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.

POSITIONS FILLED – THANK YOU

The TEDxLausanne team is currently seeking members for its volunteer communications team.

This is a great opportunity to build your skills and be part of an international movement to share ideas worth spreading.

The team is seeking a Copywriter and a Community Manager to help manage its social media content.

If you would like to apply for either position, please send your CV and motivation to: melittacampbell@me.com

About TEDxLausanne

In a fast-changing world, TEDxLausanne offers a sanctuary of fresh ideas, intelligent thought and enlightening insights delivered through powerful short-talks and captivating entertainment that evokes awe and wonder.

The resulting experience will leave you with a deeper understanding of today’s biggest challenges, reveal new ways to have an impact, and inspire you to become part of the movement towards positive, sustainable change.

It’s time to be the change we need to see in the world.

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a collaborative, patients’ needs-driven, non-profit drug research and development (R&D) organization that is developing new treatments for neglected diseases.

Purpose of the position

The Senior Communications Officer is a member of both the Corporate and Scientific Communications teams. She/he is responsible for writing, editing, and proofreading text for print and digital media, and for a variety of internal and external audiences. In addition, she/he contributes to integrated communications planning for specific campaigns or publication dissemination.

The Senior Communications Officer also plays a ‘continuity’ role for corporate and scientific communications staff who do not work full-time, including by liaising with external service providers, reviewing communications and other outputs to ensure consistent use of corporate visual branding guidelines, and supporting the scientific communications pipeline for publications and conference attendance.

Specific job responsibilities

Writing, editing, copy-editing, proofreading

• Writes, edits, copy-edits, and proofreads text produced by other staff, including those in other departments and regional offices, for a range of print and digital media, including: 
  • Short-form publications such as brochures, leaflets, fact sheets, issue briefs, briefing notes, announcements, etc.
  • Internal and external e-newsletters
  • Internal-use Q&A, talking points, background notes, meeting reports, etc.
  • Copy for infographics, presentations, etc.
  • Formal letters and correspondence, save-the-dates, etc.
  • Scientific communications materials for events – e.g., summaries of scientific work for non-scientists

 Corporate & scientific communications planning & delivery

• Supports the project management of corporate publication production, when needed, by liaising with staff (e.g., for information or text validation) and external service providers (e.g., translators, designers, printers)
• Supports the project management of scientific communications for publications and conferences, e.g., abstract and presentation review, follow-up with scientific teams on conference and manuscript submission
• Contributes to integrated communications planning (i.e., considering print, digital, press, and other media), including for the dissemination of scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Reviews visually branded content from regional offices and other departments to ensure consistency with corporate branding guidelines, as needed
• Contributes to the production of presentations for the executive office, as needed
• Supports the planning and coordination of scientific events
• Manages the corporate communications calendar and archives

Job requirements

Skills and attributes

• Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines
• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment and problem solving competencies
• Very good communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team
• Well organized and structured
• Very good analytical skills
• Ability to contribute to the project delivery under minimum supervision
• Ability to manage middle sized projects with budget management under supervision
• Provide specialist services to operational line or project team
• Ability solve non-routine problems on a case by case/project basis
• Has certain autonomy for taking actions and decisions
• Ability to interact with external stakeholders
• Ability to be the focal point/manager for consultants
• Ability to supervise at a smaller level

Technical skills

• Demonstrably superior English language writing, editing, and proofreading skills

Experience

• Minimum 6 years’ relevant experience in public health, humanitarian or development communications, with strong and demonstrable experience as a writer/editor
• Experience writing about technical or scientific topics for non-scientific audiences
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix-management structure
• Experience working in global health and non-profit sectors highly desirable

Education

• Graduate degree in communications or journalism, or relevant combination of education in communications/journalism with public health or science
• Formal training as an editor an advantage

Other requirements

• Native English speaker
• Proficiency in other languages, particularly French, Spanish or Portuguese, an advantage
• Very good knowledge of Microsoft Suite

Reporting line

• The Senior Communications Officer (Writer/Editor) reports to the Senior Manager, Corporate & Scientific Communications

Interactions

• She/he works closely with all Corporate and Scientific Communications colleagues, and interacts often with others working in Communications, including the Digital and Press teams, and communications staff in DNDi’s regional offices
• Working in Corporate and Scientific Communications requires interacting with most other departments and teams at DNDi, including R&D, Fundraising, Policy & Advocacy, the executive office, regional offices, and others, as needed

Other information

• Status: full time – permanent role

To apply

• Please submit your application using the online form
• Deadline for application: Accepting applications until 19 April 2019
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted 

Click here to view the full job description on DNDi’s website.