ILRI Consultancy- Senior Global Engagement, Communications and Events Advisor

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a senior part-time consultant Global Engagement, Events and Communications Advisor for six months who will lead communications and engagement of the CGIAR Research Initiative on Livestock and Climate in a series of high-profile events in the latter half of 2024. The adviser will work closely with the ILRI communications teams and scientists of the Livestock and Climate Initiative which includes ILRI, the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, ICARDA and partners.

ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 11 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

Background

The CGIAR Research Initiative on Livestock and Climate addresses the challenges that climate change poses to livestock production, supporting livestock-dependent communities without accelerating greenhouse gas emissions or degrading land, water, and biodiversity. This Initiative aims to address the “double burden” that climate change poses for livestock production across Africa and Latin America, that is, livestock are most vulnerable to climate change but are also emitters of greenhouse gases. Researchers are working with public and private actors to identify existing solutions and to co-create and deliver innovations that quantifiably help producers, businesses and governments adapt livestock agrifood systems to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Scope of Work

More specifically, the part-time consultant Global Engagement, Communications and Events Adviser will:

• Develop a strategic positioning and engagement plan (including messaging) to optimise influencing outcomes for a series of high-profile events in which the Livestock and Climate Initiative plans to engage including but not limited to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP16, Cali, Colombia (October); the Symposium on (Agro)Pastoralism, Dakar, Senegal (November) and connected round table dialogue on farmer-herder conflicts; the UN Climate Change Conference COP29, Baku, Azerbaijan (November); and the UN Convention to Combat Diversification COP16, Saudi Arabia (December).
• Lead the planning, organization, and participation of the Initiative’s engagement in these events in partnership with other staff, Initiatives, programs, projects including ILRI’s Global Livestock for Advocacy Project, the CGIAR Systems Office and our partners, including identifying opportunities for the Livestock and Climate Initiative scientists to contribute to panels, side events, bilateral meetings, dialogues and other.
• Support the preparation of press releases, presentations, speeches, blogs, briefs, leaflets, op-ed articles, posters, graphics, and other communication materials for and after the events, plus creation of key facts and related sources useful for speech writing.
• Work with the center communication teams to ensure highest media coverage of the events (and the science contributing to the events) and opportunities for scientists to conduct interviews etc. Collect social media reach metrics.
• Complete reports of each event documenting key contributions and impacts, as well as any required summaries for center and CGIAR communications.
• Assist in other tasks and initiatives as agreed with supervisor(s).

Final Products

• Strategic positioning and engagement plan for the above events.
• Agreed participation schedules and communication materials for various events organized, involving ILRI scientists and partners including supporting articles, op-eds, blogs, films, photos, press releases, leaflets and other as appropriate.
• Event reports, photos, social media outreach reports.

Consultancy Fee:  By mutual agreement based on agreed milestones and deliverables.

Post location:  Homebased

Expected places of travel: To be agreed

Duration:   6 months

Contract dates: July 2024 to December 2025 intermittent

Essential skills and qualifications

The selected Consultant should possess.

• Master’s degree in International Communications, Journalism, or other relevant field.
• A minimum ten years’ experience in leading communication, with a preference for experience in climate and/or livestock related research. Experience working in the CGIAR an advantage.
• A minimum of five of these years work in global climate events and/or with global climate-related platforms including UN conventions, global stakeholder platforms and dialogues.
• Excellent writing and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills including organization of large events.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative, and decentralized environment, including across teams at several levels.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office with advanced PowerPoint and presentation skills.
• Excellent oral communication skills in English, with additional French or Spanish an advantage.
• Strong interest in science and agricultural development issues with the ability to grasp new material quickly.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with short deadlines

How to apply: 

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development by clicking on the "Apply Now" tab above before 19 July 2024.  The position title and reference number SLS/ 1452 /2024 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer