The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress.
IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.
Purpose
Provide francophone communications support to IFAW offices in France and Africa to promote IFAW’s core messages, projects and campaigns within the regions. Responsible for the implementation of communication strategies in Europe with the objective of ensuring IFAW is recognized as a lead animal welfare organization. Work to increase awareness of IFAW in Europe. In collaboration with IFAW’s International Communications team, the Communications Officer provides input to key IFAW communications initiatives, events and projects. This position requires both reactive and proactive initiative and requires a capability to shape public opinion.
Accountabilities/Responsibilities
- Work in collaboration with the Campaigns Officer in France and in close collaboration with the other Communications staff in Europe and Africa. Provide strategic communications advice to HQ Communications and other Country Offices as appropriate.
- Implement an overall strategic communications plan to meet IFAW’s francophone communication needs over the coming years.
- Write copy for IFAW publications and web pages and supervise layout and production when required.
- Oversee the monitoring of important European media resources and relaying relevant coverage to colleagues.
- Develop and maintain close links with key journalists at both national and regional levels with a view to promote IFAW spokespeople, ensuring the organization is called upon to comment where and when relevant issues are raised. Act as a contact between the media and IFAW spokespeople.
- Proactively research issues surrounding current IFAW campaigns. Monitor the activities of opponents in the media and incorporate that information into IFAW’s media strategies.
- Represent IFAW in the media as a spokesperson as well as representing the organization at internal and external meetings and events as necessary.
- Assist in coordination of key IFAW events including press conferences and media launches.
- Maintain files including video, photo and press-release library. Maintain detailed records and supply inventory of all promotional items and distribute as necessary. In collaboration with Campaigns and Supporter Relations staff, ensure that all IFAW materials are organized and accessible.
- Ensure that Supporter Relations staff are adequately briefed on up and coming media events.
- Support fundraising efforts through communications.
- Plan and monitor communications budget and manage communications consultants and contractors when necessary.
- Assist the EU Country Director and Regional Director for Europe with other key projects as and when needed.
Job Requirements
- Degree or diploma in communications, journalism or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 2-3 years experience working in a similar position or in a regional/national media outlet.
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of francophone media in all its forms including print, broadcast and e-media.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, both in English and French.
- Solid experience with computers, online applications and networking.
- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally on behalf of IFAW as required.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively on teams.
- Experience working on media campaigns that have changed attitudes, behaviour or legislation an asset.
- Empathy with the cause of animal welfare preferred; commitment to promoting IFAW’s mission.
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