Congo Basin: Communications Coordinator

Apr 9, 2016 | World Resources Institute
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The World Resources Institute (WRI) seeks a Congo Basin Communications Coordinator to support WRI’s Forest Program’s mission by developing and implementing communications strategies, and supporting multiple communications channels (such as web, social media, blog, publications, media relations, and events). The Communications Coordinator will proactively collaborate with WRI’s Congo Basin and Forest Program’s communications teams on all aspects of work.

Under its Forest Program, WRI partners with more than 20 organizations, donor and government institutions to support improved management of forests across the Congo Basin. This growing partnership brings with it increasing demands for effective communication across all actors and target audiences. As a key member of the Forest Team in Central Africa, the Communication Coordinator will play a leadership role in implementing a communication strategy and increasing WRI’s visibility in the region. The position will entail a diverse portfolio of activities, ranging from online to in-person communications and offers the Communications Coordinator significant latitude in developing the most affect approach to address each audience. This is a new, full-time position. As the target audience is a mix of Anglophone and Francophone, ability to communicate effectively in both languages is a requirement.

WRI’s work in the Congo Basin focuses on its Global Forest Watch, Forest Restoration and Forest Legality initiatives. Please consult the following links for more information on GFW and their national application, the Congo Basin Forest Atlases:

http://www.globalforestwatch.org/about

http://www.wri.org/our-work/project/congo-basin-forest-atlases

Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute a strategic communication plan for the Congo Basin, working with program communications staff and leadership to identify high-priority projects and highlight WRI and partner research, analysis, and activities.
  • Work with communications and research experts to oversee efficient execution of existing communications processes regarding publications and communications activities.
  • Work with WRI’s Congo Basin Team and the Forest Program’s Department of Communications to implement strategic plans and enhance WRI’s visibility through online communications, media outreach, internal/external events, and other venues as appropriate.
  • Find creative ways to translate WRI’s analysis and policy recommendations on forests into compelling storylines, including through multimedia online content, such as videos, photos, and infographics.
  • Work directly with WRI’s Forest Program’s Communications team to pitch and inform media stories related to forest management, and related topics.
  • Work proactively to place WRI work in key media outlets to achieve outcomes.
  • Write and edit a variety of internal and external materials, such as blog posts, press releases, media advisories, press statements, newsletters, op-eds, website content, and more.
  • Provide editing/writing oversight and support on publications, blogs and other external materials to ensure clear, compelling, and timely program communications.
  • Interface directly with WRI’s partners across the Congo Basin to ensure WRI is responding to their communication needs.
Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Undergraduate or graduate degree in communications, public relations, journalism.
  • Minimum of 2-3 years full time overall experience in communications, with a strong preference for formal experience in media and public relations for a private firm or non-profit.
  • Prior Africa experience or work in a global organization preferred.
  • Experience working with reporters or members of the media (and established media contacts) preferred.
  • Knowledge of forest and natural resource issues in Africa preferred.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Strong written and oral communications skills in both English and French.
  • Experience publishing stories in professional media outlets or blogs.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a global team.
  • Excellent inter-personal communication skills, including the ability to encourage collaboration with other programs and partners.
  • Articulate, versatile, highly skilled writer with professional writing experience (professional clips or writing samples preferred).
  • Highly motivated, proactive work style and excellent organizational skills.
  • Strong interest in and commitment to the environment or international development desirable; knowledge of forest science and policy preferred.
  • Strong online research and computer skills.
  • Understanding of social media and how to use it to impact audiences.
  • Ability to think creatively and collaboratively about all elements of communications work.
  • Visual skills, such as photography, graphic design, and Adobe Photoshop are desirable.
  • Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high quality work products.
  • Experience in engagement with influential individuals (leaders, board members, etc.) preferred.
  • Written and spoken fluency in a regional language such as Lingala, Swahili, etc. desirable.

Final candidate will be required to take a writing test.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package