Communications Coordinator (Editorial & Publications)

About the ISEAL Alliance:

ISEAL is an international non-profit organisation that codifies best practice for the design and implementation of social and environmental standards systems. ISEAL shapes the context in which voluntary standards systems operate, by defining what good practice looks like for the sector, as well as through influencing how external stakeholders think about and engage with credible voluntary standards systems. 

 At the core of the ISEAL Alliance is a network of organisations that work together to improve the operation of voluntary standards and certification.  Our members include most of the leading social and environmental standards systems worldwide (e.g. Forest Stewardship Council, the Marine Stewardship Council, and the Fairtrade International).  They are supported by a wide range of organisations, from research institutions to capacity building organisations to certification bodies, who participate in the ISEAL Alliance as affiliates.  Collectively, this diverse group of actors makes up the ISEAL Community.  

The role:

We are now looking to fill the position of Communications Coordinator with focus on editorial and publications to strengthen our ability to get our message out there and increase awareness of our work and that of our members. The role of Communications Coordinator at ISEAL offers scope for a dynamic and creative individual to help shape the profile of a rapidly growing international organisation. As Communications Coordinator you will be responsible for writing and coordinating content for a variety of publications including e-newsletters, annual reports, information materials and the ISEAL website. You will also initiate and coordinate interaction with the press for occasional outreach activities as well as contribute to our strategy on using a range of media to successfully reach audiences and build our community.

It is also an important part of the role to provide communications support to all ISEAL programme areas to ensure effective delivery of communications elements.

The position is part of a two people, London-based Communications team which is managed and supported by the Director of Development & Communications, who is based in Toronto. ISEAL’s head office is in London with staff in Belgium, Canada, and Australia.

What We Seek:

ISEAL interacts daily with a broad and varied audience of NGO, business, government and UN agencies with a special focus on communications with our members. The Communications Coordinator will need strong writing skills to communicate complex issues in a clear and accessible style and will also require the skills and experience to apply appropriate tone in writing, rewriting and editing. In order to be able to become effective in this role quickly, it is also essential to have a good level of knowledge and understanding of voluntary social and environmental standards and certification and, ideally, in depth knowledge of one or more of our members. This may have been acquired through previous work experience or postgraduate study.

As an ideal candidate you will also demonstrate an understanding and flexibility for the needs of a small but rapidly developing organization and resulting demands on the communications team. You are outgoing and confident and have gained a good level of experience working with a non-governmental or professional organization centered on sustainability issues.

You are enthused by the prospect of helping to build the profile and impact of a small (14 people) organization with a global reach.  You have an interest in voluntary standards, want to learn more about credible standards systems and how they work, and are committed to improving the social and environmental impacts of the voluntary standards movement.

How to Apply:

For full details of this vacancy and person specification, please go to:http://www.isealalliance.org/vacancies/communications-coordinator-editorial-publications-london-iseal

Interested candidates should submit a current CV and a statement explaining how they meet the selection criteria for the position to recruitment@isealalliance.org.

The deadline for receipt of applications (by email) is 5pm (GMT) on 21 September 2011. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 30 September 2011 and initial phone interviews will be carried out in early October.

If you have not heard from us by the above date, your application will, unfortunately, not be progressed. However, we do thank you for your interest in working for the ISEAL Alliance.

For specific enquiries, candidates may contact Alke Horn, HR & Operations Manager (e-mail: alke@isealalliance.org, Tel: 0203 246 0066).