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World Customs Organisation Communications Manager

In order to promote the use of IPM, the WCO is seeking a Manager whose main task will be the advancement of IPM - and, in general terms, the WCO’s capacity building actions aimed at combating counterfeiting and piracy - among WCO Member administrations and Right Holders.
The Manager will work as part of the WCO’s Communications Service on issues relating to compliance, enforcement and the Consumer Protection and IPR Programme, with a specific focus on IPM promotion. The Manager will participate actively in public relations activities aimed at promoting the internal, external and institutional image of the WCO and the above-mentioned programmes. In this capacity, he/she will:
  • Define a Communications Strategy;
  • Put forward and implement Public Relations and Communications Action Plans;
  • Forge and maintain ties with the national and international press by developing relationships with the mainstream media and specialist publications;
  • Prepare and organize promotional events;
  • Coordinate relations with service providers and external partners;
  • Travel to Customs administrations as part of IPM promotional missions and attend other consumer protection and IPR-related events (exhibitions, conferences, open days);
  • Design and develop communication tools (press releases, interviews, Powerpoint presentations, Press Kit, etc.);
  • Produce presentations, newsletters and any other editorial content for the IPM promotional site;
  • Prepare communications designed to promote topics and policies relating to the Consumer Protection and IPR Programme (writing articles and press releases, drafting texts for the Web sites, preparing brochures and other communications). He/she will ensure that the different communications are consistent with each other and that they are circulated as appropriate;
  • Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
What candidate are we looking for?
The candidate should have a relevant degree and background in communications together with some experience in an international environment. The person must be capable of speaking and drafting texts in English or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language. Familiarity with desktop publishing and a grasp of Customs/trade/intellectual property rights issues will be considered an advantage.

The candidate must also possess good drafting skills and an ability to seek out information. He/she should also display the necessary relationship skills and adaptability required of an effective communicator. Efficient and proven time management paired with a meticulous and well-ordered working style are also conditions for this position. The candidate should have experience of organizing events and be proficient in developing communication tools. Additionally, he/she must be well organized, dynamic and results-oriented.

When executing his/her tasks, the Manager is required to follow the standard WCO practices and procedures which govern the Consumer Protection and IPR Programme. He/she will report to the Deputy Director of Compliance and Enforcement.

The Manager’s services are required for a period of two years starting on as soon as possible, including a three-month probationary period. The initial contract will be for one year and will be renewed tacitly for a further year subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
The Manager will be required to work at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium
Remuneration will be based on background and experience. This remuneration is exempt from income tax in Belgium. The WCO will pay the cost of a subscription to a supplementary health insurance scheme. The successful candidate must, however, make his/her own pension arrangements.
All applications for this post should be submitted to the following e-mail address:
philippe.vorreux@wcoomd.org before 10 a.m. (GMT+1hr) on 26 October 2012.

Applications should be accompanied by a covering letter, a complete curriculum vitae and any appropriate documentation which the candidate deems necessary in support of his/her application.