INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS
Commission internationale de juristes - Comisión Internacional de Juristas

"dedicated since 1952 to the primacy, coherence and implementation of international law and principles that advance human rights"

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Media and Communications Officer

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is a worldwide network of judges and lawyers united in affirming international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights.

The International Secretariat in Geneva is recruiting a Media and Communications Officer responsible for managing and enhancing the ICJ's profile in the media, providing commentary and serving as resource to journalists on topical issues and current events in the human rights field.

The ideal candidate is, or has been working for at least ten years in media-liaison positions. He/she has comprehensive knowledge and experience in communication and holds excellent verbal, writing and editing skills. He/she is highly proficient with information technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to the Deputy Secretary-General, the Media and Communications Officer has the following responsibilities:

• Develop a media and communications strategy and ensure its implementation;
• With management and legal staff, position the ICJ in the international media (print, electronic, social); identify opportunities for media interventions and communication of events. Ensure greater exposure and clarity of public messaging. Optimise ICJ's presence on social media sites;
• Build and maintain an extensive and comprehensive database of contacts (international media, other relevant stakeholders);
• Manage and enhance the ICJ's profile in the international media and develop clear communication around ICJ and its information products, country and regional engagements, trainings, and advocacy through outreach initiatives and distribution of key information and publications. Supervise the work of the Associate Publications Officer in the production of ICJ publications;
• Develop and implement a strategy and policy for the timely distribution of current and past ICJ publications and materials;
• Supervise the maintenance and development of ICJ's website and other on-line content, and contribute new ideas to continuously improve its usability and relevance.
• With relevant staff, ensure effective communication with the ICJ network of Commissioners, National Sections and Affiliated Organisations;
• Act as the focal point for all media communications within the ICJ Secretariat. Provide media training to programme and fundraising staff;
• Manage and liaise with all external suppliers (graphic designers, web designers, photographers, printers, multimedia consultants, translators, editors, etc);
• With finance staff prepare and manage related budget and monitor the expenditures.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have:

Education & Experience

• University degree in journalism, communications, and/or public relations;
• 10 years' of relevant experience in media-liaison positions, including in website and information systems management and production of communication materials;
• Relevant work experience in an international NGO or an international organisation desirable.

Essential Skills

• Experience with media handling/liaison;
• Established networks of contacts across the international media preferred;
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, particularly under tight deadlines;
• Deep interest in and commitment to human rights and international affairs;
• Highly energetic, enthusiastic, self-motivated, creative thinker, culturally sensitive and highly sociable;
• Strong communication skills; demonstrated ability to provide media training to staff;
• English and French language fluency. Spanish and/or Arabic an asset;
• Highly tech savvy, with particular understanding of and interest in new media. Proficiency with Mac, Microsoft Office and mass mailing software.

The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer.

APPLICATIONS close on 15 March 2011 and should be addressed with your resume, a cover letter and the names and contact details of at least two referees to:

Ref: The Media and Communications Officer:

By email: recruitment@icj.org
Or by post: International Commission of Jurists, P.O. Box 91, 1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland

Please appreciate that due to the volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. We cannot answer phone enquiries, thank you for your understanding.

P.O. Box 91, 33, rue des Bains, 1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland
Tel: +41(0) 22 979 3800 – Fax: +41(0) 22 979 3801
Website: http://www.icj.org - E-mail: info@icj.org