Communications Officer – International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Media and Communications Manager – Global Communications Unit, the Communications Officer will carry out the following tasks:

1. Content creation – writing and editing
• Produce high-quality written content including press releases, news stories, features, blogs, speeches, policy briefs and talking points.
• Commission, follow-up, edit and proofread content.
• Work with colleagues throughout the Secretariat and in IUCN Commissions to gather and process content for use in various outputs (eg op-eds, speeches, web stories, etc).
• Fact check, proofread and ensure quality and accuracy of communications outputs.
• Ensure positioning and key messages are reflected in high-quality content.
• Support development of future issue themes.
• Liaise with the IUCN global communications network in programmes, regional offices and other IUCN stakeholders.
• Liaise with translators when necessary for news releases, news stories, blog posts, issues briefs, audio and video interviews and other content.

2. Media relations support
• Write press releases, working closely with the Media and Communications Manager and liaising with IUCN experts.
• Assist in daily media relations: respond to media queries, find experts to answer interview requests, set up media interviews.
• Assist in media monitoring and analysis.

3. Social media support
• Assist the Communications Officer responsible for social media in executing IUCN’s social media strategy.
• Draft and schedule social media posts.
• Source and edit images and other digital content for social media outputs.
• Assist with monitoring IUCN social media platforms and external feeds for engagement opportunities
• Assist and report on IUCN social media metrics.

4. Video
• With communications colleagues, provide content for and help oversee the production of outsourced video content.
• Film and edit video messages and other video material.

5. Other
• Support IUCN’s corporate presence at selected events worldwide (book fairs, scientific and policy conferences, IUCN events).
• Assist in the production of the weekly Communications Update for all staff.

Other responsibilities

The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a small organisation such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them, but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee’s responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group.

REQUIREMENTS

• 3-5 years’ experience in a similar communications position. Experience of working in a similar organisation is an asset.

• University degree, preferably at the Master’s level, in International Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs or similar relevant field.

• Outstanding writing and editing skills; strong attention to detail; ability to turn technical information into compelling stories.

• English – native level; French and Spanish – an advantage.

• Sound knowledge of social media essential

• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies helpful.

• Strong technical skills, experience in working with web content management systems such as WordPress or Drupal.

• Familiarity with video and audio editing software highly desirable (Adobe Premier and/or Final Cut).

• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills. Confidence in interacting with IUCN experts, external partners and journalists, and in representing IUCN.

• Offers new solutions to problems; demonstrates an ‘outside the box’ attitude; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things.

• Commitment to continuous learning. Keeps abreast of new developments in own profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Location: Gland, Switzerland

Application deadline: 11 October 2015

Read more and apply here.