Head, Asia Communications

Closing date: 07 February 2013
BACKGROUND
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SPECIFIC DUTIES:

The Head, Asia Communications will perform the following tasks:

1. PROGRAMMATIC COMMUNICATIONS

1.1 Provide yearly strategic planning and monitoring of communication in all efforts of IUCN Secretariat in Asia, including those which support external relations and maximise policy impact.

1.2 Be responsible for IUCN brand management in the Asia Region and ensure staff understand and follow the communications guidelines and protocols.

1.3 Have technical oversight of, mentor and support Communication Focal Points in Country Offices and regional projects, in close collaboration with the Head of Office and Programme Coordinators to ensure effective communications across the region.

1.4 Ensure large regional project proposals include strategic and effective communications and visibility components through the Project Appraisal System and that these components are adequately budgeted for. Encourage and support sub-regional programmes to do likewise.

1.5 Manage IUCN Asia Region’s online, digital and printed knowledge assets.

1.6 Manage press relations and maintain and develop the regional media list.

1.7 Work effectively with Global Communications and component programmes of the Region to optimize collaboration and programmatic alignment.

1.8 Provide communications support to the Asia Regional Office, the Regional Director and the Deputy Regional Director including promotional activities and participation in large regional and global events.

1.9 Effectively manage and ensure a financially sustainable Regional Communications Unit.

2. COMMISSION ON EDUCATION & COMMUNICATIONS FOCAL POINT
Serve as the focal point for the Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) in Asia

3. REGIONAL PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS

3.1 Oversee communications and outreach for the Mangroves for the Future initiative 3.2 Provide communications advisory support to the Ecosystems for Life initiative
3.3 Oversee communications support to the Mekong Water Dialogues project
3.4 Oversee communications for the Building Resilience to Climate Change Impacts – Coastal Southeast Asia project
3.5 Provide communications support to other regional projects based on agreements with project managers

4. STAFFING FUNCTION

4.1. Play a major role in the recruitment of appropriate Communications staff in Asia, and particularly for the Regional Communications Unit and manage and supervise Regional Communications Unit staff, ensuring the provision of timely high quality work by the unit.

4.2. Ensure adherence to IUCN’s Performance management system through timely performance evaluations and goal setting for direct reports and providing relevant inputs on evaluations and goal setting for functional reports.

5. OTHER DUTIES

Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager


Please Note: The above TOR contains the main responsibilities and duties of this position. However in an ever evolving organisation such as IUCN staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular TOR. Where any task becomes a regular part of staff member’s responsibilities, the TOR should be changed in consultation between the manager, the staff member and the HR Unit. Any one of the three may initiate the consultation.

REQUIREMENTS

• A degree in journalism, public relations, communication or related field. Post graduate qualifications would be an asset;

• Excellent in written and spoken English and knowledge of Asian languages would be an added advantage;

• At least 6- 8 years experience in the related field preferably at a senior level;

• Comprehensive understanding of global / regional communications, media relations and branding ;

• Sound understanding of broader conservation issues;

• Ability to build and lead an effective team;

• Experienced in production of a range of different types of documents with excellent editing skills and ability synthesize complex content into short, easy to read text; and

• The ability to produce high quality outputs under tight timelines.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/