Temporary Communications Officer – Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar)
Location: Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
Organization: The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar) / International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Contract Type: Max-term (up to 6 months), 80% work percentage, Grade P1. Expected start date: 16 February 2026.
Main Description:
The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and of wetland biodiversity and services. It was the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.
Under the supervision of the Secretary General, the post-holder provides communications support and undertakes assigned activities and tasks to increase public awareness about wetlands and the Convention.
This is a maternity cover position. Considering the short-term nature of the role, only applications from candidates based within commuting distance of Gland, Switzerland (including neighbouring France) will be considered, as no relocation benefits will be provided.
Communications:
- Perform standard communications tasks, including content development, social media support and document preparation, while ensuring timely management of day-to-day correspondence with partners and Secretariat colleagues.
- Manage assigned social media accounts, ensuring the daily creation and publication of engaging and relevant content.
- Monitor and track usage and user experience with the Convention's social media platforms and other publicly available resources and provide regular reports to the Secretary General.
Branding:
- Ensure that brand guidelines are followed within the Secretariat and serve as focal point for brand related matters with external stakeholders.
- Oversee the design and production of communications assets which may include reports, technical guidance, promotional materials, flyers, social media assets, web pages, etc. Serves as the Secretariat focal point with external graphic designers.
- Prepare gift bags for guests visiting the Secretariat and coordinate the distribution of branding materials to staff ahead of official missions.
Photography and Videography:
- Lead on the production of internal videos to including filming and postproduction. Manage the Convention's YouTube channel. Serve as the Secretariat focal point with external video consultants.
- Lead on photography for all meetings and events organized or hosted by the Secretariat. Manage the Convention's Flickr account.
- Support the Secretary General's outreach and communication by drafting scripts for video messages.
Requirements:
Education: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Communications, Marketing, International Studies, Business, or a related field.
Professional experience:
- At least five years of experience in a communications role, preferably within an international or multicultural environment.
- Proven experience in video production, including filming, editing, and post-production.
- Demonstrated ability to create and manage social media content and channels, ensuring engagement and relevance.
- Strong experience in design oversight, including reviewing and ensuring high-quality outputs for print and digital materials, while maintaining brand consistency.
- Familiarity with web content management systems and digital publishing tools.
- Experience in planning and delivering targeted communications campaigns.
Skills and competencies:
- Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an asset.
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and proactively, while collaborating effectively with internal teams and external partners.
- Creative mindset with an eye for visual storytelling and brand alignment.
Benefits/Conditions:
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 69,064 and CHF 86,330, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax.
How to Apply:
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.
Closing date: 22 January 2026
More information and application: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
