The Belmont Forum is seeking to fill the position of Communications Manager within its International Secretariat to help advance the agenda of the Belmont Forum through the development and implementation of strategic information services.
This is a full-time position based in Montevideo, Uruguay at the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Offices. Remote working arrangements will be considered, provided a strong case is made that an alternative location would bring greater added benefit to the Belmont Forum with suitable organizational or institutional support in place.
The successful candidate will:
- own, revise and continuously update the BF communications plan including an effective and targeted strategy for disseminating added value (policy, practice, etc) to members and partners, evolving and reinforcing the BF brand across digital and print media, as well as growing the social media and website metrics and engagement
- work with member communications and press offices, increase awareness of BF funded activity within member organizations, thereby reinforcing membership
- in collaboration with the Executive Director, help Belmont Forum expand its membership/partnership through new communication channels, including new regions, new sectors, and diversifying partnerships within already connected countries
- foster a transdisciplinary science and open data/open access community through connectivity with funded BF projects, promoting their advances and linking project teams across CRAs
- in partnership with the BF Secretariat, develop content for the website, social media, and print materials
- ensure image and video content is on message and being used with proper clearances
- provide advice on training and communication videos, newsletters, and annual reports to maximize response rate
The Communications Manager will be expected to engage in international travel on behalf of the Belmont Forum. Travel may include but is not limited to high level Belmont Forum events, such as SRI2020. Attendance at the annual plenary meeting is mandatory. The Communications Manager will also participate in weekly scheduled video/teleconferences of the Secretariat.
The working language of the Belmont Forum Secretariat and activities is English. It is expected that the Communications Manager will be fluent in English. Competency in additional languages is desirable but not essential. The successful candidate should have experience working in international communications, public affairs, or science press. Demonstrated skills in policy communication, graphics and document design, desktop management, content management systems, and social media management would be an asset. Prospective candidates should also have proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and video/teleconferencing technologies.
The Communications Manager is appointed for a 18-month term, with the potential for renewal for another 18-months. After a total of 3-years is completed, the Communications Manager position would undergo a new international search. The previous Communications Manager can be rehired if deemed the best candidate from the international search.
The Communications Manager will be line managed by the Executive Director and accountable to the Steering Committee led by the Co-Chairs. The Communications Manager will have an annual evaluation with the Executive Director and a term evaluation with the Steering Committee at the end of the first year, and every 3 years.
If located in Montevideo, the Communications Manager will be eligible for the same benefits allocated to the Executive Director, including matching retirement contributions, international health insurance, subsidies of life insurance and school for minor children, dependent and housing allowance, relocation costs and, annual leave and a return ticket for a home visit after two years employ. Benefits for candidates wishing to work remotely will be negotiated at the offer stage. Salary will be at an international standard for this experience level, payable in USD.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter of no more than 2-A4 pages detailing their interest and experience related to the position. They should also include their CV of no more than 3-A4 pages and a list of 3 professional references with contact details. All materials should be either Microsoft Word or PDF documents. The application packet should be submitted by e-mail to Erica.key@belmontforum.org with a subject line “Communications Manager”. The deadline for applications is 23:59 UTC on 20 May 2019. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Selected eligible candidates will be invited for interview via videoconference with the selection committee.
Final selection is expected in June 2019, with the Communications Manager assuming their role within 3 months of selection.
