Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, an international non-profit organisation tracking the human rights impacts of over 9000 companies worldwide, is seeking a Communications Officer with sharp news sense to join our growing team.

The successful candidate will bring talent, enthusiasm, and relevant knowledge and experience to support press and social media strategies and communications across the entire global organisation.

The position sits within our global communications team and reports to the Head of Communications. We are a small, high-performing team working to increase media and social media coverage of the Resource Centre’s analysis and key findings, as well as supporting and amplifying the efforts of our partners on the ground that are fighting to achieve justice and remedies for victims of abuse.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre is a diverse, global organisation. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, Latinx and other minorities, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGTBQ+.

About The Organisation

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre works with partners to put human rights at the core of companies’ business models; to empower communities and workers to secure their rights and gain accountability for abuse; and to encourage governments to create the right regulation and incentives to facilitate these outcomes. We are a global organization committed to cooperation with diverse actors in our movement. We have more than 60 members of our Global Team based around the world who work with a wide network of human rights advocates.

With our global network of allies, our primary global approaches to deliver this vision are:

• Working to achieve equality of power in negotiations which further human rights between workers and communities, with business and governments;
• Use the evidence and data we generate to positively influence decision-makers including business, investors and national and regional governments
• Strengthen corporate accountability, due diligence and effective remedy for abuse;
• Build transparency of the advances, challenges and abuse of human rights in business.

Responsibilities

The Communications Officer will have a particular focus on increasing international media coverage of the Resource Centre’s work and the activities of our partners to advance change in fields including labour rights, the responsible use of natural resources and civic freedoms. Responsibilities will include:

Drive a proactive and strategic press approach: Create and pitch compelling content to media. Spot opportunities for high-impact coverage, develop relationships with priority journalists, help identify media targets locally and globally to strengthen the Resource Centre’s impact.

Develop high-impact communications products: Work with our Global Team to design and disseminate briefings, blogs, infographics, videos and other communications products to influence our key audiences.

Produce compelling content: Write and edit channel-appropriate content for our audiences. Support the Global Team to produce high-quality and newsworthy reports, op-eds and blogs to reach international and regional audiences.

Contribute to organizational and project communications strategies and planning: Support the Head of Communications to implement our communications strategy. Advise project managers on strategic communications. Keep our planning calendar up-to-date and help ensure deadlines are met.

Support social media work: Help maintain and enhance our social media presence (through major platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and emerging channels), by creating tailored strategies and publishing timely, impactful content.

Digital platform: Support the Senior Digital Officer by developing and editing content as required, plus assisting with content upload.

Support the communications team: Provide on-call cover for the communications team, with occasional infrequent out of hours work, and share admin jobs.

Line management responsibilities: The Communications Officer may be asked to manage up to two interns.

Travel: There may be occasional international travel for information gathering, communications and/or representation.

Key Competencies & Attributes

Experience: At least 3 years’ experience in a communications role, working in a busy press office, communications department, or as a journalist.

Media: Sharp news sense and editorial judgement; ability to conceive, craft and pitch news stories based on research and reports, and carry out fast reactive work. Knowledge of and experience of working with the mainstream media, including knowledge of the editorial positions, audiences and sections or programmes of key outlets. In addition, ideally, knowledge of international business media or media in some specific countries or regions.

Communications: Excellent understanding of how strategic communications can work alongside research and advocacy approaches to achieve change. Proven ability to communicate complex and sensitive information; understanding of how to tailor content to different audiences, contexts and channels. Outstanding written English and good oral communications ability.

Relationship building: Track record of developing relationships with journalists on key issues and landing stories. Any existing contacts of relevance to BHRRC’s work a bonus.

Social media: Knowledge and experience using key social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Ability to target content and monitor reach and impact, ideally including via paid promotion.

Production: Experience producing and/or commissioning content, including blogs, videos and infographics. Basic web and CMS skills. Graphic design and/or video editing skills desirable.

Project management: Track record of leading and/or implementing complex projects including planning, execution, and evaluation of lessons learned.

Strategic thinking: Track record of helping to develop successful communications strategies to effect change. Experience tailoring communications products for diverse international audiences an asset.

Supporting staff: Enthusiasm for supporting colleagues with communications. Experience supporting staff either through training, coaching or assisting with particular projects an asset.

Team player: Experience of, and commitment to, working in high-performing teams that are highly collaborative and focused on outcomes. Experience of working with colleagues remotely, and in multicultural and diverse cultures and working environments also desirable.

Knowledge of human rights issues: A strong interest in international issues and familiarity with social justice issues desirable.

Languages: Must be fluent and have exceptional spoken and written English skills. Additionally French would be a substantial asset. Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese or Russian language skills would also be desirable.

To apply please click “Apply Now” below to download, complete and submit the application form. Kindly note that the application form is required; we cannot accept CVs. Please mention Journo Resources when applying, it really helps us out.