Species Communications Assistant (IUCN)

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.

Application


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: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/