Position description
The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a member-led NGO network working to strengthen security risk management across the humanitarian and development sectors. With over 150 member organisations, GISF provides resources, convening spaces, and expertise to help keep aid workers safe.
GISF also leads communications for several strategic initiatives and delivers a programme of events, campaigns, and resources that strengthen NGO security risk management.
About the role
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and organised Communications Officer to join our friendly team. This is a varied and hands-on role that would suit someone who enjoys working with people, is confident communicating with different audiences, and is keen to strengthen their skills across digital communications, content, and events.
The Communications Officer is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of GISF’s digital communications and content. Working closely with the Communications Manager and colleagues across GISF, the postholder will manage GISF’s digital channels, produce, and publish engaging content, and support communications for GISF’s programmes, events, publications, and campaigns.
A key focus of the role is strengthening GISF’s use of digital communications and data. The postholder will monitor performance across GISF’s website, social media, and email channels, using analytics and audience insights to understand what is working and inform continuous improvements to content and channel delivery.
As part of a small Secretariat, the postholder will work across multiple projects and priorities and will need to be organised, proactive, and comfortable taking ownership of day-to-day communications delivery. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across GISF to help deliver engaging communications and to ensure our members, supporters and stakeholders stay informed and connected.
Key responsibilities
Digital communication and content creation
- Manage the day-to-day delivery of GISF’s digital communications across its website, social media, newsletters, and member-only community platform.
- Plan, produce, schedule, and publish digital content, adapting messaging, format, and presentation for different audiences and channels.
- Gather stories, case studies, and updates from colleagues, members, and community partners, and explore creative and multimedia approaches to communicating GISF’s work.
- Help maintain GISF’s social media channels, creating simple graphics and promotional materials using Canva and existing templates.
- Keep up to date with social media trends, platform developments, and best-practice techniques, applying learning to strengthen content and drive audience engagement.
- Manage the production and delivery of GISF’s newsletters and other email communications, including building and scheduling campaigns and maintaining mailing lists and audience segments.
- Deliver engaging communications to GISF members, working closely with the Membership/Engagement team to ensure members receive timely and relevant information about GISF activities, opportunities, and resources.
Analytics and digital performance
- Monitor and analyse performance across GISF’s website, social media and email channels, producing regular reporting against agreed objectives and KPIs.
- Use analytics and audience insights to understand audience behaviour and inform improvements to content, formats, targeting, timing and channel delivery.
- Support the Communications Manager to evaluate communications activities and strengthen GISF’s approach to measuring communications performance and impact.
- Keep abreast of developments in digital communications, platforms and tools, identifying opportunities to strengthen GISF’s digital communications.
Events and communications delivery
- Support the planning and delivery of events, workshops, and community engagement activities, helping with registrations, event materials, presentations, signage, and promotional resources.
- Help coordinate practical arrangements with venues, suppliers, digital agencies, and colleagues.
- Gather feedback from participants to inform future events and communications.
- Support the delivery and dissemination of GISF research and publications, including coordinating copyediting, design, and other production processes where required
- Ensure communications outputs consistently meet GISF’s editorial, brand and accessibility standards.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across GISF to coordinate communications requirements, deadlines, and inputs.
- Help keep communications templates and shared documents organised and up to date, and support consistent ways of working.
- Respond to, or route, general communications queries received through GISF’s shared inboxes.
- Undertake other duties as may reasonably be required, consistent with the level and purpose of the role.
Qualifications
Essential experience and skills
- Experience creating digital communications, gained through employment, internships, volunteering, freelance work or other relevant settings.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear and engaging content for different audiences and digital channels.
- Strong visual communication and design skills, with experience creating engaging graphics and digital content using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Creativity and a strong visual eye, with the ability to develop engaging content ideas and present information in accessible ways.
- An understanding of digital communications and how websites, social media, and email can be used to reach and engage different audiences
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Enthusiastic, with a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn, and an ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people, including members, partners and colleagues.
- Confidence and technical know-how for using digital tools and learning new systems.
Desirable experience and skills
- A degree in Communications or related qualifications
- Experience working in, or an interest in, the humanitarian, development, charity or NGO sector.
- Experience using website content management systems, email marketing platforms, or digital analytics tools
- Experience producing or editing video, photography, or other multimedia content.
- Experience creating content for social media, websites or newsletters, or supporting events and community activities.
- Familiarity with website CMS systems, social media scheduling tools, CRM systems, newsletter platforms and event platforms such as Eventbrite.
What we offer
- 25 days of annual leave increasing annually after 2 years, up to a maximum 30 days (plus bank holidays)
- Office shutdown between Christmas and New Year
- Employer Pension contributions
- A focus on professional development, including access to overseas events, workshops; and CharityComms membership for training and development opportunities, mentoring, events, resources and networking with communications professionals across the charity sector.
Application instructions
Application is by submission of a CV and cover letter.
The cover letter should be no more than two pages, and explain why you are interested in this post with GISF and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. We would love to hear about any relevant experience, including from volunteering or outside paid work.
Closing date: 21 October 2026 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
This post is UK-based. Candidates will need to show evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK. Further information will be provided when an offer of employment is made.
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