Reports to: Deputy Director General - Research
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Main purpose of position
The Head of Communications plays a strategic role in shaping and amplifying ICARDA’s brand, visibility and scientific impact to influence the global arena of agricultural research for development. This role is instrumental in translating complex scientific research into compelling narratives that engage donors, policymakers, research partners and the wider audience. Working closely with researchers, monitoring and evaluation teams, resource mobilization specialists and project development teams, the successful candidate will craft actionable engagement strategies that position ICARDA at the forefront of agriculture research-for-development (AR4D) in the global drylands. The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and hands-on executor, capable of implementing communications activities rapidly and with high impact while fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and communication within ICARDA’s research teams and across the organization.
About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research organization supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org
Main responsibilities
The Head of Communications will have the following key responsibilities:
Strategic Communications & Research Impact
•Develop and implement ICARDA's multi-channel communications strategy that translates ICARDA’s scientific research portfolio into compelling stories by developing and implementing annual action plans to target key audiences, including a highly targeted media program, digital and social media channels, and niche communications programs for a range of stakeholders including, but not limited to donors, researchers, and policymakers.
•Ensure scientific outputs are effectively disseminated to funders, decision makers, and research partners by delivering timely, high-quality, and high-impact communication material, such as press releases, thought-pieces, editorials, corporate reports, newsletters, and other flagship publications and public awareness material, both in digital and print format.
•Position ICARDA as a thought leader in dryland agriculture and climate-resilient food systems.
•Ensure that the ICARDA website is up-to-date, operational, and works to enhance the visibility and understanding of ICARDA’s mission and impact internationally, with particular attention to funders, policymakers, and strategic partners.
Content Development & Digital Engagement
•Oversee the production of high-quality research-driven content, including scientific articles, policy briefs, donor reports, and corporate publications.
•Ensure that ICARDA’s profile is updated on the CGIAR website and social media channels keeping it dynamic, engaging, and aligned with the latest research updates
•Develop and maintain effective relationships with relevant media outlets to maximize opportunities for effective coverage of ICARDA’s work. Profile and pitch to journalists and producers.
•Spearhead the development of multimedia content, including videos, infographics, and podcasts, to broaden the reach of ICARDA’s scientific insights.
Donor Relations & Research Uptake
•Work closely with the Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization to produce compelling, relevant and thought-provoking communications’ products that support ICARDA’s overall vision and mission, and supports increased funding and partnerships
•Provide support to the Deputy Director General – Research, and research teams, to ensure that all scientific and technical documents uploaded in the ICARDA MEL repository meet international standards of English grammar and style in addition to being in-line with ICARDA’s Style Guidelines. This is expected to be undertaken both by the incumbent themselves as well as by outsourcing.
•Provide support and strategic advice to research programs and teams and streamline effective dissemination of research results and knowledge products into their projects and initiatives from an early stage of project development.
Organizational & Capacity Building
• Build organizational capacity for effective communication through coaching and training of scientists and members of the Senior Management Team and other staff as necessary.
•Lead ICARDA’s crisis communications and reputation management efforts.
•Plan and manage ICARDA’s presence and visibility at major national, regional and global
events.
•Manage risks associated with external communications and lead on reputation management.
•Prepare and manage annual budgets for the Communications Unit.
•Lead and motivate a small team of staff, consultants and interns.
•Effectively manage the outsourcing of communication activities as necessary.