Vacancy for Communications Officer at the Ramsar Secretariat

Greetings everyone:

Here’s another vacancy at the Secretariat, this time for a communications officer (and no, I’m not leaving the Secretariat, this is not my post!). Please take careful note of the instructions regarding online application.

With best regards, Sandra Hails, Ramsar Secretariat

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The Ramsar Secretariat welcomes applications for the position of Communications Officer. Requirements for the post are detailed below, and further information and online application are to be found on the IUCN website at: http://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac...show&vacId=128

Please take note that a candidate must submit his/her application online using the link above. No other method of application will be considered.

Post: Communications Officer
Duty Station: Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Gland, Switzerland
Reporting to: CEPA Programme Officer
Work percentage: 100%
IUCN/Ramsar Function Group P1
Expected start date: 11 January 2010

BACKGROUND
The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Ramsar Convention is independent of the United Nations system of environmental treaties and reports only to its own Contracting Parties, or Member States. The Secretariat operations are administered by IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic planning for Ramsar communications

• Plan strategically, in collaboration with other members of the Secretariat, for the Convention’s communications activities, in order to spread the Convention’s messages, news, and announcements as widely and effectively as possible.

2. Content writing for the Ramsar Web site

• Identify and write key news items and feature stories for the Ramsar Web site.
• Edit material or write reports for the Web site from the Secretary General and other members of the Secretariat and from the Ramsar regions, gathering information from the regional teams, Contracting Parties and others associated with Ramsar, such as the International Organization Partners to the Convention.
• Identify Ramsar-related news and materials from other sources for treatment on the Ramsar Web site, as appropriate.
• Ensure that all posted items are presented attractively and professionally for the Web site.

3. Content Management

• Maintain the content and oversee the day-to-day management of the Ramsar Web site.
• Ensure timely updating of the information content of the Ramsar Web site.
• Liaise with the Documentation Officer about the preparation and posting of the Convention’s official documents, such as agenda documentation and proceedings of the meetings of the Standing Committee and Conference of the Parties.
• Coordinate and centralize the posting of new information, such as new projects, new focus areas for the Convention, etc.
• Coordinate with communications staff and other staff with a communications role to ensure consistency in messaging and timely publication.

4. Related duties

• Monitor Web server and site technical performance; liaise with the Web site hosting service on support issues.
• Manage electronic list-server discussion groups (e.g., Ramsar Forum), prepare content for those groups, usually in conjunction with Web site postings.
• Assist with issues pertaining to the archiving of the Secretariat’s electronic information.
• Oversee the translation of selected stories and liaise with the Documentation and CEPA Programme Officers about other translation work.
• Develop and manage an electronic photo library, time permitting.

5. Information service

• Respond to requests for information about the Convention from the public (environmental colleagues, lawyers, academics, students, NGOs, and concerned citizens), either directly or by routing specific requests to the appropriate regional or administrative members of the Secretariat.

6. Supervisory role

• Oversee all content prepared for the Web site and key list-servers by other members of the Secretariat.

REQUIREMENTS
Education

• Advanced university degree or equivalent academic qualifications in areas such as communications, journalism, or related fields
• Excellent English language writing skills (lively and grammatically appropriate writing)

Work Experience

• Proven Web site management experience
• Proven experience of writing for the public
• At least 5 year’s experience of Web site work, with advanced end-user computer capacity in this area
• A knowledge of, and interest in, natural sciences and environmental issues would be an advantage
• Experience of working in an international work environment would be an advantage.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of either French or Spanish is essential; working knowledge of both will be an advantage.

Working environment

• Facility for working in a collaborative, teamwork-oriented environment.