Overview

Last year, WWF launched a new strategy that harnesses the strengths of the WWF network in a shared vision, focussing on six major goals – water, wildlife, the ocean, climate and energy, forests, and food – and three key drivers of environmental problems – markets, finance and governance.

In support of this strategy WWF undertook a redesign of its international secretariat that will further unite WWF offices and its near 6,400 staff around the world. This will help WWF to build stronger partnerships across the world with government, business, civil society and individuals. Together, we will deliver on WWF’s ambitious goals.

We are recruiting the role of Communications Manager – Freshwater for our International Secretariat to help us achieve our new ambitious goals, and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

Location:

WWF Office in Zeist, Netherlands as preferred location.

The Role:

• As a member of the core team, provide strategic communications advice and guidance to enhance the overall Practice strategy and approach, develop the brand, boost the impact of specific activities, and secure Practice goals
• Develop a communications strategy for the Practice in consultation with the core team, International Communications & Marketing, and the WWF community of communicators that strengthens the work of the Practice, promotes its brand and helps achieve its global conservation goals, and adheres to the global brand positioning.
• Co-ordinate the implementation of the strategy through the the global WWF Int’l Community of Communicators.
• Provide strategic direction and core content and messaging guidance for external communications that helps secure conservation wins, strengthen WWF’s brand and the profile of the Practice Leader, and provide support for network fundraising initiatives.
• Positions WWF and the Practice as thought leaders to enhance WWF’s public profile and global influence on strategic Practice issues
• Develop excellent working relationships within the WWF network, and with external partners to leverage greater impact.
• Develop and coordinate the implementation of a strategy for internal communications to inform, inspire and motivate the WWF network to work from local to global to achieve the outcomes of the Practice

Main responsibilities:

• Strategy: lead the development and implementation of the Practice communication strategy with Int’l C&M and the network. With coordination from Int’l C&M, the strategy needs to be developed alongside the other Practice strategies to ensure a coherent narrative and brand positioning.
• Practice profile: guide the Practice leader and core team on speaking engagements, panel participation and maximising public engagement, increasing WWF’s profile as a thought leader.
• Core content: ensure Int’l C&M and the Network have the core content (stories, facts, images, policy positions etc.) they need to deliver the agreed communications plan.
• Research: work with key offices to plan and conduct market research as appropriate to inform communications strategies and messaging propositions.
• Media: work through Int’l C&M and national organizations’ communications departments to establish a positive profile of the work with influential journalists and respond to media inquiries. Ensure Practice experts are prepared to deliver key messages and respond in accordance with WWF stated policy on controversial topics. Working with the “owners” of social media channels (Int’l C&M and national offices), provide guidance and core content for social media posts related to the Practice plan.
• Work with lnt’l C&M to leverage the infrastructure needed for the web presence of the Practice. Ensures the pages are kept up to date.
• Internal communications: use and develop existing platforms (e.g., intranet, WebEx) for effective internal communications to build and maintain WWF network buy-in for the Practice and generate maximum participation and support.
• Reporting: communicate impact of the Practice captured through technical progress reports for a variety of influential audiences. Prepare communication progress reports against the communication strategy objectives for the network.
• Team: ensure that Practice team members, coordinate with this position for their communication needs and that all internal and external communications in the Practice are aligned to strategic principles and agreed tactics.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required by the Practice Leader

Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• University-level qualifications in a relevant subject and at least eight years’ strategic communications guidance and experience obtained in an international, national or high-profile organization where they were responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies and work plans in a network structure.
• Demonstrated experience of working in an international setting is essential, as is success in communicating complex issues in a persuasive way to a wide variety of audiences at all levels using diverse channels (TV, print, radio, web, etc.).
• Experience with communications around international policy institutions and fora is preferable, as is experience working for a non-profit organization.
• Proven track record in successful international communications strategies and activities undertaken in a multi-cultural setting, coupled with the ability to anticipate and capitalize on opportunities and achieve high profile results.
• Demonstrable experience and success in working closely with partners, negotiating joint approaches and messages around controversial topics is essential.
• Experience leading and participating in multi-disciplinary teams and building consensus, optimism and confidence in the face of challenges and pressure while charting new territory for the organization is a must.
• Familiarity with a wide range of communication tools and approaches, their potential impact and their suitability for an organization like WWF, is also required.
• Long-term planning and analytical skills, as well as demonstrated ability to multi-task and work effectively to tight deadlines without compromising quality, are necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as are skills in partnership development and the ability to develop relationships with a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal, supported by good computer and internet skills, are required. Fluent English is essential; other languages would be an asset.
• The candidate must also be willing to travel.

How to apply?

Upload your covering letter and CV on LinkedIn as one file.  We will not accept applications without CV and Covering Letter. Please upload as one file.

Work permit restrictions may apply.

Deadline for applications: 02 October 2016.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.