The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) seeks a communications specialist who can assist the Director General with
presentations to key partners and audiences about emerging concerns in agricultural research for development and CIMMYT’s activities to address them.
The assistant will report to the Head of Corporate Communications, be based at CIMMYT headquarters near Mexico City, and be expected to travel as
required to the center's other offices throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as to conferences and other events attended by the Director
General.
Responsibilities
* In collaboration with the Head of Corporate Communications and the External Communications Officer, provide high-level support to the Director
General, helping him prepare presentations, think pieces, op-ed articles, and manuscripts for diverse fora and publications.
* As time permits, assist in other CIMMYT communications tasks and initiatives.
Required skills and experience
* A BA in communications or a related discipline (journalism, etc.).
* Experience in communications, public affairs, or related fields.
* A grounding or experience in the biological sciences, preferably relating to agriculture.
* Knowledge of international development issues, and an interest in keeping abreast of emerging issues via diverse outlets and media.
* Excellent mastery of Powerpoint and other presentation media, as well as good design skills.
* The ability to find relevant, compelling source materials (studies, statistics, quotes by recognized authorities, graphics, images) for messaging and use
in presentations.
* Outstanding writing skills in English for diverse audiences and formats.
* Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural team and under pressure.
Desired skills and experience
* Ability to speak and write in a language other than English, especially Spanish.
CIMMYT (www.cimmyt.cgiar.org ) is an internationally funded, non-profit research and training organization affiliated with the Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR, www.cgiar.org ) and has an annual budget of approximately US$50 million. CIMMYT’s mission is to recue
poverty and enhance food security in the developing world by increasing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of maize and wheat-based
agricultural systems while protecting the natural resource base. The Center is a global leader in scientific research and training related to maize and wheat,
and in biotechnology, socio-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 partnership, with staff in 12 countries and projects and networks in many
more.
The position will be for an initial fixed-term contract of 3 years, after which further employment is subject to performance and availability of funds. CIMMYT
offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education
allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping assistance. The CIMMYT campus has recreational and sports facilities and
the center offers preschool care and transportation to an international school in Mexico City. Housing is available on and off campus, in and outside Mexico
City.
CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
Please send your letter of application outlining motivation, date of availability and competencies and experience for the position accompanied by a
detailed CV/Resume and the names and addresses (including phone/e-mail) of three referees no later than September 2, 2010.
Human Resources Manager, CIMMYT
(Reference 2010/07)
Email: jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org
For further information contact Mr. Mike Listman, Interim Head of Corporate Communications, m.listman@cgiar.org
