The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are globally recognized institutions at the forefront of scientific research and innovation in the areas of forestry and agroforestry. As members of CGIAR, CIFOR and ICRAF leverage a combined 65 years of experience to address some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and food insecurity. Operating with a shared vision of a more equitable and sustainable world, CIFOR-ICRAF works across disciplines and geographies to develop solutions that protect ecosystems and improve livelihoods.
The organization is seeking a highly driven and visionary professional to take on the role of Head of Global Outreach and Engagement, a senior-level position that sits at the heart of CIFOR-ICRAF’s communications and public engagement efforts. Based in either Nairobi, Kenya or Bogor, Indonesia, this role provides an exciting opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary communications team and to help shape how a leading global research institution connects with stakeholders across the globe.
About CIFOR-ICRAF
CIFOR-ICRAF works in over 50 countries, conducting research that improves understanding of how trees, forests, and agroforestry systems contribute to livelihoods, food systems, biodiversity, and environmental health. Through robust scientific evidence and stakeholder-driven initiatives, CIFOR-ICRAF contributes to policy development, on-the-ground implementation, and global discourse. Its work is grounded in the principles of inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, and it maintains strong partnerships with governments, development agencies, academia, and civil society organizations.
Position Overview
The Head of Global Outreach and Engagement plays a strategic leadership role within CIFOR-ICRAF’s Communications, Outreach, and Engagement (COE) team. This position is designed for a seasoned communications professional with a strong understanding of global media, public engagement, and science communication. Reporting directly to the Director of Communication, Outreach and Engagement, the Head will be tasked with leading high-impact initiatives to raise the visibility and influence of CIFOR-ICRAF across diverse audiences and platforms.
The successful candidate will manage a team of media specialists, editors, events professionals, and digital communication experts, ensuring cohesion and alignment across all outreach and engagement activities. The role involves close collaboration with senior researchers, executive leadership, donors, and key external partners. It requires a high level of strategic planning, content oversight, and cross-functional coordination to meet CIFOR-ICRAF’s outreach objectives effectively.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Global Outreach and Engagement Strategy Development and Implementation
- Lead the design and execution of global outreach and engagement strategies that align with the overarching CIFOR-ICRAF communications framework.
- Coordinate strategic initiatives to ensure consistent messaging, brand visibility, and meaningful stakeholder engagement across all global platforms.
- Monitor trends, analyze stakeholder feedback, and assess impact to continually refine outreach strategies.
2. Executive and Senior-Level Communications Support
- Provide high-level communications support for executive leadership and senior researchers during public-facing events, conferences, and meetings.
- Develop messaging frameworks, speeches, presentations, and media content tailored to various stakeholders and global audiences.
- Ensure cohesive representation of CIFOR-ICRAF’s mission and research in all external engagements.
3. Events and Conference Strategy and Execution
- Oversee CIFOR-ICRAF’s strategic presence at major international events, including climate and development conferences.
- Manage a dedicated events team to coordinate planning, logistics, programming, branding, and outreach before, during, and after each event.
- Ensure all events amplify CIFOR-ICRAF’s thought leadership and foster meaningful interactions with key stakeholders.
4. Social Media Strategy and Management
- Direct the planning, execution, and evaluation of CIFOR-ICRAF’s global social media strategy.
- Guide the development of engaging and data-driven content across platforms to increase reach, engagement, and influence.
- Oversee performance metrics and adapt strategies to enhance digital storytelling and visibility.
5. Global Media Relations and Press Strategy
- Develop and execute an impactful media relations strategy, including targeted press outreach, relationship management, and strategic pitching.
- Serve as a point of contact for major international media outlets and manage all media inquiries.
- Lead media training for spokespeople and maintain a proactive approach to press engagement.
6. Email Marketing and Stakeholder Communications
- Oversee organization-wide email marketing efforts, ensuring audience segmentation, relevance, and alignment with strategic communication goals.
- Lead campaign development, implementation, and performance tracking for donor updates, newsletters, and programmatic communications.
7. Film, Photography, and Multimedia Content Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight for the creation and use of visual content across communications efforts.
- Ensure that photo and video materials meet branding guidelines, resonate with target audiences, and support key campaigns.
- Collaborate with the production team to deliver impactful storytelling through multimedia.
8. Editorial Strategy and Website Content Management
- Lead the editorial direction of CIFOR-ICRAF’s websites and digital news platforms.
- Supervise a team of writers and editors to ensure the publication of timely, accurate, and high-quality content.
- Align editorial outputs with organizational priorities and scientific breakthroughs.
9. Budget Oversight and Quality Assurance
- Manage the COE team’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial policies.
- Track deliverables, timelines, and outputs across all areas to maintain a high standard of quality and impact.
- Evaluate communication outcomes and provide regular reports to senior management.
Ideal Profile – Education, Knowledge, and Experience
Candidates for this role should possess the following qualifications and capabilities:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, international relations, journalism, or a related field.
- At least 8 years of professional experience in high-level communications, preferably in international or science-based organizations.
- Proven success in executing communications strategies with global reach and measurable results.
- Demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams, complex projects, and simultaneous workflows.
- Deep understanding of both traditional and digital media ecosystems.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with a track record of producing high-quality written materials across various formats.
- Familiarity with stakeholder engagement in development, environmental, or scientific sectors is an asset.
- Experience working in multicultural environments and engaging with donors, policymakers, and partners globally.
- Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Indonesian is advantageous.
What CIFOR-ICRAF Offers
- A globally recruited position with a competitive remuneration package paid in USD.
- One-year initial contract, renewable based on performance and availability of funds.
- A chance to be part of a globally respected institution shaping environmental policy and research.
- Opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with leading scientists and communicators, and impactful public engagement.
- A multicultural and inclusive work environment committed to equity, diversity, and environmental sustainability.
Duty Station
This position is based at either of CIFOR-ICRAF’s two key global hubs:
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Bogor, Indonesia
Candidates should be prepared to travel internationally and work across time zones as needed.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with a priority deadline of 15 August 2025. Shortlisting and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more information and to download the full job description, please visit CIFOR-ICRAF’s career portal or contact the Human Resources department directly.
To apply for this position, please visit the application page below:
