POST:Communication & Public Awareness Specialist

Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
Location: Accra, Ghana
Last Date: January 28, 2010

Vacancy Announcement
Communication & Public Awareness Specialist:
Ref: FARA/adv/CPA/2010

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex organization for agricultural research for development in Africa. As the lead institution for NEPAD’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) pillar IV, which encompasses agricultural research and technology dissemination and adoption, FARA seeks to build the capacity for agricultural innovation and to make agriculture the continent’s engine for economic growth. FARA works closely with sub-regional organisations (SROs) and national agricultural research and extension systems to ensure effective implementation of CAADP activities. FARA’s mission is to create broad-based improvements in agricultural productivity, competitiveness and markets by supporting Africa’s sub-regional organisations in strengthening capacity for agricultural innovation.

FARA seeks to recruit a Communication and Public Awareness Specialist who will be based at the FARA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana.

Working under FARA’s Networking Support Function 2 and reporting to the Director, Access to Knowledge and Technologies (NSF2), the successful candidate shall perform inter alia the following duties:
• Update and implement FARA’s communication strategy i.e. produce and disseminate public awareness materials such as case studies, policy papers targeted at development partners and policy makers
• Build on the FARA communication strategy to develop a specific strategy to target the media i.e. relate with the International and African Press Agencies in preparation for major FARA events such as the FARA General Assembly held triennially; drafting press releases, and opinion pieces on
agricultural research issues in Africa and other related to the activities of the FARA secretariat and FARA forum
• Support to the national RAILS teams to relate with their local media and capture local press stories on agricultural research for development
• Contribute to the regular updates of FARA information and communication tools relevant for FARA and its network.
• Edit communication materials released by FARA Secretariat
• Monitor events or developments at the Global level, FARA Programme sites, SROs and NARS level and identify agricultural research opportunities to inform relevant FARA’s policies, programmes and advocacy functions
• Coordinate FARA’s response to requests for information in a timely, cost effective and appropriate manner on various issues raised by FARA Stakeholders
• Any other duties as that might be assigned by NSF2 Director or FARA management

Requirements
• PhD or equivalent degree in development communications and communication management or other relevant qualification;
• International experience in developing countries and particularly in Africa and in agricultural issues;
• At least 5 years experience with an outstanding record of achievement in technical editing or information and communication management,
• Excellent scientific writing skills in English and ability to make presentations and write well under
pressure and a commitment to meeting deadlines
• Fluency in English and French, both oral and written.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment;
• Willingness to travel extensively, mostly in Africa.

Compensation
This is a full-time internationally recruited staff position (categorized as Professional Staff within FARA
Secretariat). FARA offers competitive terms of employment.

Applications
Please send (via e-mail) comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers of three referees to:
Dr. Monty P. Jones, Executive Director, FARA, PMB CT 173, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana; Email: ed@faraafrica.org ; Fax: +233 21 773676. Applications will be accepted up to 28th January 2010.

For more information about FARA please visit: http://www.fara-africa.org

FARA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women.

NB: Please include the position reference code indicated above as part of your subject when forwarding your application.