This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in our office. The role can be based in Cameroon (Yaounde), Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), or Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa). Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.
About the Program:
Our work in the Congo Basin contributes to the creation of a political and regulatory environment that promotes sustainable forest management and the conservation of biodiversity. We support national and local actors to produce, manage, and use spatial data to guide sustainable forest management, including artisanal concessions, restoration of degraded areas, governance of the wood-energy supply chain, and sustainable agriculture practices.
Job Highlight:
As the Communications Manager for the Congo Basin, you will design and implement communications and engagement strategies, lead media relations, and manage communication services for events. You will curate communications products for various channels, such as websites, social media, blogs, and publications, and work with program staff to develop relevant messaging (in French and English) to promote program activities to increase overall visibility. You will be supported by program and communications staff working in Africa. You will also work with WRI’s Core Communications Team to coordinate outreach and identify opportunities. You will collaborate with WRI’s Congo Basin country teams, and the WRI-African Communications Department on all aspects of your work. You will report to the Senior Communications Manager for Africa and the Congo Basin Strategy and Engagement Lead.
What will you do:
Communications and Engagement (60%):
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Develop and implement communications and engagement strategies
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Coordinate and support the development of audience-specific knowledge products
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Support the program team in promoting relationships with key stakeholders by coordinating outreach events and disseminating communication and knowledge products
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Translate WRI’s analysis and policy recommendations on forests into compelling stories through high-quality presentations, publications, blogs, photographs, videos, testimonials, webinars, social media, etc
- Enhance WRI’s visibility in the Congo Basin by promoting WRI and partner research, analysis, and activities through online communications, media outreach, events, and other means
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Maintain a contact list of partners
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Ensure that program websites and social media page s are updated
Media Relations (10%):
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Work directly with WRI’s Forest Program communications team to identify, pitch and inform media stories related to forest management, and related topics
- Coordinate program media relations including identifying opportunities for media coverage, responding to media requests, and arranging interviews
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Coordinate media outreach including drafting press releases and press kits, managing press invites, and the release of media advisories to promote research
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Maintain a list of media coverage of your program/projects
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Maintain a list of media contacts with your program
Events (15%):
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Contribute to webinar concepts and coordinate the production with relevant program teams
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Coordinate communication support for program events, including social promotion and coverage, photography, media outreach, production of communication products and post-event communication reports
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Contribute to WRI Africa’s list of events to ensure effective and efficient coordination of communication support
Institutional Communications (15%):
- Contribute to WRI’s communication initiatives such as compiling content for international days, blogs, release of flagship reports, internal newsletters and translating materials
What will you need:
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Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international affairs, political science, business management, international development, environmental sciences, or other social sciences
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Experience: You have a minimum of 6 years of relevant full time work experience, preferably with international development organizations, knowledge institutions, or media
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Skills: Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills in both French and English
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Creative and highly organized individual with a strong interest in partnerships, coordination, and communications
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Ability to proactively identify opportunities for communication activities
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Self-motivated with an ability to juggle multiple priorities, handle assignments independently, and work under tight deadlines
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, resiliency, flexibility, and drive
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Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in teams and encourage knowledge sharing to achieve organizational goals and preferred experience of working in coalitions and other collaborative partnership models
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Experience designing and organizing events
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Willingness and ability to travel within the region and internationally
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A history of working with national and pan-African organizations and with international institutions is strongly preferred, as is experience working on climate, water, cities, forests, or other development topics
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Languages: French and English required
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Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization
Potential Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.
How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of October 8, 2024. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
What we offer:
- Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
- The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.
- A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
- The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
- Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
- Generous leave days that increase with tenure
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Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution, Paid Time Off
About Us:
Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.
The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.
Our mission and values:
WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.
Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.
Our culture:
WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.
Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.
