CGIAR Hiring a Senior Strategic Communications & Content Consultant: Remote Global Consultancy Opportunity|Deadline 27 Aug 2026
Professionals with extensive experience in strategic communications, research translation, editorial leadership and international development have an exciting opportunity to join CGIAR as a Senior Strategic Communications & Content Consultant supporting the CGIAR Gender Accelerator.
This is a remote consultancy position offering the opportunity to work internationally on communications that promote gender equality, youth inclusion and inclusive agrifood systems transformation. The consultancy is scheduled to begin by 15 September 2026 and run until 28 February 2027, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and available funding.
The application deadline is 27 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CEST, making this an opportunity that interested candidates should act on quickly.
About the Consultancy
The Senior Strategic Communications and Content Consultant will provide strategic content leadership, editorial oversight and knowledge translation support to strengthen the visibility and influence of CGIAR GENDER’s research, evidence, innovations and solutions.
The consultant will work closely with the Engagement, Policy and Advocacy Expert, the Accelerator Management Team, Area of Work Leads and Digital Communication Consultant. The position will operate under the guidance of the Accelerator Director.
A central objective of the role is to transform complex research and technical information into compelling, accessible communications for policymakers, donors, development partners, researchers and practitioners.
The successful consultant will therefore need to combine excellent writing and storytelling abilities with the capacity to understand research, identify important findings and communicate them effectively to non-technical audiences.
Key Responsibilities
One of the consultant’s primary responsibilities will be strategic content leadership and narrative development.
The consultant will provide strategic communications guidance across CGIAR GENDER Accelerator priorities and advise teams on how evidence and innovations can be framed, positioned and packaged to increase their relevance and uptake.
They will collaborate with scientists, gender researchers and programme leads to identify evidence, tools, methodologies and emerging solutions with strong potential for influence.
The consultant will also develop strategic narratives, messaging and positioning approaches that strengthen CGIAR GENDER’s profile and contribution to global discussions.
Another major area will be scientific content development and knowledge translation. The consultant will translate complex research into audience-focused materials, including evidence explainers, policy briefs, issue briefs, op-eds and other knowledge products.
This will require strong editorial judgment and an ability to make technical evidence understandable without compromising accuracy.
Thought Leadership and Executive Communications
The role also has a significant thought-leadership component.
The consultant will support the Accelerator Director by preparing speeches, talking points and briefing materials for important meetings and engagements.
They will also lead the development of messaging frameworks and content packages for flagship reports, campaigns, conferences and major initiatives.
This makes executive communications experience particularly valuable. Candidates should be comfortable producing polished, strategic materials for senior leaders and ensuring that communications remain consistent with institutional priorities.
Strategic Advisory Role
Beyond producing content, the consultant will provide strategic advice on emerging themes and communications opportunities.
They will help identify evidence and innovations that deserve greater visibility and work alongside the Engagement, Policy and Advocacy Expert to package research for broader engagement, partnership and advocacy objectives.
The role therefore combines content production, strategic advice, research communication and thought leadership.
Expected Deliverables
The successful consultant will be expected to produce a range of high-quality communications outputs.
These include strategic messaging for priority initiatives, flagship products and campaigns; stories and case studies highlighting CGIAR GENDER’s evidence and innovations; speeches and briefing materials for the Director; and communications products that translate research into accessible content.
The consultant will also develop content and messaging packages supporting flagship reports, events, campaigns and strategic engagement opportunities.
Another important responsibility will be advising CGIAR GENDER on emerging evidence, innovations and opportunities that could benefit from increased visibility.
Qualifications and Experience
This is a senior-level consultancy, and the experience requirements reflect that.
Applicants should have an advanced degree in communications, journalism, international development, public policy, gender studies or a related discipline.
A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in strategic communications and content leadership is required.
Candidates should demonstrate strong experience communicating research and evidence to non-technical audiences, alongside excellent editorial, writing and storytelling skills.
Experience supporting senior executives through thought leadership and executive communications will also be important.
Knowledge of gender equality, climate change, food systems, agriculture or international development is highly desirable. Previous experience working with international organizations, research institutions or development programmes would be an additional advantage.
Who Should Apply?
This consultancy could be particularly suitable for senior communications professionals who have worked in international development, research organizations, NGOs, think tanks, multilateral institutions or global programmes.
It may also appeal to experienced journalists, strategic communications specialists, science communicators and editorial professionals who have developed the ability to turn complex evidence into compelling narratives.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate more than general writing ability. The position requires strategic thinking, research interpretation, stakeholder collaboration, executive communications and high-level editorial judgment.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through CGIAR’s recruitment platform by 11:59 p.m. CEST on 27 August 2026.
Applicants should submit their resume and cover letter in English. CGIAR specifically states that application documents should not contain information such as marital status, age or photographs. Documents submitted in languages other than English will not be considered.
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Final Thoughts
The Senior Strategic Communications & Content Consultant position offers an opportunity for an experienced communications professional to contribute to an international research and development agenda from a remote working environment.
The role stands out because it goes beyond traditional communications. The successful candidate will help determine how research is positioned, how evidence reaches decision-makers and how CGIAR GENDER’s innovations are translated into stories, policy messages and thought leadership.
For professionals with 10 or more years of strategic communications experience, strong writing and editorial skills, and an understanding of international development or research, this could be a highly relevant consultancy.
With the deadline of 27 August 2026, eligible candidates should prepare their CV and cover letter promptly and ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their strategic communications achievements, research translation experience and ability to work with senior stakeholders.
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