Resource Mobilization External Engagement & Events Specialist.

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref.: 2024/11/NRS/KE/SSA

Resource Mobilization External Engagement & Events Specialist The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for a dynamic and experienced Resource Mobilization External Engagement & Events Specialist to support global positioning of CIPs profile and brand to secure sustainable funding as aligned with CIPs 2030 strategy and resource mobilization (RM) objectives. A cornerstone of the RM approach is pro-active external engagement, including participation at major events on global development (hereinafter referred to as “events”) (e.g. World Food Prize, CoPs, AFS, etc.) as well as outreach to funders, partners and stakeholders.

About CIP: CIP is part of the CGIAR global research partnership committed to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CIP’s mission is to develop and share science-based innovations in potato, sweetpotato, and other root and tuber crops. CIP partners with organizations in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to strengthen agri-food systems and provide economic, social, and nutritional benefits, especially for women and youth. We integrate social and biophysical sciences to address complex challenges in food and agriculture. For more information, please visihttps://cipotato.org/about/.

About the role: The Resource Mobilization External Engagement & Events Specialist will support conception, planning and organization of external engagement activities that align with CIP's RM approach. This position will also provide administrative and logistical support to all CIPs and RMs external engagement activities. The selected candidate will report to the Director of Resource Mobilization and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Key Responsibilities:

Engagement implementation (80%)

• Provide comprehensive event planning services, including checklists and reports, for CIP staff undertaking RM engagement activities, whether in-person or virtual.
• Draft event plans (Concept Notes), including key messaging, timelines, and budgets for implementation.
• Prepare draft Run of Show approaches, taking into account thematic priorities and positioning of CIP
• Coordinate all administrative and logistical aspects of event implementation, including venue selection, catering, transportation, accommodations, and other related activities.
• Liaise with participating organizations, including CGIAR, to coordinate agendas and panelists, ensuring all details are accurately arranged on event-related webpages and social media in collaboration with CIP Communications.
• Represent CIP at (weekly CGIAR) event coordination meetings and synthesize information learned into event concept notes and execution.
• Contribute to development of support materials for CIP staff attending events including exhibitions, publications, posters, and other promotional items as required.
• Manage attendee registrations, communications, and inquiries before, during, and after events.
• Support the processing of payments to CIP vendors or any other external party ensuring timely billing. Ensure that all events comply with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as organizational policies.
• Support preparation of CIP outreach activities (technical info/briefs, administrative support)

Strategic engagement portfolio management (10%)

• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive strategic external engagement/event portfolio for CIP, aligned with the RM approach, with the aim of increasing CIPs impact and influence in the Ag R4D sector, and beyond, to secure more and better funding.
• Develop and maintain a repository of relevant events, and undertaking a tiered assessment for optimized CIP participation,
• Presenting recommendations and justifications to the Director of RM/Head of Communications/SOAR.
• Develop, maintain and update CIP events tracker, event web pages and events calendar.
• Support management of up-to-date information on CIP outreach activities

Communication & Knowledge Management (10%)

• Maintain and update events workspace in KM hub and events calendar and provide reminders to communications staff to note upcoming key events (national and international) for CIP.
• Systematize learnings from successful and unsuccessful engagement activities, both technical and administrative aspects, in consultation with relevant teams, to improve future approaches.
• Liaise between CIP staff and media, providing information to scientists and journalists to streamline communication between the parties in compliance with CIP goals and objectives.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s in communication, marketing or a related area.
• At least 5 years of experience in similar positions, managing events and support for outreach activities, with strong emphasis on supporting administration and logistics.
• Proven experience working in a multidisciplinary environment and collaborating with research teams and partners.
• Commitment to working in a non-profit environment focuses on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• Excellent interpersonal relationships skills and teamwork orientation
• Experience with knowledge management and learning processes is an asset.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English; Spanish or French skills would be an asset.

Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP works with partners in over 20 countries to improve diets and incomes of poor people in Africa, Asia and Latin America through scientific research, innovation, and capacity strengthening.
• CIP’s programs seek to strengthen broader agri-food systems to generate economic, social and nutritional benefits for farmers, enterprises and consumers emphasizing the priorities of women and youth in particular.
• CIP emphasizes the synergies between social and bio-physical sciences as a core strategy for making breakthroughs in our understanding of complex development challenges in food and agriculture and for our ability to overcome these.

What are we offering?

• Excellent working environment. Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
• 1-year contract with the strong possibility of renewal based on performance.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

How to apply?

Please visit the following link: http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ to submit your cover letter and a full C.V. along with your references (preferable recent supervisors). Internal candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply for this job opportunity. Nevertheless, we highly encourage all interested candidates to participate in this exciting and competitive process. The deadline for the receipt of applications is November 26 , 2024.

This position WILL NOT have contact with children or vulnerable adults

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals are particularly encouraged to apply.