Deputy Director – Communications and External Affairs

JOB PURPOSE:

The Deputy Director for Communications and External Affairs leads the Crisis Response Programme’s media, communications, campaigning, and advocacy efforts, all aimed at promoting human rights in conflict and crisis situations around the world. Managing a small team and collaborating extensively with Amnesty International colleagues and external partners, the post holder will develop innovative strategies for disseminating research findings in ways that are impactful and generate long-term change. Working closely with the Director of the Crisis Response Programme and Amnesty’s global Head of News and Media, the post holder also participates in the programme’s management team, responsible for the overall vision and direction of the geographically distributed and multidisciplinary Crisis Response Programme.

ABOUT YOU:

A seasoned journalist or spokesperson who has experience working on issues around armed conflicts or humanitarian crises, you can communicate equally well in press-releases, social media, innovative video and digital outputs, and briefings to senior decision-makers.

You have experience interacting with a wide range of stakeholders across a large, complex organization and have excellent negotiation skills. You have a keen eye for a news angle, are not shy about sharing creative ideas, and relish the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and experiences.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of communications/public relations and campaigning strategies.
• Identify outreach opportunities and develop innovative new channels and methods to convey Amnesty International’s messages to influential news media, social media and policy-making targets, ensuring rapid reaction to crises with written and multimedia material.
• Work with Senior Crisis Advisors, Thematics Researchers, the Crisis Evidence Lab, and external collaborators to design and deliver projects to visualise research and create innovative content to reach and influence key target audiences.
• Build communications capacity of Crisis Response staff by providing advanced media trainings, drafting op-eds, and promoting their visibility on digital and social media platforms (via tools such as online discussions, targeted Twitter threads, Instagram takeovers, and Facebook Live), in coordination with Amnesty’s global Digital Engagement team.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Extensive and recent experience (minimum 7 years) in a similar role in journalism or public relations at a global organization, with a proven track record in leading on the development and implementation of innovative communication strategies.
• Substantial experience of drafting and editing clear, concise and newsworthy media materials targeted at international, regional or national media to tight deadlines and high standards. Familiarity with the world news agenda and good news judgment, with established contacts at key media organizations.
• Detailed knowledge of – and experience of engaging with – current and emerging communications trends and developments, including using social media platforms to disseminate targeted messaging to specific audiences.
• Familiarity with long term communications and campaign strategies that bring about measurable impact.

ABOUT US

Amnesty International encourages candidates from all over the world to apply, subject to visa requirements, a relocation package can be offered.

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We reach almost every country in the world.

Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, fairness, freedom and truth wherever they’re denied. And whether we’re applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we’re all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.

At Amnesty International, we are passionate about what we do and we are proud of our achievements as a movement. To compensate our employees for the critical work they do, we reward them through a combination of an attractive and sector competitive salary and benefits package, high levels of engagement and involvement, and a commitment to employee development.

Benefits include 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and grace days), pension scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance and many more benefits designed to suit your own personal lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging environment

Amnesty International encourages candidates from all over the world to apply, subject to visa requirements, a relocation package can be offered.

For further information on our benefits, please visit https://www.amnesty.org/en/careers/benefits/

WHAT WE HOPE YOU WILL DO NEXT

If you are talented, passionate about human rights and want to use your skills, knowledge and experience to change the world then we would encourage you to click ‘Apply for this Role‘ below.

Freedom, Justice, Equality. Let’s get to work.

N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy before the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities.**