Africa Communications Manager

• Manage Communications operational plan aligned with CIMMYT's mission, vision, and strategic goals to build reputation and maximize the policy and development impact of its

• Work on impactful donor communications plans with the Donor Relations and Fundraising Support services team as part of donors' cultivation plans.
• Represent the organization at high-profile regional and international forums, such as UN assemblies and COP events, to amplify CIMMYT's mission and impact.
• Provide input into Chapter global strategy and operational plan.
• Keep abreast of the latest communication trends and technologies, ensuring that the organization is using the most effective tools and strategies.
• Manage and implement crisis communication plans to ensure that the organization is prepared to respond to negative events, in coordination with the Global Head of Communications.

• Ensure consistent brand expression and powerful visuals through regional creative services.
• Ensure the creation of high-quality content for various channels, including internal communications, executive communications, websites, social media, email, and publications.
• Establish and enforce editorial policies and procedures, in line with C&O global policies and procedures.
• Translate CIMMYT's mission and projects in concrete, tangible storylines with high human interest.
• Ensure that the company’s brand voice is consistent across all regions and communication channels.
• Manages workflows, including project scoping, prioritization, and scheduling, to ensure timely execution of all requirements.

• Coordinate with Media Relations Manager all activities involving programs or projects from

• Manage digital communications to support global communications goal of positioning CIMMYT as a leader within food and agriculture within the African Region.
• Lead innovation in social and digital communications in the region by driving digital transformation, implementing AI-driven content strategies, and managing campaigns; oversee the development of enterprise-wide communications systems and platforms to strengthen reach and impact according to the global communications strategy.
• Manage and curate content calendars to optimize content for different platforms and formats Plan and execute social and digital campaigns to achieve specific objectives related to Africa's

• Monitor and evaluate CIMMYT's communications and outreach digital platforms and regularly provide analysis and recommendations for improvements.

• Support strategic decisions on internal communications channels and tools including townhalls, intranet, newsletters, etc.

• Coordinate with Executive Communications Manager all activities related to Executive team and programs/projects developed in Africa.
• Manage systems to ensure quality assurance and streamline event engagement for leadership team members.
• Provide guidance and support to senior leaders on communication matters, including media relations, crisis communications, and public speaking.

• Ensure all regions contribute to building reputation and maximize the policy and development impact of CIMMYT's impact across the main target regions Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

• Develop and Manage workflow and plans of CIMMYT's Communication unit for Africa and ensure all output and deliverables are produced cost-efficiently and according to predetermined timelines guaranteeing internal clients' satisfaction.
• Create a high performing team that strives for excellence and supports the CIMMYT mission for impact with a culture of shared accountability and results orientation.
• Develop and constantly update a global roster of cost- efficient, high-quality freelance editors, translators, designers, web programmers and other specialists.
• Mentor and empower the Africa communication team to pursue innovative approaches and set demanding metrics for engagement that deliver results in a fast-changing, competitive external communications environment and build the organization's brand and contribute to succession planning.
• Develop and manage the communications budget/SAS Africa, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
• Conduct recruiting and onboarding processes to expand the team as needed.
• Promote values and behaviors, to uphold CIMMYT's culture in the organization.

• Master's degree in communications or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in Communications, with a strong emphasis in external, internal and executive communications, media relations management, campaign execution, social and digital communications.
• Strong knowledge of media outlets, journalists, content development, advocacy, media, writing, editing, and translation.
• Proficiency in digital content management systems, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Extensive experience in various countries of the Africa region.
• Experience in nonprofit or international development contexts is preferred.
• Experience with development, management and execution of strategic communications plans.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines effectively.
• Exceptional written and verbal English skills, with the ability to convey complex messages clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Team Leadership, Client Orientation, Critical and Creative Thinking, Teamwork, and Communication.

CIMMYT