Communications and Outreach officer

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Description

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The Communications Officer will directly support the Indigenous Peoples and Conservation Program of the Human Rights in Conservation Team (HRCT) by raising awareness and addressing their communication needs. This role involves synthesizing knowledge into actionable insights, developing and implementing communication strategies to promote the abovementioned initiative.

Functions and Responsibilities:

Communication Strategy And Implementation:

• Design, implement and monitor the PODONG communication strategy & plan based on the project’s needs.
• Ensure visibility and brand personality of PODONG.
• Maintain and manage PODONG social media pages and website – including the IUCN website – with timely updates and fresh, relevant content, ensuring digital visibility.
• Ensure a well-maintained and continually developed contact list of journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc.
• Develop short news articles, newsletters, blogs and press releases to communicate programme activities and project results.
• Develop social media posts and provide quality content showcasing achievements and ensure updated weekly platforms.
• Communicate with regional teams including with photographers and videographers to ensure that there are constant updates that can be used for social media. . Maintain a library of media coverage (digital publications, press releases, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources, etc.) and media materials, and ensure monitoring of the use and effectiveness of such materials.
• Step in to review content, proofread and fact check when necessary.
• Support the scaling-up of the Stewarding the Earth Campaign, in preparation to the IUCN second’s iteration of the World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature prior to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025.
• Coordinate media and content creation efforts before, during, and after IUCN WCC 2025 and UNFCCC COP30, including press releases, live updates, and post-event impact reports to ensure consistent messaging and visibility.
• Support stakeholder-specific advocacy campaigns and side events to promote PODONG and engage key – existing and new – before, during, and after IUCN WCC 2025 and UNFCCC COP30.
• Host webinars as requested by the line manager.
• Undertake any other actions related to communications as requested by the line manager.

Support Major Indigenous Peoples And Conservation Projects Of The Team:

• Lead knowledge exchange and capacity building initiatives under PODONG, to enhance design and implementation strategies that promote equitable access to information and skills.
• Lead on the documentation and disseminate findings, lessons learned, and best practices by leading in the development of knowledge products related to PODONG.
• Foster collaboration between stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the implementation of PODONG, connecting these efforts to broader global agendas on the biodiversity – climate and Indigenous Peoples nexus.
• Coordinate with partners and donors to ensure alignment and support for the strategic goals of the HRCT, enhancing global impact and visibility.

Support Product Development And Creation Of Content:

• Support product development from end-user perspective: lead with conception and design of products such as the PODONG logo, updating of the Stewarding the Earth Campaign website, and developing an interactive communication campaign with IPLCs to highlight their role in biodiversity conservation and contributions to the achievement of the CBD-KMGBF. This includes but is not limited to easy web structures, web stories, storytelling, infographics, factsheets, blogs, etc.
• Review technical content and provide corrections in language (English, Spanish and French) and format to make project knowledge products usable for broad audience.
• Lead on communication activities and products with relevant audience (includes webinars, and/or events).
• Provide support in developing and reviewing educational and training materials.

Additional Information:

• The position may require international travel.
• Knowledge of IT and communication tools essential for effective remote collaboration in key.

Personal Qualities:

• Time management skills, including the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• High level of commitment to achieving Indigenous Peoples, biodiversity and livelihood conservation objectives.
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Easy to relate to and work with a variety of stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, government representatives, the private sector, NGOs and academia.
• High level of adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic environment.
• Sensitive to cultural and social practices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from different countries and areas.
• A good understanding of IUCN’s mission and a general sense of service to others.
• Easy to carry out tasks in an organised manner and follow procedures.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in Indigenous Peoples rights, Indigenous development, environmental policy, natural resource management, philanthropy or a related field, with a focus on communication for Indigenous Peoples, conservation and development.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental, conservation or Indigenous Peoples communications.
• Demonstrated skill in crafting and executing successful communication strategies that engage diverse stakeholders (including, project beneficiaries, partner organisations, policy makers, donors, etc.).
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken is required, with additional strong language skills in another IUCN official language (Spanish and/or French) strongly preferred.
• Ability to synthesise primary and secondary data, and scientific/academic and technical information int materials for a diverse audience.
• Proven ability to synthesise and communicate complex information, including reports, policy outcomes, and project results.
• Proven track record of working very diverse audiences and publics, from senior management to community teams.
• Track record of producing and designing tailored communication material and digital assets (using relevant design software: Canva, Adobe, etc.) for effective storytelling, ensuring the Indigenous Peoples projects and initiatives are accurately reflected and promoted.
• Management of IT tools (online administrative systems, Office and other information management platforms and videoconferencing) and online web management tools (WordPress, CMS).
• Management of Social Media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, etc.

Source: https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=11187&lang=en

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