Role Context
The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a global INGO security network. We have a vision for a world where NGOs have secure and sustainable access to people in need, empowered by robust and relevant security risk management (SRM) practices.
GISF’s network includes over 145 INGO members, making us a trusted platform for collaboration, a driver of innovation in SRM, and a repository of best practices. We also work closely with policymakers to enhance their understanding of SRM. Established in 2006, GISF’s headquarters are in London and Washington DC.
We strengthen NGO security practice worldwide by:
- Maintaining and building from our expertise in humanitarian security risk management
- Offering trusted platforms for coordination and knowledge sharing
- Driving innovation, capturing best practice, and improving SRM capabilities.
- Supporting policy-makers and the humanitarian system to increase their understanding of SRM and maximise access to people in need
For more information, visit: www.gisf.ngo
The Job
The Communications Lead oversees GISF’s internal and external communications. GISF is a member-led organisation that strives to enhance security risk management practices for NGOs globally, and effective stakeholder engagement is a vital aspect of our work. We are seeking a skilled professional who can bring communications experience and contribute to the establishment and implementation of our overall communication strategy.
The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong background in communications and be eager to take on new challenges and responsibilities. They will have the opportunity to develop and grow within the position, as well as identify and implement opportunities to enhance GISF’s approach to communications.
This role will also contribute to the project-based work GISF undertakes. Communications deliverables in donor-funded grants range from encouraging participation in country-level security platforms to increasing engagement with GISF SRM resources through a variety of channels.
Job Description
- Work in partnership with the Executive Director to develop and implement GISF’s communications strategy
- Lead on audience identification and mapping of GISF’s key stakeholders, and prioritisation for outreach
- Support the development of key digital platform strategies
- Manage, deliver and monitor communication projects from inception to completion, ensuring objectives, timelines, budget and resource allocations are on track.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of GISF’s website content
- Lead GISF’s member communications through a range of relevant channels, including EDM (electronic direct mail marketing) and social media – Twitter and LinkedIn
- Ensure the timely and relevant publication and dissemination of content to GISF’s key audiences via web platforms, newsletters and mailshots.
- Lead and undertake monthly analytics and reporting of multiple web and social media platforms, and implement improvements
- Contribute to the delivery of events, both through creative input and ensuring smooth logistics.
- Source and manage contributions to GISF’s monthly blog
- Oversee compliance with GISF’s brand and style guide and update as required
- Support the production process for new publications: editing text, proof-reading, and overseeing print and production.
- Collaborate with policy staff to leverage research findings and support SRM policy change in the humanitarian and development sector, including via media platforms
- Identify opportunities to contribute to global discussions on SRM within the media
- Keep abreast of digital and communications trends and use this knowledge to inform innovative and creative communications for GISF and its projects and initiatives.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Broad and demonstrable experience in a professional communications role
- Experience identifying and communicating with a range of audience types
- Experience in project management tools and methodologies
- Experience managing and improving website content
Essential Skills and Knowledge
- Knowledge of the international relief and development sectors.
- Excellent written English. Able to communicate complex topics to a range of audiences
- Excellent project management, time management and organisational skills
- Ability to produce engaging social media content
- Ability to track the performance of digital communications, including use of Google Analytics or similar software
- Content production processes (both digital and print)
Essential Aptitude
- Willingness to offer communications advice and input to colleagues in different teams
- Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure communications projects are successfully delivered
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with diplomacy and tact
- Ability to operate and grow professionally with minimal oversight
Desirable
- Communications experience in a member-led organisation or the not-for-profit sector
- Experience developing a communications strategy for a comparable organisation
- Experience managing budgets
- Experience providing input to research programmes and leveraging research findings
- Knowledge of content production processes (both digital and print)
- Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic
What we offer
- Full time – working 37.5 hours per week
- Salary: £34,000 – £39,000 (depending on experience)
- Location: Remote in the UK with travel to London at least once a month
- 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 training
All GISF staff are expected to undertake the following general duties;
- Work within the framework of GISF’s core values, promoting its ethos and mission statement.
- Work towards achieving GISF’s objectives
- Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all GISF policies and procedures and keep informed of GISF activities
- Undertake and apply learning from appropriate training and development programmes.
- Travel overseas, sometimes to developing countries and areas in conflict, as and when required.
- Undertake the role in a manner appropriate to the cultural context and within the local legal framework.
- Understand and uphold the standards outlined in GISF’s Safeguarding Framework
How to apply
***Applications are being considered on a rolling basis***
Application is by submission of an application form, CV and cover letter. This should be sent to the GISF Business and Operations Manager, Justina Amenu ([email protected]) highlighting:
- Your suitability for the role and interest in joining GISF
- Your understanding of the security risk management challenges faced by humanitarian agencies
- How you see this role fitting into your future career plans
- Also complete this Application Form. Your application will not be considered without it
Closing date: Applications are being considered on a rolling basis (19 November 2023)
For further details: See www.gisf.ngo or contact [email protected]
Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we are not able to respond to every application. If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks after the deadline, it means that your application has not been successful.
As this post is UK-based, you 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.
For further details: see www.gisf.ngo or contact [email protected]