This position plays a critical role in implementing IUCN’s corporate communications strategy through its non-media corporate communications channels, brand oversight and coordination of various communications efforts across the Union and with external partners. Channels under the responsibility of this position include the IUCN website, IUCN corporate social media platforms and communications around major IUCN events such as the IUCN World Conservation Congress. It is also the point for maintaining IUCN’s brand cohesion and providing strategic advice on updates to IUCN’s various sub-brands.
The position requires liaising with IUCN and unit leadership to develop cohesive communications strategies and coordinated implementation, advising on and responding to internal enquiries not related to media and leading or overseeing
communications task forces as needed. It also plays a lead role in supporting the Director of Communications in developing, adjusting and adhering to the unit budget and designated communications budgets for major events and partnerships.
Digital communications:
Develop, in collaboration with the Global Communications Director, an IUCN global digital communications strategy
Oversee all IUCN digital (non-press) global communications channels to ensure communications strategy is applied and effective across channels
Identify actionable communications opportunities to enhance IUCN’s ability to reach organisational, unit-level and communications objectives
Project management lead for video, digital and print communications products including preparing requests for proposals, managing and negotiating contracts for providers and overseeing the development process from inception to final delivery
Develop and oversee photo and video management
Work together with colleagues responsible for content production within the unit to ensure cohesive content promotion
IUCN’s channels:
Lead development of communications KPIs, performance monitoring tools and reporting methods and provide strategic insights to Director based on performance trends and metrics
Identify reputational or other communications or unit-related risks and help develop measures to prevent, mitigate or respond to them
Provide strategic guidance on non-media communications to unit management and communicators to maximise opportunities, increase efficiency and maintain consistency with IUCN strategic communication objectives
Support Communications Director in preparing, updating and overseeing relevant policies
Staff Management:
Manage and motivate direct reports (Communications Officer for digital and social media and IUCN Webmaster) to develop a high-performing digital communications team that implements the digital communications strategy.
Act as liaison with IUCN programme, regional and commission communicators for non-media related projects and issues, including strategic coordination
Budget and Administrative:
Advise and support Director on unit operational budget management in the area of digital communications
Together with Senior Communications Manager - content and editorial, track unit operational budget day-to-day expenses, including oversight of all relevant contracts and time management system transactions with IUCN units and any project income, including guiding unit staff through procedures and ensuring all income and expenses align with priorities set by the Director
Perform other tasks and assignments as required by the Director
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 a staff member’s responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member and the Human Resources Management Group. Anyone of the three may initiate the consultation.
Requirements:
Experience and education
At least 10 years of experience in professional communications, with demonstrated success in managing cross-cultural teams and increasing levels of responsibility
3 to 5 years’ experience managing a digital communications team
Master’s level university degree, in communications, journalism, international relations, public affairs, political science, or other relevant field, or bachelor’s degree with three additional years of relevant experience
Proven success in developing and executing innovative communications strategies, including direct experience in digital, event communications and branding
Experience managing communications budgets and external contractors for quality delivery and maximum impact within budget
Experience in event communications or event marketing a plus
Knowledge and understanding of nature conservation and sustainability issues
Demonstrated success working in a multi-cultural international setting
Communications and management skills:
Strong strategic and analytical skills, including the ability to identify practical yet impactful ways communications can help the organisation and its subsets reach various objectives through digital communications
Proven ability to coordinate and motivate diverse teams across varied locations and skills toward common and complementary goals
Ability to develop cohesive digital communications strategies, with complementary tactics playing to the strategic strength of each channel and its role in overall strategies
Strong command of website, social media and other digital strategy and best practices
Demonstrated understanding of key performance metrics for digital communications and how to use these metrics to enhance communications impact
Ability to assess risks and identify immediate and potential communications crises, develop and analyse options at the pace required and coordinate responses across appropriate channels
Proven project management skills, especially in managing complex internal processes and external communications contractors
Languages
English – native level; French and/or Spanish would be an advantage.
