The Communications Associate will create content for IUCN’s Global Marine and Polar Programme. The IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme (GMPP) is a team of staff committed to effectively addressing key global challenges in the marine and polar environment. GMPP cooperates with other IUCN thematic and regional programmes and with the IUCN Commissions to ensure that marine and polar ecosystems are maintained and restored in their biodiversity and productivity, and that any use of the resources is sustainable and equitable.
The IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme was founded over twenty years ago and has a unique niche due to its worldwide position that is defined by its “Union” approach to conservation.
GMPP’s work is carried out by 12 secretariat staff amid a 20-strong global team of marine professionals in 8 countries working at various levels. From local fishermen and decision-makers right up to the United Nations General Assembly, GMPP also works in partnership with a variety of stakeholders on themes such as marine plastics, climate change, biodiversity in the high seas and sustainable financing of conservation projects on the ground.
Additionally, the GMPP works with several Commissions, including the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) – Marine Division, the Species Survival Commissions (SSC) – Specialists Groups, the Marine Conservation sub-committee, the Commission on Environmental Law (CEL) – Oceans Law and Governance Specialists Group and the Commission on Ecosystem Management (Fisheries Expert Group).
On top of this, GMPP works extensively with members and partners around the world. This expanding network of marine specialists within IUCN is dedicated to helping create an international framework for marine biodiversity protection.

Detailed responsibilities of the GMPP Communications Associate are as follows:
• Work with members of the GMPP team and wider network to develop communications content on GMPP’s achievements, breakthroughs and developments for both external and internal audiences, including but not restricted to: media advisories, social media outputs, web stories and content, briefing notes, issues briefs, brochures and publications, outreach and promotional materials and newsletters;
• Help coordinate GMPP input into corporate communication channels such as the IUCN Annual Report and various promotional activities ahead of and during the IUCN Congress;
• Coordinate and execute improvements to the GMPP website in consultation with the team;
• Work with external providers to help develop specialist communication outputs such as films and infographics;
• Participate in communications-related meetings and liaise with communications staff from other IUCN Programmes to help work collaboratively across Programmes;
• Help manage GMPP’s digital assets, including the maintenance and organisation of its photo library;
• Where needed, travel to major IUCN/GMPP events, such as the IUCN Congress, to help coordinate communications activities and respond to requests from media, potential donors or other important stakeholders.

About IUCN and the IUCN World Conservation Congress
IUCN is a membership Union composed of both government and civil society organisations. It harnesses the experience, resources and reach of its more than 1,300 Member organisations and the input of more than 10,000 experts. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
As IUCN’s flagship event, the Congress attracts thousands of participants from across the world. The event has two components – the Forum and the Members’ Assembly. The Forum is the largest knowledge marketplace for conservation and sustainable development science, practice and innovation. Over 1000 sessions address the economic, social, scientific and technical aspects of issues ranging from wildlife to oceans, protected areas to sustainable business, and climate change to human rights.
During the Members’ Assembly, IUCN’s 1,300+ Member organisations collectively decide on actions to address the most pressing and often controversial conservation and sustainable development challenges. IUCN’s membership includes some of the most influential government and civil society organisations from more than 160 countries, giving the decisions taken at the IUCN Congress a powerful mandate.