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Communications and Media Relations Officer

Primary Duties or Responsibilities

Management and Promotion of Communications, Information and Knowledge

Assists the Regional Director in implementing the Centre's corporate communications strategy by developing a regional communication plan. 

Organizes information dissemination on the Centre's strategy and activities.

Periodically meets with Program Officers to discuss major projects that could benefit from potential public outreach on a case-by-case basis.

Establishes the link between IDRC and research institutes; donors; UN agencies; NGOs; public administrations; sub-regional, regional and international agencies related to the Centre's activities in the sub-regions from all viewpoints; and regularly informs them of the IDRC's activities and strategy in the region.

Supports the Regional Director in representing IDRC by making presentations at selected meetings, conferences, workshops, national and international seminars, and reporting on them. At times, may assist Regional Director by representing Centre at some of these events if appropriate.

Prepares various documents intended for the media, press releases, articles, brochures and other written documents for information purposes, and obtains the required approvals from the Regional Director or the concerned program officers.

Media Relations

Working with the Senior Media Relations Officer in Ottawa, leads the development and management of the implementation of media strategies to enhance awareness, understanding and support for IDRC in domestic and international media through various platforms.

Coordinates relations with journalists and the media in general and responds to their information requests.

Social Media

Working with the Social Media Officer in Ottawa, contributes to the development of IDRC’s social media strategy  and policy taking the lead for execution in the region 

Monitors, reviews, and analyzes comments and conversations on IDRC’s social media sites. Brings to the attention of the Media Relations Advisor and/or Social Media Officer in Ottawa complex and sensitive social media issues identified to be involved in an effective and coordinated response.

Makes recommendations on the use of social (as well as other digital media) to promote on-site and virtual events.

Monitors, evaluates and reports on the effectiveness and influence of IDRC’s social media communications tools for reaching and engaging targeted audiences.

IDRC Website and Region Sub-site

In collaboration with the Program Management Officer and Program Officers, manages the Region-specific sub-site on the IDRC website, particularly with regard to producing and updating regional content.

Promotion and Dissemination of Research Results

Coordinates IDRC communications activities to promote important research results or to encourage scientific research and the spirit of innovation in the region.

In close collaboration with the Ottawa communications group and affected Program Officers, organizes and monitors visits to project sites by Canadian government and non-government personalities including engaging with these individuals as required.

Working in close conjunction with Program Officers, systematically reviews projects likely to influence the decisions of key regional stakeholders, and develop and implements projects to promote research results among regional decision-makers.

Participates in the promotion of the research results from regional institutions supported by IDRC.

Assists the Regional Director and Program Officers in promoting research results to different key audiences.

Liaison with Corporate Communications Division in Ottawa

Participates via appropriate medium (telephone, skype, etc.) in the Corporate Communications Division's monthly meetings, including the Corporate

Strategy and Communications Branch meetings, strategic communications meetings, and in-person at meetings at IDRC Head Office, as required.

Develops, organizes and implements knowledge sharing activities and communication training for regional employees to strengthen the region's culture and communication capacity, both internally and externally.