Senior Strategic Communications & Content Consultant - CGIAR Gender Accelerator

Start Date: By 15 September 2026

End Date: 28 February 2027 renewable contingent to performance and budget

Contract Type: Consultancy

Published on: 14 August 2026

Deadline for Applications: 27 August 2026 by 11:59 pm CEST

Introduction:

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The Senior Strategic Communications and Content Consultant will provide strategic content leadership, editorial oversight, and knowledge translation support to strengthen the visibility, influence, and uptake of CGIAR GENDER Accelerator evidence, innovations, solutions, and flagship initiatives.

Working closely with the Engagement, Policy and Advocacy Expert and the Accelerator Management Team (Area of Work Leads) and the Digital Communication consultant, and under the guidance of the Accelerator Director, the consultant will lead the development of compelling narratives, thought leadership products, and high-quality communications outputs that position CGIAR GENDER as a leading voice on gender equality, youth inclusion, and inclusive agrifood systems transformation

Requirements

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Content Leadership and Narrative Development

·       Provide strategic content leadership across CGIAR GENDER Accelerator priorities in line with the Science Communication Strategy 2026 – 2030.

·       Advise on the framing, positioning, and strategic packaging of evidence and innovations to enhance their relevance, visibility, and uptake among priority audiences.

·       Work closely with scientists, gender researchers, and Area of Work Leads to identify evidence, innovations, tools, methodologies, and emerging solutions with strong potential for visibility, uptake, and influence.

·       Develop strategic narratives, messaging, and positioning approaches that strengthen the visibility and influence of CGIAR GENDER's work.

2. Scientific Content Development and Knowledge Translation

·       Distill complex research and technical evidence into compelling, audience-focused content and knowledge products such as evidence explainers, issue and policy briefs and op-eds as needed.

·       Develop strategic content that showcases CGIAR GENDER's innovations, evidence, and solutions for policymakers, donors, development partners, researchers, and practitioners.

·       Support the communication of outputs, learning products, and major research findings to promote uptake, learning, and impact.

·       Ensure communications outputs are clear, accessible, accurate, and aligned with CGIAR GENDER's strategic priorities.

·       Support researchers and technical teams in strengthening the quality and accessibility of their communications products.

3. Thought Leadership and Flagship Communications

• Support the Director with speeches, talking points, and briefing materials for relevant meetings and engagements.
• Lead the development of messaging frameworks and strategic content packages for flagship reports, campaigns, conferences, and major initiatives.
• Help position CGIAR GENDER as a leading voice on gender equality, youth inclusion, and the transformation of inclusive agrifood systems.

4. Strategic Advisory Support

• Provide strategic advice on content opportunities, emerging themes, and high-potential evidence that should be elevated through communications, engagement, and advocacy efforts.
• Work closely with the Engagement, Policy and Advocacy Expert to identify and package evidence and innovations that can support broader engagement, partnership, and influence objectives.

Deliverables

·       Strategic messaging and content for CGIAR GENDER's priority initiatives, flagship products, and campaigns.

·       Stories, case studies, and other communications products that showcase CGIAR GENDER evidence, innovations, and solutions.

·       Deliver high‑quality speeches, talking points, and structured briefing materials to the Director ahead of key meetings and engagements.

·       Ensure preparedness, consistent messaging, and alignment with institutional priorities.

·       Communications products that translate research into accessible content for key external audiences.

·       Content and messaging packages to support flagship reports, campaigns, events, and strategic engagement opportunities.

·       Advice on emerging evidence, innovations, and opportunities that merit increased visibility and promotion.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in communications, journalism, international development, public policy, gender studies, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in strategic communications and content leadership.
• Demonstrated experience communicating research and evidence to non-technical audiences.
• Strong editorial, writing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience supporting high-level thought leadership and executive communications.
• Knowledge of gender equality, climate change, food systems, agriculture, or international development is highly desirable.
• Experience working in international organizations, research institutions, or development programs.

Benefits

All applications must be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply' button below before 11:59 PM CET on 27 August 2026.

If you require assistance or face challenges in submitting your application, please email smo-bidding@cgiar.org with the position title in the subject line. Applications submitted through smo-bidding@cgiar.org will NOT be accepted.

Please ensure your resume and cover letter are in English and does not contain your marital status, age, or photograph. Documents provided in a language other than English will not be considered.

CGIAR is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational, and multi-disciplinary, collegial working environment. We consciously create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

We look forward to hearing from you!