Communications Officer, Belgium

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Europe is seeking a Communications Officer to join its growing and dynamic team in Brussels, Belgium. HIAS has been operational in Ukraine for more than twenty years, and in recent months has scaled-up its Emergency Response programming to respond to the urgent needs of people fleeing war. Whilst HIAS has been active in Europe for well over a century, key constituencies in Europe have little or no familiarity with either the historical mandate of the organization or its contemporary work.

The incumbent is thus tasked with generating greater visibility of HIAS’ Ukraine response work, as well as improving knowledge of HIAS Europe amongst target audiences. A particular focus will be promoting HIAS Europe programming in support of European Jewish communities that are stepping up to shelter, support and uphold the rights of refugees who have fled Ukraine. Further, the Communications Officer will work to enhance the humanitarian aid profile of HIAS Europe, positioning the organization as the humanitarian arm of the European Jewish community.

The incumbent will collaborate closely with the HIAS Europe Advocacy Officer and community engagement staff, as well as colleagues from the Communications department in the U.S.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Increases the visibility of HIAS’ humanitarian work in Europe by designing and implementing a HIAS Europe communications strategy; this will focus in part on the role of faith-based communities in promoting refugee inclusion (including the work of Jewish communities in response to the war in Ukraine).
• Engages European audiences with HIAS’ work, including by collecting and curating stories, pictures and videos of HIAS’ humanitarian response in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
• Manages social media channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram), oversees social media advertising and delivers internal email newsletters on HIAS Europe’s work.
• Develops a social media strategy aimed at maximising engagement from key audiences, namely policymakers and NGOs, Jewish communities and Europeans supportive of refugees.
• Leads press work by arranging media contacts, press briefings and interviews, serving as media spokesperson, developing relationships with Jewish and non-Jewish media and providing talking points and other material as needed for colleagues.
• Conducts monitoring and evaluation of social media reach, media relations and campaigns.
• Provides communications support for events and other HIAS Europe-organised activities.
• Supports crisis communications and develops emergency response communication campaigns in coordination with the HIAS Europe EU Partnerships Manager and Development colleagues.
• Designs multimedia content (visuals, video or audio) and resources as needed.
• Drafts and produces HIAS Europe annual reports, one-pagers, proposals, brochures and promotional materials.
• Writes and copy-edits blog posts, op-eds and other articles.
• Implements and manages a CRM system aimed at tracking community engagement, press and advocacy contacts.
• Co-manages the HIAS Europe private Facebook groups in collaboration with community engagement colleagues.
• Coordinates internal communications (policing branding, style guide, use of HIAS messaging, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate Degree in Communication or Public Relations or International Relations
• 3-5 years of experience in communications in an international setting.
• Work experience in an international (humanitarian) NGO, preferably in the refugee sector.
• English fluency required; other European language fluencies preferred.
• Basic graphic design skills; video and photo editing experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work in a team and independently, take initiative, prioritize competing tasks and meet short deadlines under pressure.
• Understanding and commitment to the values of HIAS.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

*Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • (Hachnasat Orchim)*

We Welcome the Stranger

*Justice • Justicia • Justice • (Tzedek)*

We Pursue Justice

*Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • (Chesed)*

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

*Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • (Chevruta)*

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.