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Species Communication Assistant

Vacancy #:   5424
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:   A2
Expected start date:   01 November 2020
Type of contract:   Fixed-term (14 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date:   28 September 2020
BACKGROUND
The Species Communications Assistant supports the work of the Species and Media Communications Officer to deliver the key components of the IUCN Red List Strategic Plan. Working closely with other colleagues in the IUCN Global Species Programme and IUCN Global Communications Unit, this new role is key to supporting our outreach and communication efforts, especially regarding social meida.

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

The starting salary for this role will be in the range of £19,500p.a.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Under the guidance of the Species and Media Communications Officer, maintain and develop the social media presence (Facebook & Twitter & Instagram) for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Organise the content and publication of the monthly IUCN Species e-bulletin

Develop compelling content for IUCN’s ‘Amazing Species’ – which are threatened species of global interest that we use to promote the IUCN Red List and generate global interest in species that are not normally the subject of public attention

Work with the IUCN Species Survival Commission to align our media content with ‘World Days’

Assist, when required, in other general tasks, including but not restricted to:
• 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;
• field media queries, by finding IUCN experts to answer interview requests, draft and issue media responses, set up media interviews, follow up with reporters;
• support the preparation of press conferences and related events;
• source and edit images for species-related social media and other outputs
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;
• 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.
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.

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