CIFOR Vacancy: Senior Science Writer and Producer, Bogor

Senior Science Writer and Producer

Information and Communications Group (1418)
Bogor, Indonesia

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) is a nonprofit, global research organization dedicated to advancing human well-being, environmental conservation and equity.

We conduct research that enables more informed and equitable decision making about the use and management of tropical and sub-tropical forest landscapes. We help policy makers and practitioners shape effective policy, improve the management of tropical forests and address the needs and perspectives of people who depend on forests for their livelihoods. Our multidisciplinary approach considers the underlying drivers of deforestation and degradation which often lie outside the forestry sector: forces such as agriculture, infrastructure development, trade and investment policies and law enforcement.

 

CIFOR is looking for
Senior Science Writer and Producer

Overview

The Senior Science Writer and Producer will work across a range of mediums and topics to turn out compelling, innovative and high-quality communications materials designed to help translate CIFOR’s high-caliber research into meaningful, real-world impact.

Already known for its innovation, ambition and reach, CIFOR’s communications program is looking to develop and use world-class, cutting-edge science communications to inform policy globally, regionally and nationally in Asia, Africa and Latin America. We have the funding and passion to achieve this bold vision, along with the infrastructure, technical and regional communications experts, and desire to experiment.

What we need now is a dynamic, creative and self-directed Senior Science Writer and Producer to take the freedom and resources we offer and make it happen – whether it involves traveling to the field with a multimedia crew to produce packages, conceptualizing an animated infographic, writing a speech for a head of state, or finessing a factsheet.

 

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an avid reader of science and environmental literature and issues – someone who genuinely enjoys engaging with scientists and the topics they research
• Have a passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences
• Have a strong editorial background, able to identify the most compelling and appropriate stories and methods for telling them, whether tried-and-true, emerging or experimental
• Be a world-class writer and editor, who can turn their hand to any kind of material with great effect and due respect for academic rigor
• Be able to come up with and develop ideas for communicating science for impact, and be open to and excited by new possibilities
• Have a rich, varied body of work that demonstrates the ability to think across multimedia platforms, to experiment with new media and to never sacrifice quality or accuracy
• Be a dynamic go-getter with loads of initiative and an adventurous spirit.

Summary of responsibilities

• Conceptualize, write and produce science communications materials for research projects, themes, outputs or events, with particular attention to climate change and sustainable development, in collaboration with CIFOR scientists, partners, Outreach Manager, and Regional Communications Coordinators.
• Contribute suggestions for communications activities and products to communications strategies/plans for projects, outputs, themes and/or events, as led by the Outreach Manager or Regional Communications Coordinators
• Write and edit materials, ensuring that all outputs are high quality and accurate
• Supervise a full-time consulting Science Writer
• Build and manage a pool of high-quality part-time consultants
• Provide advice and training where appropriate to other members of the Information and Communications Group
• Liaise with other members of the Information and Communications Group in producing and publishing work, including the Editor of Forests News and the Editorial and Multimedia Services Manager

Details of duties, assignments and objectives will be further discussed and laid out in the staff’s annual performance contract.

Requirements

Education, knowledge and experience

• Degree in communications, science (e.g. biophysical sciences, social sciences, political sciences, economics, etc.) or a related field
• At least 10 years’ experience in producing high-quality communications materials across a range of mediums (samples to be requested)
• Demonstrated interest in science and environmental issues and ability to grasp new material quickly
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit English across multiple styles and formats at a very high level (better than average native speaker)
• Awareness of visual effects of media and design, to be able to brief multimedia teams
• Experience working with technical experts, preferably in a multicultural context
• Fluency in English. Other languages an advantage.
• Experience working in developing countries an advantage
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities

 

Personal Attributes and Competencies

• Go-getter, self-motivated and resourceful – someone who can make things happen
• Dynamic and creative
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills, able to interact effectively and positively with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment
• Able to work well under pressure
• Strong client service approach
• Stickler for high quality and accuracy

Terms and Conditions

• This is an internationally recruited position. CIFOR offers competitive remuneration in USD, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The appointment will be for a period of 2 (two) years, inclusive 9 (nine) months’ probationary period, with a possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be at CIFOR HQ in Bogor, Indonesia.

Application process

• The application deadline is 30 September 2014
• We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

To apply, please visit our career site at HERE

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