World Agro-forestry Center (ICRAF) Publications Officer Job Vacancy in Kenya
About our organization
The World Agroforestry Centre (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry or ICRAF) is an independent research institution that generates knowledge about the role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods.
As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers — working in close colaboration with partners — are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations to increase food security and ecosystem health.
The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different
donors.
To learn more about our organization, please visit our website:
www.worldagroforestrycentre.org
About the position
The position of Publications officer will be based in the Communications Unit at our headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and report directly to the Head of Communications.
The Publications officer will be a focal point for the Centre’s publications, coordinating all aspects of publication from concept through editing, design, proofing, print, production, dissemination and availability on the web.
The Centre’s publication series includes working papers, occasional papers, technical manuals, policy briefs, books, the Trees for Change booklets and corporate publications such as the Annual Report.
The Publications officer will collaborate with scientists and project officers, both in HQ and in the regions, to assist them in their publications and communications work.
The officer will be part of the Communications Unit team, which is made up of writers, designers, web developers and support staff.
The position includes the following specific duties and responsibilities, as well as other related tasks that might be required to be undertaken.
- Assist in the writing, editing and production, and monitor the quality of, all of ICRAF’s primary science publications and corporate tides.
- Provide general writing, editing, proofreading and capacity building support to the organization.
- Support internal and external communications such as the bi-weekly Transformations, the intranet and the website.
- Promote the Centre’s corporate publication series to staff and advice on the suitability of research outputs to publication type.
- Oversee the timely production of regular corporate publications, including the annual report, calendar, medium term plan and audited financial statements.
- Monitor implementation of the Centre’s style guide and use of institutional messages.
- Edit, proofread and advise on content for internal policies, grant proposals and other documents.
- Provide writing and reporting assistance for Centre meetings, and workshops.
- Act as executive officer to the publications committee.
The candidate will be required to fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications with experience in scientific organizations or a degree in an aspect of biology with experience in communications.
- Minimum of 5 years of practical editing and writing of scientific material for the print and electronic media, preferably in the areas of agriculture, forestry or natural resource management.
- Proven ability in producing scientific material, such as printed publications and web content, to the highest quality, scientific and literary standards.
- Demonstrated competency in cooperating within multi-disciplinary teams with members of diverse cultures and levels of authority.
- High-level organizational skills and the ability to manage and prioritize a complex work programme to meet agreed deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a flexible and collaborative approach to operating in a scientific communications environment.
- Perfect written and spoken English, with experience in dealing with staff whose first language is not English.
- High levels of skill in operating Microsoft Word, with a solid working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, etc.
- Knowledge of the print production process, from concept through design to production and effective dissemination.
The following skills will be advantageous
- Some knowledge of web-authoring, design and photo-manipulation software.
- Knowledge of French and/or Spanish.
- Knowledge of and experience in the CGIAR or international development system.
Terms of offer
The World Agro-forestry Center is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.
We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women.
This position is on national terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to a six (6) months probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.
How to apply
Applications for the position must include:
- A covering letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements, together with your salary expectations
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.
All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Unit, World Agro-forestry Center (ICRAF), P.O Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya OR via email:
icrafhru@cgiar.org and should indicate “Application for Publications officer” on their application letters and email submissions.
Applications will be considered until 16 July 2010
Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
