International Institute for Environment and Development

Transcription

1 International Institute for Environment and Development Communications Job Description Job Title: Reports to: Responsible for: Main purpose: Main contacts: Salary: Contract: Location: Managing Editor Staff Writer Production Manager To work with researchers, Communications Team and partners to write, edit and produce a range of content (including research communications outputs) to target multiple audiences. To manage and lead on the roll out of the IIED brand project. Internal: Director of Communications, rest of Communications Team, Director, and staff from IIED research groups External: IIED s partners; IIED s key target audiences and IIED donors Grade 3, 41,912-46,169 (up to 52,116 for exceptional candidates) depending on experience, plus benefits Permanent, full time (35 hours per week) Central London office Background information The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is a policy and action research organisation promoting sustainable development and linking local priorities to global challenges. We are based in London and work on five continents with some of the world s most vulnerable people to strengthen their voice in the decision-making arenas that affect them. In alliance with others, we are helping to tackle the biggest issues of our times - from climate change and cities to the pressures on natural resources and the forces shaping global markets. With 116 members of staff working with associates and partners around the world, IIED has been at the forefront of policy-making in sustainable development for over 40 years. IIED s Strategy sets out four change initiatives as well as four research agendas. We must communicate for impact around these strategic objectives. We are committed to becoming a leading institution in sustainable development communications, complementing our leading role in research. Our communications work is based on four values engagement, influence, accessibility and visibility and targets five priority audiences: policy, media, academia and research, private sector and philanthropists, and the informed general public. 1

2 Our communications strategy can be expressed in three main objectives: 1. To ensure that all our products and messages put audience first and are targeted towards stakeholders who have a role in particular change processes 2. To make sure we position IIED and our partners in relevant policy debates and policy processes that can influence change. 3. To develop ways to improve the communications skills of IIED staff, partners and those with whom we work by developing an understanding of best practice and improved methodologies, dissemination etc. and how a better understanding of all this contributes to value for money. For IIED s research findings to hit their targets, it is essential that the Institute has a strong communications capacity. The Communications Team works to improve the impact, influence and reach of IIED s research and experiences, along with that of its partners. The end is not to publish research in itself but to communicate the research with integrity and force, influencing policymakers and other audiences to create a fairer and more sustainable world. The Communications Team is a busy and friendly team of 13, with an operating budget of c 800k, working with all other parts of the Institute. In providing a service to our colleagues we also act as a critical resource and centre of expertise. The Communications Team is made up of the following members of staff: Liz Carlile Director of Communications Soti Coker Database Manager Rosalind Cook Production Manager Teresa Corcoran - Communications Senior Coordinator Natalie de Pointis Brighty Communications Assistant Rosalind Goodrich - Staff Writer (maternity cover until June) Clair Grant Salmon Audience Development Manager (Deputy to the Director of Communications) Saadia Iqbal Leal Communications Officer, Independent Research Forum Sian Lewis Staff Writer* (maternity leave until June) David Sankar Web Services Manager Mike Shanahan Press Officer Kate Wilson Publications & Marketing Manager Matt Wright Web Planning and Content Manager *Postholder s line manager Background to the post The Managing Editor is a senior role in the Communications Team. Together with the Director of Communications and senior members of the Communications Team, the post will be responsible for developing and implementing the Institute s editorial and production strategies to help ensure we are maximising our impact and effectiveness. This role is also responsible for developing and managing the implementation of the Institute s brand strategy, ensuring the quality of the Institute s print, digital and policy materials in particular and the strategic relevance of our portfolio of products. This role has a high profile within the institute and plays an important part in ensuring the integration of the communications strategy across the institute. 2

3 The postholder will work with our researchers and partners to influence and inform through writing that is lucid, to the point and best adapted to the needs of targeted readerships. They will write and edit outputs in a variety of formats including: policy briefs, blogs, annual reports, video scripts, web pages and pocket books. The key skills required for this post involve understanding our research material, its provenance and political message, and presenting this to a variety of audiences in a way that maximises understanding while retaining the central integrity of the research findings. Key Responsibilities: As a senior role within the Communications Team the key responsibilities that will be required divide into three main areas: (1) Strategic (approximately 25% of time will be dedicated to this area of responsibility) Lead in developing and monitoring the editorial strategy for the Institute to ensure adherence to our portfolio of products and to ensure quality and standards appropriate for all outputs cross institute and within research groups Lead in developing and monitoring the production strategy for all the Institute s outputs and ensure consistency of style, production quality and suitability for audiences Lead in developing and monitoring the Institute s brand strategy and ensure its adherence with the support of the Director of Communications and senior management Contribute to the development of the overall Communications Team strategy and other team strategies as required Contribute to the review and development of proposals, attend the Proposal Improvement Group and other internal meetings as required to improve strategic integration of Communications Team work Lead in developing and designing a range of Institutional products as required Take part in individual and team fundraising activities as required (2) Implementation (approximately 65% of time will be dedicated to this area of responsibility) A. Synthesise IIED research into a range of different formats Work closely with IIED s researchers to synthesise research outputs through high quality writing and editing into a variety of formats designed to communicate to multiple audiences - from policy briefings to short reports, backgrounders and booklets. Commission, write and edit our programme of blogs, working with the Web Planning and Content Manager to ensure timely publication Work with partners to develop similar outputs, as necessary B. Production of Institute-wide documentation Play a leading role, along with the Staff Writer, in the writing and production of Institute-wide documentation, including the annual report, strategy materials, annual results framework and multi-donor report, toolkits, guidance notes and so on Play a leading role in ensuring that our production systems and capacity are concurrent with need 3

