IUCN logo

Human Resources
Management System

content-background
pdf
Organisation Logo

Species Media and Communications Officer

Vacancy #:   1550
Unit:   Species Cambridge Unit
Organisation:   International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:   Cambridge Office, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Reporting to:   Deputy Director, Global Species Programme
Work percentage:   100%
Grade:   A3
Expected start date:   30 May 2019
Type of contract:   Fixed-term (19 months)
Closing date:   01 June 2017
BACKGROUND
This post is part of the HQ-based Global Communications Unit, but is based in IUCN’s UK Office, and works in close association with colleagues in IUCN’s Global Species Programme (GSP).

The Species Media and Communications Officer plays a key role in delivering media and communications support for the Global Species Programme, the Key Biodiversity Areas Programme and the Species Survival Commission.

The position requires a strong media and communications skills set and a flexible approach to support the species marketing and fundraising strategies.

The Species Media and Communications Officer is required to work in close collaboration with the Marketing, Communication and Partnership Officer of the Global Species Programme and liaise with the IUCN Species Survival Commission and other IUCN networks in engaging a broad range of stakeholders through a range of media.


The salary for this role will be in the range of £23,500 to £29,455 per year, depending on experience.
JOB DESCRIPTION
General
• Working closely with the IUCN Global Species Programme and the IUCN Species Survival Commission, support the implementation and continued development of the species communications strategy, centred on key products such as The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™;
• In close cooperation with IUCN experts and under the supervision of the Communications and Partnership Officer and IUCN Global Communications Unit, research and draft species-specific press-releases, web stories, newsletters and other relevant content to meet the objectives outlined in the IUCN Global Species Programme communications strategy;
• Working closely with the IUCN Global Communications Unit, field media queries and set up media interviews with IUCN experts;
• Take the lead role in maintaining and developing the social media and website platforms for the IUCN Global Species Programme to meet the communications strategy for the IUCN Global Species and KBA Programme;
• In close cooperation with IUCN experts and under the supervision of the Media and Communications Manager, research and draft media briefs, statements and talking points for the Director General on species-specific topics;
• Provide coordinated communications support to IUCN SSC Specialist Groups to communicate news via press outlets, websites, social media and all other relevant media;

Content creation - writing and editing
• In close collaboration with IUCN experts and under the supervision of the Communications and Partnership Officer and IUCN Global Communications Unit, support the production of high-quality written content including press releases, statements, news stories, features, blogs, speeches, issue briefs and talking points on species-related topics;
• Commission, follow-up, edit and proof read content from global IUCN species experts for use in various outputs;
• Ensure positioning and key messages are reflected through the development of high quality written content;
• Fact check, proofread and ensure quality and accuracy of species communications outputs;
• Ensure quality control of the IUCN species web pages and IUCN Red List website;
• Manage translation of press releases and other communications materials;

• Working closely with the Communications and Partnership Officer - Global Species and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Programme, provide high quality content for species marketing materials, publications, videos, infographics and other products;

Press relations
• Working closely with the IUCN Global Communications Unit, field media queries, by finding experts to answer interview requests, draft and issue media responses, set up media interviews, follow up with reporters;
• Under the supervision of the IUCN Global Communications Unit, research and draft high quality press releases and other media materials;
• Perform monitoring and analysis of species-related media and social media coverage;
• Help develop and maintain long-term relationships with reporters;
• Assist in preparation of press conferences and related events.

Social media
• In close collaboration with the Communications and Partnership Officer, develop and implement The IUCN Red List social media strategy with the objective of building awareness through increasing followers and visits to the IUCN and the IUCN Red List websites;
• Draft and schedule species-related social media posts;
• Source and edit images for species-related social media outputs;
• Monitor and analyse the performance of the IUCN Red List social media platforms;
• Monitor external feeds for engagement opportunities.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Education
• University degree, preferably at the Master’s level, in International Relations, Public Affairs, Environmental Studies, journalism or similar relevant field, preferably with a strong focus on a conservation-related scientific subject;

Work Experience
• Professional experience, preferably in a similar position in the species /conservation/environment sector, with a focus on communicating technical information to a general audience

Skills
• Outstanding writing and editing skills; strong attention to detail;
• Strong interest in environmental issues; ability to turn technical information into compelling stories;
• Excellent analytical and research skills;
• Experience working closely with the media;
• Sound knowledge of social media;
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies, helpful;
• Strong technical skills; experience in working with web content management systems such as Drupal;

Competencies/Behaviours
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills. Confidence in interacting with IUCN experts, members of the media, external partners, and in representing IUCN;
• Strong team working skills;
• Offers new solutions to problems; demonstrates an ‘outside the box’ attitude; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things;
• Ability to cope with varied workload and flexible working hours, and to work independently.
• Passion for and commitment to species conservation and communications;
• 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.

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


• You must be eligible to live and work in the UK without a sponsored visa.
SALARY
The minimum gross annual salary for this position is GBP 23'564. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/


About IUCN

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

www.iucn.org
https://twitter.com/IUCN