CIMMYT is an internationally funded, non-profit research and training organization affiliated with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). CIMMYT's mission is to help the poor in the developing world by increasing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of maize and wheat-based cropping systems while protecting natural resources.
The Center is a global leader in scientific research and training related to maize and wheat, and in biotechnology, economics, and natural resource management research. These activities are conducted in partnership with national agricultural research systems, non-governmental organizations, and advanced research institutions, both public and private, in globally-focused projects and programs.
CIMMYT employs about 600 permanent staff and operates through decentralized partnerships, with staff in 13 countries and projects and networks in many more.
In Kenya, CIMMYT is hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) in Nairobi.
The position
ICRAF/CIMMYT seeks to recruit a Science Writer/Editor to work with its research programs (Maize, Wheat, Socioeconomics, and Conservation Agriculture) in sub-Saharan Africa. The Science Writer/Editor will be based at CIMMYT's office in Nairobi, Kenya. The starting date for the position is April 2009. She/he will edit technical scientific publications, grants proposals, and other technical information as well as write and edit non-technical material intended to increase public awareness of CIMMYT's activities as required.
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the development of diverse products such as the corporate annual report, fact sheets, funding proposals, policy briefs, technical bulletins, scientific books and chapters, journal- and magazine articles
- Identify high interest stories throughout the Center's research programs and write and/or edit stories in a range of styles for dissemination in suitable formats and to various target audiences
- As required, travel to document CIMMYT's work on the ground
- Assist scientists in preparing scientific posters, presentations and other materials
- Select and provide photographs for use in publications and presentations
- Assist in preparing presentations for scientific conferences and meetings
- Assist with developing content for the CIMMYT website
- B.A. or B.Sc. in communications, journalism,. literature, science, agriculture, or other relevant field
- At least two years of work experience relating to the position Strong, proven skills in English writing and grammar Fluency in English and Kiswahili. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish desirable
- Capacity to understand processes and issues related to science and technology, with a focus on issues affecting agriculture and development in sub-Saharan Africa
- Ability to write/edit under pressure, with high accuracy and to deadline
- Creativity, particularly in devising new approaches to publications content
- Ability to work in a team of professionals from many countries and cultures
- Willingness to travel within the region
Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications, competencies, skills, salary expectations, vacancy announcement source together with a detailed curriculum vitae with names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.
All correspondence should be addressed to the
Human Resources Unit,
World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF),
P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi,
Kenya
OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org.
Applications will be considered until 27th February 2009 and should indicate "Application for a Science Writer/Editor-CIMMYT" on their application letters and email submissions.
Only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
We invite you to learn more about us at:
http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org
http://www.cimmyt.org
