M26151 Communications Specialist (Locally recruited)

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT seeks a Communications Specialist to strengthen CIMMYT’s reputation and digital presence by leading strategic planning for events, managing the full content production cycle from concept to production to publication and promotion, overseeing digital channels, and monitoring performance.

This position will be based at CIMMYT’s office in Texcoco, Mexico.

Key responsibilities:

Strategy

· Manage operational communications plans in alignment with CIMMYT’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives to strengthen reputation and amplify policy and development impact across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

· Coordinate forward planning and deliverables for communications campaigns and cross‑team projects

· Coordinate forward planning and deliverables for strategic events and stakeholder engagement

· Work with researchers and technical experts to turn insights into clear and compelling content.

· Implement donor and partner communication plans with the Donor and Fundraising Services team as part of broader donor engagement and individual giving.

· Monitor performance of communication campaigns and prepare regular summaries with insights to improve campaigns, content and engagement

· Contribute to Chapter strategy and operational planning with recommendations that support integrated communications

Content and creative hub

· Manage the full content production cycle by drafting, editing, coordinating, and publishing content across CIMMYT’s platforms

· Lead development and delivery of high quality content for websites, social media, and digital publications.

· Write, edit, and refine information, knowledge, and corporate products with accuracy and clarity.

· Establish and uphold editorial policies and processes in line with CIMMYT guidelines.

· Ensure consistent brand voice, expression and visual identity across platforms, regions, channels, and audiences.

· Partner with designers and multimedia specialists for cohesive, high-quality delivery.

· Translate CIMMYT’s mission and research into human centered stories.

Internal, Regional & Executive communications

· Coordinate with the Internal Communications Manager on social and digital campaigns related to staff and organizational activities.

· Coordinate and implement the Director General’s social and digital media strategy, and supporting other Executives, ensuring consistency with the general Communications strategy.

· Work with Regional Communications Managers to design and implement social campaigns that strengthen reputation and maximize policy and development impact across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Media Relations

· Coordinate with the Media Relations Analyst to integrate social and digital components into campaigns.

· Coordinate and implement the Director General’s social and digital media strategy in line with the overall communications strategy.

Social and Digital Communications

· Lead and implement the digital communications strategy to position CIMMYT as a global leader in food and agriculture.

· Plan, execute, and optimize social and digital campaigns to meet communication and engagement objectives.

· Monitor and evaluate digital platforms, providing regular analysis, insights, and recommendations to improve reach, engagement, and performance.

· Prepare reports that cover social media, media outreach, website performance, and publications.

· Develop and manage content calendars that fit platform requirements, formats, and audience behavior.

· Oversee social profiles and engagement, including responses to inquiries and monitoring conversations and trends.

· Ensure the website is user-friendly, current, and effective at communicating CIMMYT’s mission, research, and impact.

Administration

· Supervise the Content Analyst and manage a distributed network of creators as required.

· Manage workflow and planning for content, events and partner communications to be delivered on time and within budget.

· Oversee a global roster of cost-efficient and high-quality freelance editors, translators, designers, web programmers, and other specialists.

· Develop and manage the communications budgets with effective and responsible allocation of resources.

Model and uphold CIMMYT values to strengthen a positive, mission aligned culture within the Communications Department.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, International Relations, Journalism, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 4–5 years of professional experience in digital communications, content development, social media management, or related areas.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Proven experience managing digital content development and online engagement strategies.
• Strong writing and editing skills for web-ready communication products.
• Proficiency in digital content management systems and social media platforms.
• Advanced English level (C1 or higher).

Benefits

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).

Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Foreign national candidates must have legal documents to work in Mexico.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.