Communications Specialist, Asia Region (Ref: 1251)

The Center for International Forestry Research advances human wellbeing, environmental conservation and equity by conducting research to inform policies and practices that affect forests in developing countries.  CIFOR is a CGIAR Research Centre. Our headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia, and we have offices in Asia, Africa and South America.

CIFOR is looking for a Communications Specialist, Asia Region

Reporting to the Media Relations & Outreach Manager, the Communications Specialist, Asia Region, will join a highly motivated and talented global communications team to lead the development and implementation of a far-reaching outreach strategy to translate into impact CIFOR’s research in the forestry sector in Asia.

Key tasks

1. Develop communications materials in multiple formats on CIFOR’s work in Asia. This would include:
   • Writing stories for CIFOR’s Forests News blog, a virtual news service on forestry issues – partially by working with freelance writers, photographers and videographers, and also traveling to the field across Asia;
   • Draft press releases on major new research findings;
   • Oversee production of video/photo story packages for the web and mainstream media.
2. Enhance already strong relationships with Asian media to disseminate information on key new research findings;
3. Build communication plans and budgets into regional research proposals and projects to enhance impact. Support the integration of communication for development activities and knowledge management into projects and programmes.
4. Oversee the Asian elements of CIFOR’s multilingual web presence, including websites targeted at particular Asian audiences;
5. Work with regional communications officers in Africa and Latin America, and with CIFOR's climate change communications specialist, to coordinate global outreach efforts.
6. Liaise with counterparts at the Government of Indonesia such as the Ministry of Forestry, including on management of the Bahasa Indonesia website REDD-Indonesia.org.
7. Coordinate conferences across Asia, and attend events worldwide as part of CIFOR’s communications team.

Requirements

Education, experience, technical skills and competencies

• Degree in communications or related discipline.
• At least five years of work experience in media/communications, preferably in Asia.
• Experience in planning, implementing and evaluating communication programmes. 
• Fluency in English. Fluency in Indonesian an advantage.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Demonstrates initiative and capable of working independently as well as being an effective team player.
• Strong client service approach.
• Ability to nurture new ways of doing things.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to effectively and positively interact with people in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability in personal organisation, planning, priority setting and managing multiple tasks.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure.

Terms and conditions

• This is a regionally recruited position. CIFOR offers attractive and regionally competitive compensation and benefits, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The initial contract will be for 2 years with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of this position, and available resources. The position will be based in Bogor, Indonesia.

Application process

• The application deadline is 25 November 2012.
• We will acknowledge all applications, however, we will contact only short-listed candidates. Please send your letter of interest and CV, including contact information for three referees, to:

Human Resources Department, CIFOR 
cifor-hr-jobs@cgiar.org 
Please indicate the position and the reference code in the email subject line. 

CIFOR is an equal opportunity employer. 
Staff diversity contributes to excellence.