Specialist Science Communication

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is 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 direct supervision of the Manager of Science Communication, the successful applicant will primarily manage Rice Today (online and print). This includes creating a proposal for its re-launch, generating ideas for content, creating briefs for prospective writers, commissioning stories, setting and maintaining magazine standards, proofreading and editing articles, and recruiting editors, among others. S/he will also liaise with the Knowledge Management team to identify emerging scientific topics, align IRRI’s work with those, and highlight their impact in appropriate communication channels.

As part of the Science Communication pillar of IRRI’s Communications team, s/he will also help the team produce communication materials that align with the institute’s research strategy. Tasks include writing and editing content for various communication platforms and materials in varying formats. S/he must convert highly technical and scientific articles into easily digestible news articles and features for a broad set of audiences.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines, and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Create a proposal to re-launch RiceToday, including a business model that will sustain the production and distribution of the magazine
• Manage RiceToday (online and print), and other publications that the institute might consider as a strategic need
• Access various information sources for relevant material and cross-check information with concerned stakeholders (KM team, scientists, journals, and other related literature)
• Provide support for the communication team by writing, editing, and producing content for different IRRI communication platforms, while ensuring alignment with clients
• Collaborate and develop strong working relationships with scientists to be able to create interesting and engaging stories for new content for Rice Today and other institutional publications
• Liaise with other communication sub-units, the Knowledge Management team, and external partners (publishers, photographers, etc.) to determine the best way to present information online and in print
• Partner with the Head of Communication and IRRI Leadership Team to establish an annual editorial strategy
• Ensure that RiceToday targets are met based on the approved strategy
• Ensure timely and relevant content is posted on Rice Today online, and the print version
• Maintain inventory of news and feature stories about rice science for potential use in future online and print editions
• Write and edit articles, and produce content for other communication materials
• Manage engagement/payment processes with editors
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, Agricultural Science or relevant field with 5 years of relevant experience
• Master’s degree in Journalism, Digital Marketing, Agricultural Science or relevant field with 3 years of relevant experience
• Knowledge Management experience is a plus

Skills Required Mandatory:

• Has excellent English editing and writing skills
• Has a good understanding of complex scientific information and theories
• related to agriculture and research
• Is able to write in a clear, concise and accurate language
• Has experience working with and editing for scientists
• Has excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to articulate scientific/technical concepts into clear and impactful messages

Preferred:

• Has experience working for an international organization

Source: https://www.irri.org/talentlink/details.html?id=Q7LFK026203F3VBQB79QWQWAS&nPostingID=1956&nPostingTargetID=3551&mask=irriext&lg=EN