Communications Manager (part-time)
Part-time 40 % (2 days a week, flexible)
Based in Geneva, Switzerland
Reporting to the MEF Coordinator
Languages: Fluent French and English
Start date: 1 July 2019 (negotiable)
Organisation mission
The Martin Ennals Foundation (MEF) enhances the visibility and protection of human rights defenders and builds awareness and recognition for their work, through visibility, publicity and support, principally by granting the annual Martin Ennals Award (MEA).
Organisational structure
The Foundation consists of a Board made up of up to 12 members, led by a Chairperson elected by the Board. It includes a Vice-Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer who together make up the governance committee that is entrusted with the routine business of the Foundation.
The MEA Coordinator is the executive arm of the Foundation. Other staff lines include (as at June 2019) a Communications Manager and a Programme Officer.
Organisational setting and reporting relationships
With an annual award as its principal activity, the MEF operations have a cyclical nature, which requires a certain flexibility in the way that the staff – all part-time – arrange their work.
The Communications Manager reports to the MEA Coordinator.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Communications Manager is responsible for formulating, leading and enhancing the MEF communications strategy in support of the organisation’s mission. The MEF communications priorities require a focused and purposeful approach in support of the Martin Ennals Award and of the MEF itself. This should ensure the delivery of a high-profile, high-quality ceremony with measurable impact, in collaboration with MEF partners and Laureates through appropriate channels. Target audiences include Swiss and Geneva authorities and communities, relevant international organisations, human rights organisations, agencies and activists, governments and their representatives as MEF donors and as protectors of and influencers on human rights, MEF Jury members and regional panels, journalists, bloggers, academia, filmmakers and media champions.
Subject to approval of the Board and of the Coordinator, the Communications Manager will recruit and provide guidance and supervision to interns or volunteers. The Communications Manager will also assist the MEF Coordinator and Programme Officer as/when necessary.
The Communications Manager’s main tasks include:
• Being responsible for MEA’s communications, in developing and regularly adapting a corporate communications and social media strategy;
• Increasing global recognition for the MEF mission, the Award and its Laureates;
• Planning and implementing promotional activities for the Laureates while promoting the MEF brand;
• Developing, monitoring and evaluating the impact of publicity for the MEA ceremony;
• Planning and implementing promotional activities for the Finalists through networking, media relations and partner organisations while promoting the MEA brand;
• Maintaining and increasing engagement with relevant audiences via the MEF Website and social media channels;
• Producing and disseminating press material and other written and audio-visual content in relevant languages;
• Strengthening relations with new and traditional media and communications teams in Jury member organisations;
• Assisting in the formulation of funding proposals and required reporting documentation for donors and the Board;
• Providing regular (quarterly TBD) updates on developments in communications to the Board’s governance committee;
• Improving and managing electronic file storage systems, Contact Management Systems, IT support and Webmaster services.
To apply:
Please send:
1) a current CV and
2) a motivational cover letter of 500 words
to hr@martinennalsaward.org by 20 May 2019. Interviews will take place between 3-7 June 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applicants should have a high standard of both written and spoken English and French, at least 5 years’ experience of developing and implementing international communications strategies for practical impact through traditional and social media channels. They should also be able to demonstrate creative approaches to delivering the tasks above and of reaching relevant audiences using a variety of communications techniques. A good understanding of human rights, the sector’s constraints and potential opportunities will be considered as assets.
