Communications Assistant

Position description

IMPACT transforms how natural resources are managed in areas where security and human rights are at risk. We investigate and develop approaches for natural resources to improve security, development, and equality. We are an independent non-profit, collaborating with local partners for lasting change.

IMPACT is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and has offices in Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as projects in Mali, and Zimbabwe. Learn more at www.impacttransform.org

Overview

The Communications Assistant provides overall support to ensure effective visibility and storytelling, as well as successful implementation of project communication activities. The Communications Assistant works closely with the global communications team to support day-to-day operations of the department, while ensuring country and project teams have the materials they need. 

This is a bilingual role, with fluency required in French and intermediate English skills. The Communications Assistant will be required to correspond in writing and attend meetings in both languages. They will need to be a confident writer and editor in French. They should be able to complete research online that verifies the content of English sources or that incorporates and summarizes English materials.

Primary Responsibilities

Content Development

- Supports in reviewing and editing documents produced by team members and projects to ensure adherence to IMPACT’s brand and Style Guide.

- Coordinates fact checks of evidence-based publications produced by IMPACT’s researchers, including leading desk-based research and liaising with team members.

- Reviews all French translations to ensure consistency with original text and to ensure conformity to IMPACT’s Style Guide.

- Coordinates with communications team on French language visibility materials and digital communications, including quality check, editing, or completing simple translations of graphics or social media posts.

- Coordinates the development of basic stationery and marketing materials (such as business cards, banners) using Canva or liaising with outside vendors. 

- Coordinates with teams and printing services to ensure delivery of visibility products needed ahead of milestones or major events.

Support to the Communications Department

- Coordinates work of outside vendors hired by Communications Department, including research and outreach, and managing feedback from different team members.

- Coordinates all translation requests from team and work of external translators.

- Supports the dissemination of deliverables or communication milestones across team.

- Undertakes regular media monitoring, filing all media clippings, and highlighting relevant news stories with team members when appropriate.

- Supports media relations by identifying relevant journalists and media outlets, as well as updates IMPACT’s media lists.

- Coordinates with the Digital Communications Officer to update newsletter subscriber lists in Mailchimp.

- Coordinates filing and archiving of IMPACT’s multimedia assets, responding to project and stakeholder requests for photos/videos/reports in a timely manner.

- Supports the internal uptake of IMPACT’s brand and thematic areas by updating templates, reference documents, and Style Guides.

- Liaises with country and project teams to understand their visibility needs and shares identified gaps with the wider communications team.

- Supports in the successful implementation of international and in-country events, as needed.

- Monitors thematic issue areas to identify opportunities for visibility, knowledge-sharing, and thought leadership.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Candidates are asked to clearly demonstrate in their applications how they meet the requirements of the position. 

Essential qualifications, expertise, and skills:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience, preferably with a non-profit.
• Experience in communications, preferably with a non-profit.
• Experience supporting communications or social media for a brand. 
• Experience creating simple, visual graphics with digital design tools such as Canva and/or Adobe Suite.
• Excellent French writing skills, with the ability to write high quality copy for various audiences. 
• Meticulous French copy-editing skills with the ability to edit to brand guidelines.
• Intermediate English skills (must be able to complete research online that verifies the content of English sources or that incorporates and summarizes English materials).
• Ability to communicate with colleagues in both English and French in cross-cultural environments.
• Experience or exposure to international development, international contexts, and different geographies/cultures.
• Experience in coordinating external stakeholders or vendors is preferable.
• Strong computer skills.

Competencies:

• Committed to ensuring communications built on respect and dignity when working with vulnerable populations.
• Creative, with a willingness to innovate. 
• Excellent attention to detail, problem solving, and judgement. 
• Self-starter, able to work independently, respect deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills, with the ability to multitask.
• Team player able to work with colleagues at all levels and in cross-cultural environments.
• Intuitive and pro-active with the ability to identify potential issues, needs, threats, or opportunities and brings these to the attention of Senior Management or relevant personnel.  
• Ability to adapt to and work effectively on complex issues in a fast-paced environment. 

 

Application instructions

Send the following information by email to [email protected] :

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position

• Your curriculum vitae

• In your application please share the following:

1. Share a graphic that you created and are proud of.

2. Share a link to a portfolio OR attach 2 written samples of your work (at least 1 in French), maximum 2 pages each. Samples can include blog posts, press releases, posters, or other public facing materials. Please no academic writing.

In the subject of the email please state: the position you are applying for and your name.

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org