Junior Professional Global Species Programme – Communications

Junior Professional Global Species Programme – Communications – International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

BACKGROUND

The IUCN Global Species Programme work covers three main areas: observing and monitoring species; analysing the impacts of threats to biodiversity; and facilitating and undertaking conservation action.

With the objectives of:
• remaining the leading global organization monitoring the status and trends of the world’s biodiversity and informing the world and its decision makers about its full range of values
• being a leading authority in the analysis of factors responsible for the decline of species and their relative impacts
• delivering solutions for halting biodiversity decline by convening, advising, facilitating and supporting key players in their efforts to mitigate the pressures on biodiversity and to reduce the rate of species decline

It works towards these objectives through several areas: production of The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ and broader biodiversity assessments; monitoring trade in wildlife; and through the development of conservation tools and guidelines.

The Programme also helps coordinate the activities of the Species Survival Commission (SSC), one of IUCN’s six volunteer Commissions, and acts as a secretariat to this network. SSC assesses the conservation status of species, identifies and prioritizes action to reduce threats to biodiversity, conducts research and on-the-ground conservation action, contributes to global conservation policy, and provides advice to decision makers and international conventions.

The IUCN Global Species Programme is seeking a Junior Professional to help implement a rapidly-growing workload in the Communications team. The role will be very much that of a flexible ‘all-rounder’, whose tasks will vary greatly according to the Programme’s evolving needs. Work will include maintaining the Species website, writing news stories for the website, drafting press releases, sourcing material and graphics for newsletters and various other publications, and helping prepare for the biannual updates of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™.

The Junior Professional will report to the Marketing and Communications Officer, Global Species Programme.

This position is ideally suited to a young postgraduate or professional, who seeks to gain further experience at the international level. The contract will initially be for 12 months with the possibility of a six-month extension.

The gross monthly salary for this position is CHF 5,000, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax.

Applications are encouraged from locally-based candidates with an existing work permit for Switzerland, or Swiss or EU nationality.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist in delivering the IUCN Species Communications and on-line fundraising strategies, including liaising with the Global Communications and Strategic Partnership units
2. Assist in the development and management of the on-line fundraising campaigns for The IUCN Red List including content updates to the fundraising site and managing regular mail-outs using Mailchimp
3. Write press releases and news stories for the website including preparation of press releases for updates of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
4. Regular media monitoring
5. Timely management of media enquiry emails, contacting appropriate experts to respond to media requests
6. Provide significant input into the further development of the social media strategy
7. Manage the IUCN Red List social media accounts – Twitter and Facebook
8. Regularly update content on the Species website in consultation with the Marketing and Communications Officer
9. Play a major role in the production of the Species Annual report. This includes managing the process from collection and writing of content to overseeing the layout and final proof reading.
10. Write, review and proofread text for communications products and publications
11. Play a major role in the collection and uploading of images for The IUCN Red List website
12. If requested, attend the annual Global Species Programme staff meeting, assist in taking minutes and provide the final meeting report
13. Respond to information requests from multiple audiences
14. Assist with other communications activities as required

REQUIREMENTS

• 1. A first degree in an environmental/ecological science

• 2. At least two years’ work experience in a relevant field/organization

• 3. Passionate about communications

• 4. Excellent editing and writing skills in English

• 5. Good knowledge of international media; experience in media relations highly desirable

• 6. Social media knowledge and experience – Facebook, Twitter

• 7. Experience in website cms management considered a significant advantage

• 8. Flexibility to cope with changing priorities and tasks

• 9. Happy working both independently and as part of a team

• 10. Proven ability to take initiative and think ahead

• 11. Sensitive to working with people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds

• 12. Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft Office computer programmes and ideally experience with using photoshop and Indesign

• 13. Fluency in French and/or Spanish is beneficial

• 14. A high level of diplomacy and confidence in interacting with the media, external partners, and representing IUCN.

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).

Location: Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland

Application deadline: 10 February 2016

Read more and apply here.