SOS Communications and Marketing Officer

Closing date:

18 June 2012

BACKGROUND

SOS - Save Our Species is a new initiative intended to be a long-term global programme to improve the conservation status of globally threatened species. It will provide grants for conservation of threatened species globally. SOS activities and investments to support on-the-ground action will be guided by species conservation priorities identified through the IUCN Red List and SSC Species Profiles and Action Plans, which are science-based, global in scope, and current. By strategically focusing on species conservation priorities identified by the Species Survival Commission (SSC) and by providing rapid action funding that can be mobilized quickly during crises, SOS provides critically-needed resources where and when they matter most.

SOS - Save Our Species is uniquely positioned to engage international corporations, foundations, individual donors, and governments at the highest level. In addition to GEF and World Bank funding, the partnership is expected to benefit from additional contributions for species conservation from the private sector. Save Our Species has both the credibility and scope to offer meaningful and high profile return on investment from the private sector and others. Save Our Species offers private sector partners a highly attractive opportunity to help prevent biodiversity loss on a truly global scale.

The SOS project is being executed through IUCN, with a secretariat in the IUCN Global Species Programme. The Deputy Director - Global Species Programme is also the SOS Director.

The SOS Communications and Marketing Officer plays a key role in the SOS project. The position requires innovative thinking and strategic skills to identify funding opportunities and provide direction to the marketing, fundraising and communications activities of the project. The Communications and Marketing Officer liaises with diverse networks in engaging a broad range of stakeholders through a range of media including the Internet.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop and implement a communications strategy for SOS in association with a range of partners including corporations, IUCN, other conservation NGOs, the World Bank, and the GEF;

2. Work closely with the SOS Director and the Coordinator to refine and implement the fundraising strategy: approach new donors and follow up, ensure all donor requirements are met in terms of reporting etc. Maintain and enhance relationships with existing key donors;

3. Support the fundraising efforts of SOS staff and the Donor Council, particularly with the corporate sector and foundations, including in the development of concept proposals;

4. Assist SOS fundraising efforts by developing communications materials targeted for fundraising efforts and special events;

5. Ensure that all donors receive appropriate communications materials in a timely fashion, and help prepare information for Donor Council meetings and reporting to donors;

6. Take the lead on maintaining quality and current information on the SOS website, presented in a user-friendly and appealing way;

7. Effectively brand and position SOS and associated products in collaboration with the IUCN Global Communications Unit, The World Bank, GEF, and other major donor communications units;

8. Develop strategies for the effective delivery of SOS information, knowledge and recommendations to relevant target audiences, particularly the donor community;

9. Build media networks and deliver media campaigns in collaboration with the IUCN Global Communications Unit and communications staff in the IUCN network, and other relevant communications units of major donors to SOS;

10. Oversee production of a range of promotional materials such as brochures, fact sheets, concept papers, posters, displays, videos, DVD. This includes managing the work of external service providers (graphic designers, printers, etc);

11. Advise on SOS PR presence at key international conservation and sustainability events such as, among others, the IUCN World Conservation Congress;

12. Strengthen links and working relationships with partner organizations including the Red List partners to raise the profile of SOS and help secure long-term funding for its continued implementation.

REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced degree in Communications, Media or related studies with 5-7 years' professional experience, preferably in the conservation/environment sector, in preparing communications strategies, preparing press releases, writing and editing stories, communicating technical information to a more general audience;

• Experience and success in writing fundraising proposals;

• Knowledge of private sector;

• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with members of the print and broadcast media and donors;

• Excellent interpersonal skills and capacity to work as part of a team in a multicultural environment;

• Fluency in written and spoken English essential (comparable to mother-tongue English) and knowledge of French and/or Spanish an advantage;

• Computer literate and web-savvy, ideally with experience in layout/photography;

• Ability to cope with varied workload and flexible working hours, and to work independently;

• Previous experience with an international NGO/multilateral or intergovernmental agency is an advantage.

SALARY

The gross annual salary for this position is in the range from CHF 80'640 to CHF 100'800, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/