ForcesWatch Communications and Media Organiser Job description and person specification

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1 Overview Post: Purpose: Hours: Salary: Location: Communications and Media Organiser To develop and deliver the organisation s communications and media work to support its research and campaigning activities 16 hours (2 days) or 20 hours (2.5 days) a week, 12 month initial contract 28,396 p.a. pro-rata plus 5% pension London-based with some remote working by negotiation This is an opportunity to be part of a small and dynamic team to raise awareness and campaign in a human rights context with a network of partner organisations. About ForcesWatch ForcesWatch is a non-profit organisation which researches and campaigns on ethical issues concerning the military, young people and society. Our focus is on the UK. We monitor and report on military recruitment practices and work for changes in recruitment policy and human rights issues within the military. We also challenge efforts to embed militarist values in civil society. ForcesWatch was established in It is an unincorporated association, overseen by a Steering Committee. There are currently three part-time members of staff and the Communications and Media Organiser will work with the Coordinator and the Education and Outreach Organiser. We build critical awareness of the issues, and capacity for making social change happen both at the grassroots level and through policy change at a national level. We seek to work with a wide spectrum of interested parties, including children and young people, parents, teachers, youth workers, peace and human rights activists, and veterans. We work closely with partner organisations to maximise resources and impact. Currently our main areas of work are: Challenging the presence of military interests in education. We are working closely with Quaker Peace & Social Witness on this issue. Advocating to raise the minimum age of recruitment to 18, in line with international standards. We work closely with Child Soldiers International on this issue and have developed a campaign with public, parliamentary and media recognition. Observing and responding to ways in which the military is being promoted as a normal part of everyday life. We are part of a developing network of academics, campaigners and others working on aspects of militarisation in the UK. For more information about ForcesWatch, see Page 1 of 5

2 Our communications and media work ForcesWatch has a successful track record of creating media interest around its work. We generate media stories and are frequently asked by the press to comment on our issues of concern. Our media profile is based on our research and evidence-based commentary. We use a variety of communications to connect with supporters and to engage with general audiences. We have recently started to develop a communications strategy in order to create focus on key messages. The Communications and Media Organiser will develop this further in collaboration with other staff. We currently have funding for a communications project which aims to take our messages out to a wider audience of supporters and funders using audio-visual approaches. The Communications and Media Organiser will lead on this project. Main functions and responsibilities of the Communications and Media Organiser The Communications and Media Organiser will play a leading role in developing and delivering our communications strategy and our day to day liaison with the media, parliamentarians and other decisionmakers, and other key audiences. They will develop the work in liaison with other members of staff and the Steering Committee. Candidates must demonstrate experience in media work and an eagerness to act on ForcesWatch's concerns about the military's involvement with young people and the importance of public debate about the military, its recruitment practices and its role in wider society. You will be able to demonstrate strong networking and communication skills, an understanding of the political climate and be motivated to create debate and influence policy and practice. The role will involve re-framing debates, communicating the issues, and representing ForcesWatch to a range of audiences. It will also involve writing articles, press releases and social media releases and may involve some research and presentation of information. While each member of the ForcesWatch staff leads on a particular area, much of our work is carried out with input from, and in consultation or collaboration with, colleagues. You must be happy to work closely in a team but also be able to take on individual responsibility for delivering pieces of work to agreed timetables. The Communications and Media Organiser will be responsible for day to day management of their work, in liaison with the Coordinator and others as necessary. All staff are expected to attend Steering Committee meetings and to report to the Committee. All staff are expected to assist with some routine office duties. The main activities of the role Create and respond to media and other opportunities to influence public opinion and decision makers. Convey key messages in a way that is consistent with our values (see below), wider strategy and published statements and reports. Work with partner organisations to continue to build constituencies of support for our aims within the media, parliament and other key audiences and more generally. Page 2 of 5

