Development Communication Manager at CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International)

THE ROLE:

• The Development Communication Manager is responsible for researching, planning, implementing and documenting communication campaigns to address complex agricultural issues, with the objective of improving food security, livelihoods, and gender equity. They will provide senior level development communication expertise across CABI’s African research and development project portfolio, with the purpose of continually improving the quality of CABI’s delivery and impact using communication for change approaches. The role will coordinate development communication activities in Africa. 
• The individual will work alongside communication, social and biological science colleagues across CABI as part of science-based and multi-disciplinary projects and programmes.

 Key Accountabilities:

• Strategy, innovation and management-  Coordinate a team of development communication colleagues across Africa region to support their development and growth in line with CABI objectives to expand this field of work
• Oversee best practice delivery of development communication activities which are research-led, effective, operationally efficient, and provide evidence of outcomes and impact which can be shared widely 
• Support the Strategic Lead – Development Communication to jointly plan and implement coordinated activities for CABI’s flagship programme, PlantwisePlus during its lifecycle. Work closely with the Strategic Lead to contribute to development communication strategy across the organisation, in conjunction with the Development Communication Manager – Asia. 
• Offer strategic and advisory insights on DCE work in line with the broader business plan for the growth of the Africa Centre.
• Project implementation- Design, plan and implement a range of communication strategies including science-communication-related as well as social and behaviour change communication campaigns aimed at influencing structural constraints, facilitating dialogue and changing individual and stakeholder behaviours in order to contribute to development outcomes such as food security and improved livelihoods in countries across Africa, as projects dictate. 
• Conceptualise, source, and develop high quality development communications products (e.g. video) which By sharing knowledge and science, CABI tackles global issues like poverty, hunger, education, equality, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting natural habitats from invasive species, and improving access to scientific knowledge. CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-forprofit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills, and tools into people's hands. CABI's 48 Member Countries guide and influence our work which is delivered by scientific staff based in our global network of centres. CABI is committed to making a difference and playing its part in creating a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future. You can learn more at:www.cabi.org ABOUT US KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE engage and educate audiences across Africa including farmers, researchers, development partners, policy makers and the public. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with in-country partners such as government, non-government and service provider organisations, to facilitate an enabling environment allowing CABI to operate effectively and in a timely fashion 
• Manage development communication consultancies including the development of Terms of Reference (ToR); working with the procurement team and People team in the recruitment; and management to ensure expected project delivery.
• Research and learning- Provide insights and learning from development communication activities undertaken in this role, and from other external programmes, in written or verbal form for sharing across the development communication team to improve practice 
• Work closely with evaluation specialists to evaluate outcomes and impacts of campaigns and contribute to reporting. This includes working closely with the evaluation specialist to ensure that implementation of campaigns is carried out in ways in which evaluation can take place. 
• Monitor campaigns, lead After Action Reviews, and work closely with Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning team to assess and report the early-stage outputs, outcomes and impacts of development communication activities in projects and programs countries. Contribute to CABI’s science strategy by engaging in participatory research, producing publications, conducting outreach, and fostering partner engagement to gather insights on the most impactful interventions.
• Business development- Work alongside the Project Development and Development Communications teams in Africa and across the organisation to identify potential opportunities within Development, Communication, and Extension (D, CE) Theme including proposal writing to secure funding and support for new initiatives. 
• Represent CABI at relevant sector-based fora, conference, or events by delivering presentations contributing to knowledge around development communications and enhance visibility of CABI. ABOUT YOU: 
• At least an MSc in development communication, social science in communications, or any other relevant field 
• 10 years plus demonstrable experience working on development issues 

 Management experience 

• Experience in development communications on large, complex, multi-country donor-funded projects is highly preferred 
• Experience in leading the planning and implementation of outreach and media events, including press conferences and project launches 
• Agricultural background preferred 
• Ability to professionally communicate across all levels of an organization and the public

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE 

• Willingness to travel Knowledge and Skills 
• Skilled in communication strategic thinking and planning 
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team player 
• Ability to adhere to program deadlines and priorities 
• Excellent networking and communication skills 
• Track record of contributing to scholarly output including publications and technical reports

Personal attributes 

• Capacity to build effective relationships with programme stakeholders 
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environments 
• Self-directed/self-motivating personality 
• Deliver quality results that are action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes continuously seek to learn, share knowledge, and innovate.