this sector and contributing to knowledge around communication for development within agriculture;
• 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;
• Monitor campaigns, lead After Action Reviews and work closely with MEL specialists to assess and report the early stage outcomes of development communication activities in projects and programmes countries;
• Report on the reach of project funded work, liaising with MEL staff as needed;
• Where needed 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;
• Support the establishment of framework contracts with key providers in the region (Agencies/production houses, photo/video coverage providers, events companies);
• Manage consultancies including development of ToR; working with the procurement team in recruitment; and management to ensure expected delivery;
• Offer strategic and advisory insights to the Strategic Lead – Development Communication and Global Director, Development Communications and Extension on development communication initiatives in the region;
• Provide oversight of development communication activity budgets, financial and procurement processes to ensure efficient operational outcomes;
• Support with proposal development for new funding opportunities with a potential communication component.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• Likely to have Master’s degree in International Development, Communication for Development or Mass communication, or relevant field from a recognized university.
• International experience;
• Considerable and demonstrable post qualification experience in the development sector;
• Experience of developing and implementing communication strategies for development outcomes – typically 10 years plus;
• A clear track record of having the people skills ‘to get things done’ by leading, motivating and influencing individuals and teams across borders and cultures;
• Broad range of experience of operating in multiple projects.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent knowledge of Development Communications theories of practice and their implementation in real life situations etc.;
• Good knowledge of participatory communication strategy development and best practice in using for behaviour change interventions in agriculture;
• Excellent project management skills which support the implementation of programme activities across a range of countries;
• Design skills and expertise are required for overseeing the creation of communication outputs which meet the needs of the user;
• Proven ability to rapidly evaluate complex information to ascertain its potential usefulness, and to produce a synthesis;
• Strong writing skills to transform scientific discovery into accessible insights;
• Ability to present data to scientific as well as non-scientific community;
• Fluency in English, with excellent written and oral communication skills.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong organisational and learning skills;
• Comfortable working on one’s own initiative as well as following advice;
• Robust with the operational grip and capacity to handle a demanding workload;
• Flexible and creative in planning and problem solving;
• Ability to deal with cultural differences of colleagues, donors and partners globally;
• Highly motivated, organized and adaptable, with strong inter-personal and communication skills. Team player;
• Able to work under pressure and deliver high quality products to tight deadlines, including occasional out-of-hours working;
• Trustworthy and capable of dealing with sensitive information in a discreet and confidential manner.

Application instructions

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