Job opening: Communications Officer

Project Communications Officer (Quezon City, Philippines office)

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) is a growing global alliance of over 800 members in 90 countries whose vision is a just and toxic‐free world without incineration. GAIA was founded in 2000 in South Africa and brings together grassroots organizations who are fighting for environmental justice, waging and winning campaigns against multimillion dollar waste corporations, taking on the corporate-driven “take-make-waste” model that is destroying our planet, and advancing bottom-up solutions that are good for communities, workers, the environment, and the climate. (To learn more, see www.no-burn.org.)

We are looking for a creative and experienced Project Communications Officer that will develop and implement communications strategies and campaigns in the Asia‐Pacific region, and support GAIA’s communications internationally.

A  successful candidate should have strong writing and communication skills, with experience developing and implementing communications strategies and campaigns. The candidate should also be an effective networker and organizer with a commitment to the principles of environmental justice, who is excited by the opportunity to increase GAIA member engagement, regional strategizing, and cross-border solidarity. The communications officer is expected to contribute to the planning and implementation of campaigns and projects to promote Zero Waste as an environmental health and justice solution and work with communities to stop pollution from waste burning.

The Communications Officer will work primarily with GAIA’s Asia Pacific team who are composed of staff from the Philippines, Australia and India.  He/she will also work closely with GAIA’s International Coordinator based in California, USA and GAIA’s communications team based in the US and the UK. She/he will be part of GAIA’s international coordination team, which includes people based in Chile, the Philippines, Australia, India, US, UK and Belgium.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Please note that specific responsibilities and time allocation will be determined based on skill levels. All staff members globally, regardless of position, are expected to carry certain responsibilities to maintain our network infrastructure and online platforms. Candidates with many years of experience will be expected to provide higher-level strategic guidance and will work with junior level staff to produce written and visual content and maintain online platforms.
•    In coordination with other staff and members, help strengthen and improve how GAIA communicates its vision and campaigns to target audiences. This includes crafting audience-appropriate messaging, determining appropriate tactics and platforms for sharing our messages, shaping and sharpening GAIA’s brand, and providing both ongoing and campaign-specific communications guidance to staff and members.
•    As part of the Asia‐Pacific team, lead the development and implementation of regional communications strategies and materials;
•    Tap into the wealth of stories and expertise in the GAIA network and leverage these network resources to both support member campaigns engage GAIA’s varied audiences around the world, with a focus on the Asia‐Pacific.
•    Ensure the effective us of GAIA’s online platforms in order to reach target audiences and achieve our desired outcomes(including our website, blog, and social media.);
•    Develop and supervise the development of written content and creative visual work such as articles, memes, photo galleries, short videos, infographics, etc.
•    Track relevant issues in the media and online, as well as on our email lists, and seek hooks and openings related to communications goals;
•    Develop and maintain relations with traditional and new media contacts and partners in Asia‐Pacific especially in key countries such as India, China, and the Philippines among others;
•    Ensure high-quality reports, articles, and other written materials from GAIA offices in all regions.
•    Help develop communication strategies and products to keep GAIA membership informed, involved and supported in their campaigns relevant to GAIA goals and advocacies.
•    Build the capacity of GAIA’s grassroots membership to effectively communicate their campaigns and victories with a broad audience.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

•    At least three (3) years of experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, and in media relations work in Asia‐Pacific;
•    A strong understanding and knowledge of Asia Pacific regional media, as well as key global media markets;
•    Collaborative team‐player with strong interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated experience in working with people from different cultures and nationalities in the region;
•    Demonstrated capacity for issue analysis, and strong writing and public speaking skills including advanced skills in communicating complex issues to the public;
•    Highly computer literate, and experienced with new media technologies and social networking tools;
•    Fluent in English (ability to speak or write in other regional languages a plus);
•    Demonstrated ability to turn projects around in a timely manner, maintain attention to detail, and adhere to deadlines;
•    Passion for social and environmental justice, and a commitment to communications strategies which elevate the work of our grassroots membership and create space for communities to speak for themselves; and
•    Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis, and flexibility in working with international staff, including biweekly calls outside of regular work hours.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Experience with grassroots organizing or networking strongly preferred.
•    Website content management experience preferred.
•    Experience supervising junior staff and/or interns.


LOCATION, COMPENSATION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position will be based in Manila, Philippines – the country with the world’s only national ban on waste incineration.

We offer a competitive salary, leaves, health insurance and other similar employment protections. We take pride in our ability to support one another's work in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect, and look forward to introducing the successful candidate to our welcoming and highly motivated team and members.

We are seeking candidates who are excited to make an initial commitment of at least one year to this work.


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

GAIA is committed to the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees, regardless of sex, marital status, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job.    People from historically marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.


TO APPLY:

Please send your resume, letter of intent, and two different writing samples and/or communication products demonstrating different communications skill sets to Froilan Grate at froilan(at)no-burn.org.

This position will be open until filled.   Screening and interviews will begin on July 11, 2016.