Communications Intern

TFT Crassier, Switzerland

TFT is a global non-profit organization that helps companies and communities deliver responsible products. We act on the ground in forests, farms and factories to help create products that respect the environment and improve people's lives. Our members are international retail and manufacturing companies committed to sustainably transforming their supply chains. Since our founding in 1999, our main focus has been to provide solutions to the issue of deforestation and to empower forest dependent communities. Through the same model, we also work with institutional donors looking to give local communities and companies the tools to bring responsible wood products to world markets. With 95 staff active in 14 countries, we’re now working on a broad range of products including palm oil, paper and leather, using our supply chain expertise to identify and address a full range of embedded social and environmental issues.

TFT is seeking a young and dynamic professional, keen to undertake an internship within a fast-growing nonprofit that has a growing voice and impact in the sustainability world. The successful candidate will have experience in the communication and/or marketing areas, preferably in the private sector, and should be proactive, autonomous and creative.

The internship is full time for three months (with possibility of extension) based in TFT’s Crassier office, Switzerland.

Responsible to: TFT Communication Manager

Key Roles

Assist with the planning, development and delivery of TFT internal and external communications;Contribute to the development of the communication strategy/objectives and communication plans;Support the Communication Manager to build and communicate the TFT brand image.

Responsibilities

The Intern will be responsible for:

1. Editing and organizing the publication of documents;
2. Writing press releases and articles;
3. Editing and proof reading articles;
4. Translating articles;
5. Day-to-day management of the TFT website, including updating and ongoing monitoring;
6. Coordinating the production of other internal and external TFT communications, publications and materials;
7. Keeping staff, donors and business members up to date with the organization’s latest news;
8. Supporting the Communication Manager to build a journalist network in targeted countries;
9. Providing the public with information as requested;
10. Posting news, articles and video content to the organization’s social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Yammer, etc.)

Education, Qualifications, Skills, Experience

Required:

• English mother tongue and fluent French required;
• University degree (Bachelor/Master) or equivalent in Communication, Journalism, Marketing or Public Relations;
• Good understanding and high interest in environmental and social responsibility issues;
• Experience working within the private sector;
• Excellent writing, editing and formatting skills in English;
• Computer, desktop publishing skills, experience in web design required;
• Fluent in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required;
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;
• Able to work flexible hours (outside 9-5 workday), as required;
• Able to handle multiple tasks and work autonomously;
• Flexibility, ability to show initiative and a positive attitude;
• Eager to continually learn and develop as part of a team.

Only candidates with Swiss/European nationality or valid Swiss work permit will be considered.

What we offer:

• A unique work experience in a fast-growing and dynamic nonprofit directly impacting the conservation of the environment and improvements in human rights and social equity through trade;
• A dynamic international environment with the chance to work in a multi-cultural team;
• A monthly stipend;
• Possibility of employment following successful completion of the internship.

Please send your CV and cover letter in English to hr@tft-forests.org. Please indicate the Job Code HQINTC0811 in the subject line of your email. The application deadline is 31 August 2011.

Initial screening of short-listed candidates will take place by telephone, followed by a personal interview process for pre-selected candidates, tentatively scheduled in early September 2011.