Communication & Business Development Officer

ESTIF - European Solar Thermal Industry Federation

Brussels, Belgium

Overview

We are looking for a person with a background in communication, able to cover different aspects: external communication and media relations, internal communication and membership relations.

Our key objective is to make policy makers and other decision makers aware of solar thermal potential and to promote our main positions. This will be done also in interaction with journalists and other external audience groups. Furthermore, we want to establish an effective two-way communication flow with our members and other stakeholders, promoting synergies between the different channels.

We are looking for a dynamic person with the ability to independently identify relevant issues, to formulate positions on a wide variety of topics and to communicate effectively, both externally and internally. The successful candidate will be in charge of elaborating the communication strategy, implementing the communication plan. She/he will be responsible for the main communication tools used by ESTIF, from website, to social media, publications, press releases, etc. The selected candidate will integrate a small and dynamic team and report to the Secretary General, she/he will be requested to travel occasionally.

Main Tasks

• To contribute to the development of ESTIF’s communication strategy and integrated communication plan;
• To manage and oversee the implementation of the communication plan;
• To monitor the whole range of issues relevant for the solar thermal sector, identify newsworthy topics from the sector and develop communication tools to be used at both European and national level;
• To maintain relationships with key media, develop media lists and deal with media enquiries;
• To build, maintain and maximize relationships with members and potential members;
• To contribute to continuous membership services improvement and to the organizational development;
• To be involved in the drafting of key documents, such as policy or position papers, articles, press releases, opinion pieces, speeches, etc.;
• To conceive and produce communication material, such as newsletters, project brochures and publications, etc.;
• To cooperate in the organisation of workshops and other events and support project management & reporting;
• To contribute, as required, to the overall work of the association;
• To perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Desirable skills

• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English, preferably a native speaker. Speaking other languages, in particular German, would be an asset;
• Very good communication skills, either written or spoken, including copywriting;
• Excellent analytical skills, with attention to detail, and accuracy;
• Good command of social media, CMS, online monitoring tools and office software (graphic design is an asset).

Profile

• Highly motivated, flexible, proactive and team-player;
• Accurate, detailed-minded, and well-organised;
• Interested in renewable energies;
• Capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to prioritize work and deliver under pressure;
• At least three years professional experience in relevant positions (ex: public relations and political communication).

Conditions

The terms and conditions of the contract will be subject to Belgian law. The successful applicant will be offered an undetermined contract, starting between 1 and 25 September 2015. Salary will be determined according to qualifications.

Applications

Applicants should send an e-mail to info@estif.org quoting “Communication & Business Development Officer” in the subject line. The e-mail must include the applicant’s motivation (100 words maximum) to work in this field (Communication, Renewable Energy). A short CV should also be included. Applicants not complying with these instructions will not be considered.

Deadline for application is 15 July 2015 – 18h00 CEST.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.