Vacancy #: 7246 Unit: European Regional Office - EU Policy Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: EU Representative Office, Brussels, Belgium European Regional Office, Bonn, Germany Reporting to: Head of Programme and Policy Work percentage: 100% Grade: P2 Expected start date: 05 May 2025 Type of contract: Fixed-term (12 months with possibility of renewal) Closing date: 13 April 2025 BACKGROUND IUCN is the worldโs oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,400 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 15,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCNโs work is supported by more than 1,000 professional staff in more than 50 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. Its headquarters are based in Gland, Switzerland.
The IUCN European Regional Office (EURO) serves as a key bridge between IUCN Members, National Committees, Commissions, and the Secretariat, connecting them with EU institutions, governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, and other stakeholders. By providing expertise, facilitating collaboration, and engaging decision-makers, EURO helps drive the implementation of Europe's environmental policies, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and related strategies and plans, strengthening conservation policy and action across the region.
IUCN EURO is looking for a highly motivated Senior Communications Officer to join our Regional Office. This position will lead IUCNโs communications work in Europe, supporting corporate communications and the implementation of the IUCN Programme. The incumbent will play a crucial role in the implementation of communications component of several projects, including project delivery responsibilities. This is a strategic position in the IUCN European Regional Office. JOB DESCRIPTION Under direct supervision of the Head of Programme and Policy, with frequent interactions with the Regional Director, and in close collaboration with the regional membership team and programme staff, the Senior Communications Officer will lead communications activities of the EURO office and support office visibility, outreach and project implementation. The Senior Communications Officer will ensure the proper use of the IUCN brand and coherence with IUCNโs global communications policies and standards throughout its work.
Specific duties
โข Spearhead and oversee communication activities of the IUCN European Regional Office, ensuring high-quality branding and outputs:
โข Lead the implementation of communications activities in relevant projects, especially related to EU policy;
โข Manage EUROโs corporate and project websites and social accounts;
โข Prepare annual reports and other key corporate communications material;
โข Produce web stories, articles, and other communication products for IUCN and external channels;
โข Follow up regional IUCN media relations with a view to promoting IUCN policy and knowledge in Europe;
โข Monitor and track key media regarding EU policy developments and provide regular updates to the Policy and Programme team;
โข Support IUCNโs presence at main conferences and meetings, including event organisation and management;
โข Provide technical advice and input to the membership unit on membership engagement activities;
โข Liaise with the IUCN Global Communications Unit and regional communication teams and provide updates on EUROโs communications work;
โข Provide guidance and advice to colleagues on visual identity and style;
โข Supervise and manage external contractors and production processes;
โข Support programme teams in the preparation of project proposals with a focus on communications outcomes;
โข Provide support on a range of tasks as delegated by the line manager.
The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in an organisation such as IUCN, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of an employee's responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the employee and relevant colleagues.
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from EUR 60.000 to EUR 80.000 (depending on skills, experiences and IUCN equity analysis) subject to deductions for social security contributions and health insurance, and before tax.
REQUIREMENTS โข Affinity with the vision and mission of IUCN;
โข Bachelor's degree in disciplines related to communications, public relations and marketing, information management or technical sciences linked to IUCN programme areas, and with additional relevant professional training; Masterโs-level academic qualifications and/or advanced professional trainings preferable.
โข At least 8 years of relevant professional experience, including experience working within international development organizations, NGOs, or multilateral institutions.
โข Performed similar communications role/s for science-oriented development organizations with knowledge sharing, capacity building, multi-stakeholder convening, and/or policy-influencing missions;
โข General technical and scientific knowledge relevant to IUCN programmatic and thematic contents in nature and biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and global development challenges.
โข Familiar with EU environmental policy and files, ideally also with EU funding and experience in project fundraising;
โข Practical skills in using technologies and tools for media production and communications, including web-based portals, remote/virtual platforms and computer systems;
โข Motivation and interest to guide, mentor and support staff for enhancing professional communications skills through in-house capacity building and learning initiatives;
โข Full computer literacy, with experience in applying Microsoft Office as a minimum skill set;
โข Native or close to native language skills in English; , including ability to communicate complex issues to a wide range of audiences. A second language (French, Spanish) is highly desirable;
โข Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented approach;
โข Ability to work within a team and independently;
โข Ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of outputs;
โข Highly motivated to learn and develop new skills, keen to bring in own ideas;
โข EU National or holder of a Belgian or German work permit. APPLICATIONS
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: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the worldโs largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve peopleโs well-being.
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