COMMUNICATION OFFICER AT IITA - INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE | COMMUNICATION OFFICER JOBS IN IBADAN

About Company:

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is one of the world's leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Our award-winning research for development (R4D) addresses the development needs of tropical countries. 

Job Description:

IITA-BIP is seeking a high-caliber Communications Officer to lead the narrative of our business and research-to-commercialization efforts. This is a strategic role responsible for enhancing the public image of the BIP and its various subsidiaries. You will be the architect of our visibility, ensuring that our progress in agricultural innovation and youth empowerment reaches global development partners, the private sector, and the general public.

You will manage the entire communication lifecycle—from drafting high-level strategy and media relations to hands-on content creation and event coordination. If you have a background in international development and the creative agility to manage multi-stakeholder branding, we invite you to tell the story of IITA-BIP.

Requirements:

1. Strategic Narrative & Content Architecture

• Communication Strategy: Develop and execute a multi-channel strategy that aligns IITA-BIP’s subsidiaries and projects with global branding standards.

• Multimedia Production: Draft, edit, and produce high-impact written and visual content, including press releases, technical reports, and internal newsletters.

• Digital Ecosystem: Oversee the organization’s social media presence and website, utilizing data analytics to optimize audience engagement and reach.

2. Media Diplomacy & Stakeholder Relations

• Media Management: Build and maintain an elite network of local and national media outlets; organize high-profile press briefings, media tours, and interviews.

• Crisis & Reputation Management: Act as the custodian of the organization’s brand, mitigating reputational risks and ensuring message consistency across cross-cultural teams.

• Development Partner Liaison: Maintain active dialogue with development partners, government officials, and farming communities to ensure project transparency and buy-in.

3. Event Orchestration & Reporting

• Field & Public Activities: Lead the communication support for workshops, field days, and international conferences—ensuring maximum visibility before, during, and after events.

• Performance Analysis: Prepare analytical reports on media reach and communication effectiveness to inform future strategy and satisfy donor requirements.

• Collaborative Leadership: Coordinate joint communication initiatives with international partners, consultants, and cross-functional project teams.

Qualifications and Skills:

Professional Profile

• Education: MSc, B.Sc., or HND in Communication, Journalism, International Relations, or related fields.

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in a structured environment. Experience with international research institutes (CGIAR/IITA), development organizations (NGOs), or the public sector is highly preferred.

• Technical Stack: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) or video editing tools (Premiere Pro) is a significant advantage.

Core Competencies

• Verbal & Written Mastery: Exceptional storytelling ability for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Cross-Cultural Awareness: Ability to navigate the social and professional nuances of an international organization.

• Analytical Thinking: Skills in social media analytics and resource management.

• Mobility: Readiness to travel at short notice to project sites and field stations.

Salary

Application Closing Date: Not specified

Application Instructions:

Click the button below to apply