Scope of the role

The Communications Specialist takes on significant responsibility within a small communications
team to support implementation of the GCERF communications strategic objectives. Projects and
workstreams led by the Communications Specialist build visibility of GCERF and its mission of
preventing violent extremism, enhance donor and partner perception of the organisation, support
achievement of GCERF’s resource mobilization targets, and strengthen the organisation’s brand
identity.

The Communications Specialist leads assigned communications projects and/ or areas of work to
advance GCERF’s profile and reputation, and contributes expertise to the development of GCERF’s
organizational narrative and messaging, while tracking and adapting to the evolving donor
landscape, media interest, and political dynamics.

Principal accountabilities and ownership

1.Communication materials and content development: Responsible for developing a wide
range of communications materials as assigned by the Communications Manager. These
may include for example: press releases, publications, social media assets, written or
audiovisual story content based on field reporting, op-eds, fundraising campaign material,
newsletters and event promotion materials.

2.Media relations and outreach: Monitors relevant global news media coverage to
understand trends and perspectives, in order to effectively position GCERF through media
outreach. Maintains existing media contact database, and seeks to build or nurture new
broadcast, digital and print news media relationships. As a shared responsibility with the
Communications Manager, seeks opportunities for media placement and interviews by
GCERF spokespersons (headquarters leadership and in countries) to increase visibility of
GCERF’s work and mission.

3.Country program content creation: Responsible for defining, planning and leading
assigned field content-gathering trips to countries where GCERF funds projects. Leads all
subsequent phases of content creation, publication and promotion. Over time, helps to
build a robust set of communications stories and raw materials to advance GCERF’s
visibility and resource mobilization needs. laborates with other members of the
Communications team to refine GCERF’s content archiving, in order to strengthen and
streamline use of available storytelling materials.

4.Communications partnership with GCERF grantees: Acts as a focal point for GCERF’s global
network of implementing partners in order to cultivate communications best practices,
identify synergies for materials, content sharing and digital amplification opportunities.

5.Stakeholder events communications focal point: May be asked to act as Communications
focal point for key External Affairs or Programme Management Unit events, including media
opportunities, content gathering during events and/ or event promotion.

6.Other duties as required by the Communications Manager.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience/Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international
relations, communications studies, digital marketing, or other field relevant to GCERF’s work

• At least 5-7 years’ experience in journalism, public information, digital communications, or
related area

• Prior communications experience in support of an international not-for-profit organization

• Communications field experience will be considered a plus

Technical skills

• Thorough knowledge and experience of written communications ats,
conventions and writing of international organizations with a global,
multicultural focus. Depth of experience drafting press releases, documents, talking
points, presentations, editorial content, and speeches.

• Strong understanding of the global media landscape and emerging digital trends

• Knowledge of and interest in global political/ geopolitical trends

• Desirable: some familiarity with global trends in counter-terrorism and
peacebuilding efforts

• Field content gathering and production experience; ability to work with a high
degree of independence as a content-gathering lead and field producer

• Excellent written storytelling and editing skills

• Solid experience conducting media outreach

• Languages
• Required: fluency in written and spoken English
• Desirable: strong French proficiency, native level
• Advantageous: other languages important to GCERF’s portfolio: Arabic,
Russian, Portuguese, Kiswahili for example

• Desirable skills: Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign and
Photoshop) and WordPress (web)

Personal skills and attributes

• Effective communication skills: verbal, written, audiovisual

• Creativity, curiosity, interest in innovative ways to communicate

• Sound judgement; ability to work with a high degree of independence with care for
thorough processes

• A team-player professional approach, interested in mutual success of leagues
and projects

• Alignment with GCERF’s values

• Flexibility, resourcefulness to adapt to challenges

Interdependencies

What this role must provide for key working relationships

Communications Manager (primary)
• Solid and efficient project management and delivery of assigned projects, including
project budget oversight

• Regular media outreach and network growth, leading to expanded media visibility
of GCERF over time

• Sound judgement with respect to communications recommendations and
positioning of GCERF

• Production of high-value communication material: written, audiovisual, digital

• Innovative thinking and creativity, supporting development of GCERF’s
communications function.

• Insights and support for production of donor- related communications products
and activities.

Communications Associate (primary)

• laborate and provide some coaching and guidance to the Associate, in
alignment with the Manager

External Affairs team (primary)

• Successfully deliver communications components for key stakeholder events as
assigned by the Communications Manager, in consultation with the External Affairs .

Portfolio management team (secondary)

• Close laboration with Country Managers for any communications initiatives
undertaken in countries (content, events, meetings).

• Within designated authority, responsive to needs of the Portfolio Management Unit
for training needs, or support to grantees’ communications practices.

Performance & Impact team (secondary)

• Close laboration with the P&I team to ensure accuracy, strategic messaging of
communications materials related to performance data

External services providers (secondary)

• Management of procurement processes to identify and external suppliers as
needed.

• Management of laborative process with external freelancers or creative agencies
as needed.

General information:

• Our offices are located in Geneva, Switzerland

• GCERF offers competitive salaries and benefits package. Our contracts are for a duration of
two years, renewable

• GCERF values diversity, equality and inclusion and we hire globally. We are committed to
hiring qualified candidates irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, national origin, family
status, sex, gender identity or expression, physical characteristics, race, religion, spirituality
or sexual orientation. GCERF has zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, sexual
exploitation and abuse as well as any of discrimination or harassment. Everyone at
GCERF is expected to uphold our values. All ed candidates will undergo rigorous
reference checks.

Application Process:

Deadline: 3 October 2023

As a part of the recruitment process, shortlisted applicants will be asked to complete a written
assignment and participate in an interview process.

How to Apply: Please provide a cover letter and resume through out Careers webpage. Please visit
the GCERF website at https://www.gcerf.org/careers-and-opportunities/.

Please send an email to [email protected] for any question you may have regarding this vacancy.