Climate Change Communications Specialist/Writer

The Center for International Forestry Research advances human wellbeing, environmental conservation and equity by conducting research to inform policies and practices that affect forests in developing countries. We are one of 15 centres within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia, and we have offices in Asia, Africa and South America.

CIFOR is looking for a Climate Change Communications Specialist/Writer

The Climate Change Communications Specialist/Writer leads a well-funded global initiative to raise awareness about the crucial role that forests play in both climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Specialist’s main task is to design and implement a global communication strategy that highlights the results of the world’s largest research initiative into REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), which could see significant funding flow from rich countries to developing ones to safeguard their forests.

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) is currently managing a multimillion dollar four year study on the early implementation of REDD+, which will have a major impact on policies and practices worldwide. Key audiences include policymakers, climate change negotiators, scientists, media, forest communities, the private sector, and NGOs.

The job will require extensive journalistic-style writing about research findings, production of multimedia stories, some organisation of conferences – and frequent global travel.

Key tasks: 

• Develop a strategy to connect the research findings from the project with key stakeholders worldwide;
• Manage the implementation of the strategy, working closely with CIFOR’s regional communications officers in South America, Africa and Asia;
• Manage the content of CIFOR’s forests and climate change website
• Write journalistic-style stories about research findings for CIFOR’s Forests blog, as well as other outlets;
• Oversee the production of multimedia story packages about the research;
• Play a key role in the organisation of events, including Forest Day;

Requirements:

Education, experience, technical skills and competencies:

• Degree in journalism, communications, or a related discipline
• At least five years experience in a journalism/communications role
• Proven strong writer, especially in a journalistic style
• Experience in event coordination an advantage
• Fluency in English. Working knowledge of Indonesian, French, Spanish and/or Portuguese an advantage

Personal attributes and competencies:

• Outstanding interpersonal communications and negotiation skills
• Team player. Values the sharing of information and continuous improvement in a cooperative atmosphere of constructive evaluation and learning.
• Desire to learn
• Ability to work in a high performance multi cultural environment
• Strong client service approach

Terms and conditions

• This is a regionally recruited position. CIFOR offers attractive and regionally competitive compensation and benefits, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The initial contract will be for 1 year with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of this position and available resources. The position will be based in Bogor, Indonesia.

Application process

• The application deadline is 15 March 2012. Screening of applications will start directly afterward and will continue until the selected candidate is identified.
• We will acknowledge all applications, however, we will contact only short-listed candidates. Please send your letter of interest and CV, including contact information for three referees to:

Human Resources Department, CIFOR 
cifor-hr-jobs@cgiar.org 
Please indicate the position in the email subject line. 

CIFOR is an equal opportunity employer. 
Staff diversity contributes to excellence.