4 C. Production, management and promotion of communications products Write or edit letters/features/comment/blogs and articles in national and international mainstream media as well as in more specialist media Responsibility for managing the Gatekeeper series promoting the idea of these case studies to researchers across the organisation, working with them to commission authors and overseeing the editing and production process Maintain a style guide for IIED written material Work with colleagues to build communications skills internally and to share internally and externally what we learn about research communications in the course of our work Work to seek opportunities to promote IIED s research outputs, partners, publications and events across the world, through the Internet, publications and through new media such a podcasts and blogs as appropriate Moderate discussion groups, and work on bulletins and internet/web materials as required Work with the Audience Development Manager and the Web Planning and Content Manager to ensure greater alignment of digital and print products (3) Management and administration (approximately 10% of time will be dedicated to this area of responsibility) Line manage the Production Manager and help them to develop production systems and processes as required Participate in Institute-wide and strategic meetings as appropriate. Contribute to donor reporting as required Monitor budget lines associated with the knowledge products we edit and produce Ensure timely adherence to Institute and team reporting requirements and to IIED minimum standards Act as a mentor and coach to all Communications Team staff - within the team and within research groups Maintain and manage a cadre of excellent freelance writers, editors, translators and proof-readers for both print and digital products Support the Production Manager in developing and maintaining a cadre of excellent designers for both print and digital products This job description defines the level of responsibility and areas of involvement of the post; the details of the duties may change over time and do not form part of the contract between IIED and the post holder. Person specification 1. Essential requirements Academic and professional qualifications Minimum of first degree in a relevant discipline e.g. communications, environment / development, journalism Relevant experience Substantial relevant work experience, including some work as a researcher or working closely with researchers and / or some work either as a journalist or alongside journalists 4

5 Experience of project managing high profile, time sensitive initiatives Demonstrable experience of managing permanent staff and external consultants including supervision of work from a distance Experience of managing and developing an organisational brand Experience of managing multiple projects, timeframes, budgets and delivery dates Knowledge and Skills Fluency in English (verbal and written) A thorough understanding of environment and sustainable development issues and a demonstrable understanding of policy-oriented research and/or advocacy A thorough understanding of how to target different audiences through communications Excellent writing skills a demonstrable commitment to high quality editing and an ability to write for different audiences First class verbal communication skills to work with multi-cultural staff and partners at all levels, as well as other external bodies First class inter-personal skills including coaching and mentoring, persuasion, and negotiating skills and the ability to build effective working relationships in a challenging, multi-cultural environment Excellent personal organisational skills, ability to be adaptable and flexible to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Ability to work/respond independently, problem solve, and deal with unforeseen problems and circumstances on own initiative Ability to work independently and as part of a team Lively interest in developments in communications technologies Willingness and ability to travel internationally as appropriate to project commitments Excellent knowledge and experience of business software (word-processing, spreadsheets, and internet and communications software) 2. Desirable requirements Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline An established reputation and publications record Experience in the advocacy policy campaigning environment Experience of working in an international context Ability to work in one or more international languages relevant to the work of IIED (i.e. French, Spanish or Portuguese) Work experience in the Global South Knowledge of Desk-top Publishing (DTP) packages such as Adobe InDesign 5

6 Behavioural competencies The top five most important behavioural competencies that will apply to this role are shown below. This does not mean that others are not important but these are the most important for this particular role. At Grade 3 postholders would be expected to demonstrate all 11 competencies at level 2/3. Competency Description Level required Communicating with Impact Delivering Excellence Develops Others Empathy Flexible Thinking Information Seeking Initiative The ability to influence, negotiate, build awareness and create credibility with others through the use of clear and effective communication. A concern for delivering high quality work and improving performance. Consistently looks for ways to add value to colleagues, partners and stakeholders. The ability to understand and appreciate issues from a wide range of perspectives and adapt one s thinking and approach based on this understanding. Integrity & Commitment Leading Others 1

7 Understands Context Working Collaboratively An ability to understand the organisational, political and cultural context within IIED and across other organisations / political bodies. A desire to work cooperatively with others to maximise the effectiveness of IIED, build knowledge and understanding and minimise duplication of effort. 2