Specialist - Science Communication

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager of Strategic and Science Communication, the Specialist will produce communication materials, products, and services that align with IRRI’s research strategy. The specialist will ensure that these outputs are well-circulated in IRRI’s official communication channels and other platforms that can reach the institute’s stakeholders, partners, and investors and will provide writing and editing expertise in converting technical papers into more engaging and general-audience-friendly materials.

This position will immerse themselves in the IRRI research teams to gather information about the most up-to-date innovations and recent impacts, as prioritized in the IRRI strategy, and create communication campaigns around them. The specialist will independently manage research teams to support communication outputs and activities, including events, media, and institutional engagements and will also contribute to RiceToday regularly, pitching stories and communicating with scientists to ensure that the content reflects what is happening in research. S/he will also prepare talking points and presentations for members of the ILT, as needed, for high-level engagements.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

• Liaise with research teams to uncover the most recent innovations and impacts that can capture the interest of IRRI’s donors, partners, and stakeholders and drive investments in the institute.
• Write and edit content for various communication platforms.
• Identify new and more engaging ways of communicating science to relevant audiences.
• Proactively access various information sources for relevant material and cross-check information with concerned stakeholders (KM team, scientists, journals, and other related literature).
• Prepare talking points and presentations for members of the ILT, as needed, for high-level engagements.
• Collaborate and develop strong working relationships with scientists to create interesting and engaging stories for new content for Rice Today and other institutional publications.
• Initiate and maintain good working relationships with scientists and researchers to ensure that the information used in communication outputs are clear, correct, valid, and up-to-date.
• Liaise with other communication sub-units, and external partners (publishers, photographers, etc.) to determine the best way to present information online and in print.
• Partner with the Head of Communication and Engagements and the IRRI Leadership Team to establish an annual editorial strategy.
• Proactively seek and propose strategies and award platforms to help IRRI gain global recognition (ex. World Food Prize).
• Ensure timely and relevant science content is posted on IRRI communication channels.
• Maintain inventory of news and feature stories about rice science for potential use in future online and print materials.
• Write and edit articles and produce content for other communication materials.
• Manage engagement with scientists and researchers; ensure proper account management with clients.
• Provide support for stakeholder engagement through communication materials, client management, and event set-up for institutional and scientific engagements.
• Proactively seek and propose strategies and award platforms to help IRRI gain global recognition (ex. World Food Prize).
• Well-crafted talking points and presentations for members of the ILT suitable for high-level engagements.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor from time to time

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, Communication, Agricultural Science or relevant field with 5 years of relevant experience
• Master's degree in journalism, Digital Marketing, Agricultural Science or relevant field with 3 years of relevant experience
• Knowledge Management experience is a plus

Mandatory

• Has excellent English editing and writing skills
• Has a good understanding of complex scientific information and theories related to agriculture and research
• Is able to write in a clear, concise and accurate language
• Has experience working with and editing for scientists
• Has excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to articulate scientific/technical concepts into clear and impactful messages across on- and offline-channels. 

Preferred

• Has experience working for an international organization

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

Join our team and be part of our story!

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.