3 Specific Responsibilities Play a leading role in the following (in consultation with other staff): Organise press and media activities including preparing and issuing press releases, quotes, statements and interviews. Pitch stories to the media and build and maintain relationships with relevant journalists and outlets. Identify and develop opportunities for raising our concerns with decision-makers and other key audiences. Develop social/digital media outputs, including short films. Act as a contact point for press and selected other enquiries. Maintain detailed records, including a contacts database, and archives including research documentation and correspondence. Monitor and evaluate progress and produce reports for the Steering Committee and for linemanagement purposes. Work as part of the team in the following: Develop a communications strategy. Monitor the media and respond promptly to new developments, including through social media. Act as a media spokesperson for ForcesWatch. Communicate with a diversity of audiences from individual MPs and journalists to a meeting of activists. Develop and support opportunities for grassroots campaigning where appropriate. Collaborate on written materials as necessary. Prepare communications for supporters and write articles for publication, including the ForcesWatch website, as necessary. Support wider development of the organisation s strategy. Maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of our position and arguments on core issues. Support partner organisations as appropriate and build and maintain links with other interested parties. Work in accordance with the stated aims and values of ForcesWatch. Person specification - required skills and experience Essential - Candidates must be able to demonstrate each of the following skills/experience in order to be shortlisted. Page 3 of 5 Significant experience of working with the media. Strong knowledge of national media, social media and other media outlets. Ability to create and deliver press and social media opportunities. Excellent presentation and communication skills (written, verbal, social media) for campaigning purposes.

4 Ability to communicate effectively to different audiences. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues, core arguments and key information. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the principles behind our campaigning strategy, how we work with partner organisations and individuals, and the use of evidence based arguments. Ability to work with others in an inclusive and transparent way. Good planning and organisational skills and ability to manage own workload and to work flexibly and prioritise under pressure. Good computer and software skills and experience. Ability to work independently and in close liaison with team members and with other organisations. Commitment to the aims and values of ForcesWatch. Desirable - Candidates should be able to demonstrate some or most of the following skills/experience in order to be shortlisted. Experience of communications work within a campaigning or political, human rights or related context. Knowledge of parliamentary and other decision-making structures and opportunities. Experience representing organisations to funders. Experience presenting research and information to a variety of audiences. Experience producing information and campaigning materials, including audio/visual. Experience of acting as a spokesperson. Experience adding content to websites. Knowledge of the issues that concern ForcesWatch. How to apply Please send us: 1. Your CV 2. A covering letter explaining: why you want this job why you would like to join ForcesWatch 3. A supporting statement (not more than 2 sides of A4) telling us how you meet all the points listed under the Person Specification. your application to office@forceswatch.net by 6pm on Monday 1 October 2018, using the subject heading Communications and Media. You may also post your application to: ForcesWatch, 5 Caledonian Road, London N1 9DY. If you would like to discuss the role informally before applying, please contact Emma Sangster on or office@forceswatch.net to arrange a time. Please note that as the office is not staffed full time, there may be a delay in getting back to you. Page 4 of 5

5 Equal opportunities and our values The work of ForcesWatch is underpinned by the concern that enormous damage is done to all those caught up in armed conflict. It is vital that there is wide critical debate about the military, its recruitment practices and its role in wider society. ForcesWatch is committed to: respect for all people, including those we disagree with honesty in how we approach and present the issues fostering critical awareness of the issues among the public and ourselves including and involving a diversity of people, including a range of views and skills We oppose all forms of unlawful or lawful discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, class, religion, marital status and where a person lives. The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of how well they fit the person specification, as judged by their application materials and their interview performance. Unfortunately the ForcesWatch office has only limited access and facilities for those with restricted mobility. Please contact us if you would like further information. ForcesWatch is unable to arrange work permits for applicants without UK residency. Terms and conditions Duration: The initial contract will be for 1 year. The contract may be extended for a further period depending on the availability of funding. There will be a 3 month probationary period. Contract type: Employee Schedule: Location: Holiday: Notice of termination: In liaison with the Coordinator, the Communications and Media Organiser will organise their own work timetable with the possibility of working more hours/days in one period as necessary and correspondingly less in another. It may occasionally be necessary to attend events during the evening or weekends. Based at the ForcesWatch office in Kings Cross, London. Some working from home may be possible, by negotiation. Some travel within the UK is likely. 30 days per calendar year (pro-rata) One month from either side. Page 5 of 5