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Communications Officer

Vacancy #:   1484
Unit:   Global Programme Governance and Rights US, Directorate
Organisation:   International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:   North America Regional Office, Washington D.C., United States of America
Reporting to:   Senior Gender Programme Manager, Governance and Rights
Work percentage:   100%
Grade:   P1
Expected start date:   03 April 2017
Type of contract:   Fixed-term (45 months)
Closing date:   27 February 2017
BACKGROUND
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) helps find pragmatic solutions to the world’s most pressing environment and development challenges. With a strong gender policy that mandates a gender-responsive approach to all programmes and projects Union-wide and throughout partnerships, IUCN is a unique example of a technical environmental institution that champions women’s empowerment and advancing gender equality as intrinsic to meeting its goals. The Global Gender Office (GGO) contributes toward IUCN’s vision and mission by providing innovative approaches, technical support, policy development and capacity building to Government and non-Government members, IUCN programmes and offices, and to a wide range of partners around the world.
The Communications Officer is an essential part of a dynamic team. The Communications Officer reports to the Global Senior Gender Adviser (the Head of the IUCN GGO) and works closely with IUCN GGO’s senior officer, technical and programme specialists, project managers and financial/administrative support staff, as well as communications and technical staff from other parts of the Union. The GGO is based in Washington, DC; many staff are out-posted and remotely based, however, making internal communications as important as external communications. The primary working languages of the office are English and Spanish, while key projects are also implemented/supported in French.
JOB DESCRIPTION
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Ensure consistent, strategic branding of IUCN GGO and of IUCN GGO messages, including through maintaining the IUCN GGO website (www.genderandenvironment.org) and gender pages of the main IUCN site (www.iucn.org); using social media and traditional media/press, as needed; as well as in representation via presentations, events, etc.
• Guide and manage the development, editing and production of IUCN GGO knowledge products (e.g., reports, factsheets, thematic briefs), including to align with IUCN style guide(s) and relevant partner, donor or project brands (e.g., USAID; EGI)
• Develop and implement an IUCN GGO communications strategy, as well as specific project communications strategies, as required, including toward identifying and taking advantage of key events and opportunities for strategic communications
• Ensure consistency and complementarity between IUCN GGO and wider IUCN communications efforts, especially programmes, offices and teams with whom IUCN GGO specifically currently partners, as well as with external donors/partners
• Create, facilitate and/or manage communications of multi-cultural, cross-sectoral networks
• Support the Global Senior Gender Adviser with research, talking points and other administrative/technical tasks, as needed, as well as with donor relations and reporting
• Support IUCN GGO-wide efforts toward consistent internal communications and knowledge-sharing
• Working closely with the IUCN Global Communications Unit, identify opportunities and produce communications content to highlight IUCN GGO work through IUCN corporate channels including the IUCN website, media and social media

In addition/ in complement to above responsibilities, specific priority duties in 2017 will include:

Strategic and Project-specific Support
• Develop, coordinate and deliver communications strategies for specific projects, especially as related to the Gender Equality for Climate Change Opportunities (GECCO) initiative, an IUCN-USAID joint initiative
• Support the networking and communications activities of expert working groups and discussion platforms, as well as support knowledge-sharing activities such as webinar series
• Oversee production timelines, budgets and impact of forthcoming IUCN GGO knowledge products, from copy editing to managing design and branding, to tracking results for internal M&E, across all projects
• Update and manage content for relevant websites and platforms, including ensuring featured news and project pages, as well as the IUCN GGO Knowledge Center, among all other sections on the IUCN GGO website, are current and strategically focused
• Support IUCN GGO staff to develop and deliver effective communication strategies for their projects in line with the overall IUCN and IUCN GGO communication strategies

External Communications
• Develop and deliver a bi-annual GGO newsletter
• Effectively support high-level speaking engagements for staff
• In close collaboration with IUCN Global Communications Unit, and following relevant global communications policies and guidelines, help manage social media and media relations on gender-related topics



COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- Gross salary USD 60’000 per year
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance plan
- Retirement benefit of 5% of gross salary from the 4th month of employment
- 7.65% of gross salary FICA contribution (this benefit is only applicable to US nationals and green card holders)
REQUIREMENTS
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills; strong copy-editing skills, with meticulous attention to detail

• A minimum of 3-5 years of previous experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism, with evidence of strong writing and editing skills, as well as design

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required; Master’s degree (completed or in process) in a relevant field, such as environment, gender, development or journalism preferred

• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality and environmental issues, with solid understanding of “gender and environment” terms and themes

• Knowledge of and practical experience related to approaches for effective communications at an international scale, especially with respect to developing and implementing communications strategies and products toward diverse audiences

• Ability to rapidly research, analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources; experience with qualitative data analysis and/or gender analysis a plus

• Capacity to work well under pressure, prioritize and successfully manage competing demands and deadlines

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required; fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is a strong advantage, while a working knowledge of French would also be valuable. (English, Spanish, and French are the official languages of IUCN)

• Strong relevant IT skills, including experience with WordPress and Google Analytics, are required; preferred skills will also include HTML and CSS, Drupal, and desktop publishing

• Experience working with photography and video, including with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Audition, iMovie, and/or other programs, is not required but desirable
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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