Communications Officer Consultant

Med Sea Alliance

Med Sea Alliance

Marketing & Communications
Posted on Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Join the Med Sea Alliance (MSA), a new and growing campaign movement that unites 17 member organisations committed to restoring the health of the Mediterranean Sea. As the MSA’s Communications Officer Consultant, you’ll contribute to our mission of protecting this biodiversity-rich region for future generations by collaborating with the MSA Coordination Team. This position offers the flexibility of remote work within a European time zone, with a preference for candidates based in the Mediterranean Coastal States.

About the Med Sea Alliance

Since 2020, the Med Sea Alliance has brought together non-government organisations and other civil society groups with a shared vision of improving the health and productivity of the Mediterranean Sea. Our goal is to transform the Mediterranean Sea from being viewed as merely a resource for endless exploitation into a cherished natural treasure that thrives with a rich and resilient ecosystem for future generations. You will become part of the Med Sea Alliance Coordination Team alongside the Director, 30×30 Program Lead and Project Manager.

Role Overview

As Communications Officer Consultant, your primary responsibility will be to develop and implement communication strategies for the Med Sea Alliance. Your role will play a crucial part in delivering impactful messaging, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, and conducting outreach efforts. Furthermore, your role will aim to cultivate a strong sense of pride and enthusiasm among our members, inspiring collaboration for the betterment of the Mediterranean Sea. Depending on your availability and expertise, or in anticipation of significant events such as media launches, you may have the option to seek additional assistance from external communication agencies or consultants to assist with some of the responsibilities outlined below.

Responsibilities

  • Strategic Communication: Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy aligned with the MSA campaign strategies. Through joint projects, the MSA members are fighting illegal and destructive fishing and increasing and strengthening protected areas. You will ensure the broader MSA communication strategy is embedded in the project’s communication plans.
  • Content Creation: Generate compelling content, including press releases, articles, social media posts, and visual materials to convey key messages. You will contact Project partners and MSA members to identify and develop new content for the website to strengthen the campaign messaging.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with MSA member organisations and external partners to align communication efforts. you will draft a monthly MSA newsletter to highlight campaign-related external developments, MSA project progress updates and results of Members related to the MSA campaigns. MSA will be better informed on all happening within the region and gain a sense of pride and enthusiasm to work collaboratively.
  • Event Coordination: Support organising and promoting MSA events, side events at conferences, and campaigns to enhance the MSA’s visibility. Internally, you will support in organising the annual in-person MSA meetings and quarterly online MSA calls. Externally, you will support the projects implementing communication campaigns around events, such as the Our Oceans Conference in April in Greece.
  • Media Relations: Foster relationships with media outlets, manage the MSA press list, coordinate interviews, and respond to media inquiries to amplify campaign visibility.
  • Digital Presence: Manage the MSA’s online presence by re-designing the website to engage audiences and promote awareness. Build a social media strategy to explain to our Members how the MSA Twitter account would be utilised.
  • Reporting: Prepare regular reports on communication activities, analysing reach, engagement, and impact.

Requirements

The MSA’s Communications Officer Consultant should have experience in writing content, eagerness to learn (from Members) how the Mediterranean Sea should be protected, and a creative approach to communication on marine protection, along with:

  • Experience: At least five years in communications roles, preferably within environmental or advocacy organisations. Takes a hands-on approach to working with member organisations to help define communications strategy and messaging for press and social media work.
  • Education: A degree in communications, public relations, environmental science, or related fields.
  • Language Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in one or more Mediterranean languages is advantageous.
  • Digital Proficiency: Familiarity with social media platforms, content management systems, and graphic design tools. Experience with WordPress and Mailchimp.
  • Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively in cross-cultural environments and coordinate with diverse teams. Experience working remotely, with a dispersed team, and across different time zones would be advantageous.
  • Passion for Conservation: Genuine interest in marine conservation, biodiversity, and environmental issues.

Location and Fees

This role will be performed remotely within a European time zone, with a preference for candidates based in the Mediterranean Coastal States. Consultant Fees will be commensurate with experience. Contract term is typically up to one year with potential to extend for a similar term.

Selection Process

Selected candidates will undergo a multi-step evaluation process, which includes:

  • Initial Interview: This brief screening call is intended to assess the suitability of your skills and experience for the role. During this call, you can share examples of communication content you have developed in previous roles.
  • Administrative Call: During this call, compensation details, including rates/fees, will be discussed.
  • Second Interview: A shortlist of candidates will be invited for more in-depth interviews with 2-3 team members. This interview may also involve preparing and discussing a presentation.

To apply for the position, please submit your CV, highlighting your relevant experiences, and a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and how your past experiences have prepared you for success in this position. All application documents should be sent to info@medseaalliance.org by the 17th of January, 2024. Screening calls and interviews with selected candidates will be scheduled during the second week of January.

We look forward to learning more about you and your qualifications!