Bilingual Communication Specialist at International Fertilizer Development (IFDC)

Job Description

 Bilingual Communication Specialist, NWAF

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization (PIO) governed by an international board of directors with representation from developed and developing nations. The non-profit center focuses on increasing and sustaining food and agricultural productivity in developing countries through the development and transfer of effective and environmentally sound crop nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise.

IFDC’s North and West Africa (NWAF) operates through 7 country offices and has 117 staff members in 8 countries. The regional office is based in Accra, Ghana.

IFDC NWAF is seeking a Bilingual Communication Specialist to support the regional office and a number field projects. The Bilingual Communication Specialist:

• Translates documents from French to English and vice-versa,
• Supports the Regional Director in the editing, formatting, layout of key deliverables, such as technical progress reports, work plans, performance monitoring plans, etc.;
• Communicates regularly with the Regional Director to ensure fields projects receive the required corporate communication support and adequately fulfill their project implementation responsibilities, while adhering to contractual obligations and donor requirements, as well as policies and procedures internal to IFDC;
• Coordinates and supervise communication activities including media relations, social media, audiovisual productions, outreach and promotion, projects’ web presence, publishing, library and knowledge services; (e-newsletters, videos, infographics, news releases, media kits, media briefings, social media activities; projects’ publications, impact stories; websites where appropriate);
• Monitors activities related to report writing (donor deliverables) of projects to assist the Regional Director in submitting project deliverables on time and of good quality.
• Prepares presentation and speech for the Regional Director
• Provides report writing support to the portfolio of field projects;
• Assists with the development and implementation of communication plans for projects.
• Drafts and edits media releases, media advisories; and other written outreach material as required;
• Provides regular updates and stories for the region;
• Contributes to the organization and preparation of special events;
• Supports in the development of video productions, including script preparation and review;
• Reviews and finalises report, publications, newsletters, materials for handout, etc;
• Supports projects in social media campaign by researching successful stories of projects;
• Develops good working relationships with key media in all West African countries;
• Prepares/and/or contributes to the preparation of success stories and other communications materials;
• Edits and formats projects reports;
• Creates more visibility for IFDC through its projects;
• Develop a robust, analytical framework for monitoring and evaluating projects’ communications initiatives;
• Monitors and ensure full application of the projects’ brand identities in all communications products, initiatives and projects;
• Coordinates and supervise promotional events or side-events (including exhibitions, stands, displays) where they contribute to the effective delivery of key messages and contribute demonstrably to projects’ approaches and achievements;
• Builds strong professional relations in communication with projects’ partners and medias;
• Maintains and continuously expand the program’s contact database; and
• Any other assignment that the supervisor deems necessary for the success of the program.

Required Skills

• Excellent oral, written and inter personal and communication skills in English and French
• Experience with USAID and other donors’ projects and deliverables
• Strong affinity with agribusiness development and food security
• Ability to critically examine and review reports
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to operate effectively in an environment with multiple stakeholders and people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Analytical capabilities and attention to detail
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently in the region
• High level of initiative and enthusiasm, adaptability and flexibility
• Able to think creatively about the use of digital and visual communication
• Experience in managing and building a brand's social media presence

Required Experience

• Relevant education, at least a Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline such as media, journalism or communication studies. 
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience;

The Bilingual Communication Specialist reports directly to the Regional Director.

Duty Station

The Bilingual Communication Specialist shall be based in Accra, Ghana and will be available to travel within and outside the region as requested by his employment. 

Required Skills

• Excellent oral, written and inter personal and communication skills in English and French
• Strong affinity with agribusiness development and food security
• Ability to critically examine and review reports
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to operate effectively in an environment with multiple stakeholders and people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Analytical capabilities and attention to detail
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently in the region
• High level of initiative and enthusiasm, adaptability and flexibility
• Able to think creatively about the use of digital and visual communication
• Experience in managing and building a brand's social media presence

Required Experience

• Experience with USAID and other donors’ projects and deliverables
• Experience in managing and building a brand's social media presence
• Relevant education, at least a Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline such as media, journalism or communication studies. 
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience;