Start Date: As soon as possible
Job type: Full-time
Description:
IDEAS is inviting applications for a Communications and Outreach Lead to join our core management team. S/he will be responsible for translation of research into accessible outputs, with an emphasis on digital and social media outputs, for broad and diverse audiences; dissemination and amplification of evidence produced at IDEAS; expansion and deepening of IDEAS’ online presence; and strengthening of communications and participation networks. We are interested in candidates who are self-motivated and passionate about development research and communication, and can meet their deliverables with a high level of independent-thinking, creativity, and initiative.
The position has the following responsibilities:
Translating research into accessible outputs:
- Synthesizing key findings from academic papers to produce communication outputs, with the primary objective of digital dissemination.
- Producing creative communications content and outputs, such as video clips, reels, podcasts and info-graphics, on a regular/ongoing basis.
- Working with Fellows and Associate Fellows to identify suitable communications outputs for specific projects as well as long-term programmatic research.
- Providing support to research teams to produce project-related research and communications deliverables.
- Planning and maintaining a continuous stream of thematic cluster-linked and/or project-related digital media outputs on the website and social media.
Dissemination and coordination with networks:
- Playing an oversight role vis-à-vis the Communications Assistant for the planning, management and execution of IDEAS’ events, workshops, policy dialogues, and conferences.
- Maintaining communications with Associate Fellows and featuring their outputs as part of the organization’s communications strategy.
- Identifying and cultivating partnerships and collaborations for development communications and curation of digital research outputs, including but not limited to other research institutes, government departments, cultural heritage organizations, university departments/centers, and museums and archives.
Online presence and growth:
- Developing and maintaining a simple, elegant, engaging and interactive website.
- Maintaining a regular and engaging social media presence.
Supporting the organization’s management strategy:
- Updating and operationalizing the communications strategy.
- Supporting HR with planning and advertising recruitment drives.
- Developing and updating a yearly dissemination calendar
Skills Required
- A Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Sociology, History, Political Science, Law, or Economics or other related social sciences or humanities. Candidates with a background of development or investigative journalism may also apply.
- 2-3 years of experience (min) in a similar role, including managing complex research and communications projects with multiple stakeholders.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated interest in applied development or social science research, including impact evaluations, qualitative research and mixed methodologies.
- Advanced writing and presentation skills in English.
- Advanced skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Requisite skills for synthesizing technical research and evidence for policymakers and other stakeholders.
Knowledge of and demonstrated interest in the field of communications, including:
(i) Digital research tools and methodologies in the social sciences and humanities, such as developing and maintaining databases and digital archives, and visually mapping research through digital media;
(ii) Audio and video editing software. The ideal candidate will display a thorough understanding of the types of audio/video content targeted for specific audiences.
(iii) Web design and development tools, such as WordPress.
(iv) Social media dissemination and management tools, such as Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube.
(v) Basic graphic design/development skills (e.g. Photoshop, Canva, Adobe Illustrator)
Applications will be considered on rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to prepare a professional blog based on IDEAS’ research