CIFOR-ICRAF Hiring: Work From Home Project Communications Coordinator (Consultancy)
Background & Job Description
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are globally recognized non-profit science institutions committed to addressing some of the most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges of our time. These organizations focus on issues such as energy security, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and agroforestry. For over six decades, CIFOR and ICRAF have pioneered research on forests and tree-based agricultural landscapes, offering innovative solutions to restore ecosystems and improve livelihoods.
As part of its ongoing initiatives, CIFOR-ICRAF is seeking to engage a Project Communications Coordinator through a consultancy position. The role is instrumental in developing and implementing effective communication strategies for various projects. The consultant will be responsible for enhancing project visibility, stakeholder engagement, and media outreach. The position may be based in Nairobi, Kenya, or worked remotely.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in strategic communication, digital content creation, stakeholder relations, and media engagement. This consultancy presents an excellent opportunity for an experienced communications professional to contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts.
ALSO CHECK: Submit Your General Application To Global Rights Compliance 2025
Tasks
The Project Communications Coordinator will be responsible for executing a range of communication activities aimed at amplifying CIFOR-ICRAF’s projects and initiatives. The consultant will be expected to perform the following key tasks:
1. Development and Implementation of Communication Strategies
- Formulate and execute comprehensive communication plans, incorporating key messages, audience targeting, and appropriate communication channels.
- Align communication strategies with CIFOR-ICRAF’s branding and policies to ensure consistency across all platforms.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies.
2. Content Creation and Management
- Develop and produce multi-media content, including reports, blog articles, website content, newsletters, social media posts, videos, and infographics.
- Ensure quality control in the creation of written, visual, and digital communication materials.
- Regularly update project websites, online platforms, and digital repositories with relevant content.
3. Media Engagement and Public Relations
- Cultivate relationships with media professionals to secure coverage for CIFOR-ICRAF projects and initiatives.
- Draft and distribute press releases, media briefs, and feature articles for publication.
- Organize press conferences, media briefings, and journalist interactions to promote key messages.
- Monitor media coverage and analyze its impact on project visibility.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with partners, donors, governmental agencies, and community stakeholders to enhance project outreach and visibility.
- Develop engagement materials, including fact sheets, brochures, and presentations for diverse audiences.
- Ensure that communication efforts reflect the needs and interests of stakeholders.
5. Event Coordination
- Plan and execute project-related events, including workshops, webinars, conferences, and outreach campaigns.
- Oversee the development of event-related promotional materials and content.
- Coordinate speaker engagements, logistics, and media coverage for CIFOR-ICRAF-hosted events.
6. Advocacy and Policy Communication
- Support advocacy efforts by producing targeted communication materials that influence policy discussions.
- Ensure project visibility during international observances (e.g., UN Climate Change Conferences, World Environment Day).
7. Performance Monitoring and Reporting
- Track communication activities and analyze their effectiveness based on predefined KPIs.
- Prepare analytical reports summarizing communication performance and media impact.
- Ensure compliance with donor visibility requirements and branding guidelines.
8. Crisis Communication and Risk Management
- Develop contingency communication plans to address potential crises and reputational risks.
- Respond proactively to crisis situations with well-prepared statements and risk mitigation strategies.
CIFOR-ICRAF Hiring
Qualifications
The consultant is expected to meet the following qualifications in terms of education, experience, and skills:
Education and Certification
- A Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
- Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of an advanced degree.
Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in strategic communications, messaging, and performance monitoring.
- At least three (3) years of full-time experience in digital and print media writing, editing, and interviewing.
- Proven experience in managing communication activities for international organizations, non-profits, or environmental programs.
- Familiarity with donor-funded projects and experience aligning communication outputs with funding requirements.
Technical Skills
- Strong proficiency in digital communication, including social media strategy, website content management, and video production.
- Ability to produce compelling and high-quality communication materials.
- Proficiency in English is mandatory; knowledge of additional languages such as Bahasa Indonesian, French, Portuguese, or Spanish is an added advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate content contributions from diverse teams.
- Strong knowledge of current digital media trends and storytelling techniques.
Soft Skills
- Excellent problem-solving capabilities and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple assignments under tight deadlines.
- High level of attention to detail and adherence to editorial standards.
Additional Information
Contract Terms
- This position is a consultancy contract, not a full-time employment position.
- CIFOR-ICRAF will advertise the consultancy opportunity for competitive bidding.
- The consultancy can be performed remotely or from Nairobi, Kenya.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- A detailed CV with references highlighting relevant experience and expertise.
- Two (2) samples of previous work related to strategic communications, content development, or public relations.
Application Deadline
- The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 March 2025.
- CIFOR-ICRAF will acknowledge all applications but will contact only shortlisted candidates.
About CIFOR-ICRAF
CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and improving natural resource management. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, CIFOR-ICRAF engages with stakeholders worldwide to drive transformative change in forestry and agroforestry practices.
Keywords
Project Communications Coordinator, consultancy job, CIFOR-ICRAF jobs, environmental communication, strategic communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, digital content creation, forestry communication, climate change advocacy, NGO communications, sustainability communications, nonprofit communications, international development jobs, remote consultancy, public relations, digital marketing, donor communication strategies, science communication, press release writing, event coordination, storytelling, community engagement, policy influence, reputation management, advocacy campaigns, impact reporting, crisis communication, branding strategies, social media management
