IRDR Communication Officer, China

Background information:

The International Programme Office (IPO) is located at the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Beijing, China. It is the focal point for the coordination and promotion of the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) programme. Led by an Executive Director, the IPO has two supporting scientific/technical staff (Science Officer, Communications Officer,) as well as administrative staff. For more information about the IRDR programme please visit: http://ww.irdrinternational.org.

• Communications strategy: Help design, implement and regularly adjust multi-annual communications plan (messaging, partnerships, media, etc.); Update and implement IRDR visual branding (templates, logos, acronyms, names).
• Content Management: Website management (content and oversee design); Publications; Photo library; Documentation.
• Network Management: Contacts database; Social media and email marketing; Media relations.
• Event Management: Oversee/design event collaterals; Assist IRDR bodies and the Executive Director in communicating and planning conferences, workshops and other programme activities.

• Professionalism: Able to undertake responsibilities at an international programme. Ability to produce accurate and concise communication on complex scientific and societal multi-stakeholder related topics.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility to deliver outputs within the agreed time, seeks cost effective solutions and adheres to quality standards. Can navigate within the Chinese media landscape and complies with IRDR IPO and RADI (IRDR’s host) regulations.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with other staff members to achieve IRDR IPO goals; proactively contributes to improved team performance; actively and creatively expands and the visibility of the programme. Willing to assist and to solicit others’ inputs and expertise; keen to learn from others.
• Planning and OrganiZing: Develops clear goals and working routines consistent with long-term strategies; able to prioritise and adjust activities/assignments; and work independently.
• Strong interpersonal and multicultural skills

• Education: University degree in communications, (science) journalism, public/business administration, international relations, development studies, or another relevant field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Experience: A minimum of three years of related experience in public affairs and/or (science) journalism, including working with international /intergovernmental organisations and/or science and/or development actors. Familiarity with creating and implementing a communications plan in a complex multi-stakeholder environment is an asset.
• Knowledge: Of communication and journalism principles as well as website management and social media is essential. An understanding of current issues in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and Sustainable Development Goals is desirable; evidence of communication experience in this field is an asset.
• Technical skills: Proficient and versatile use of software programmes (MS Office Suite; Adobe Suite (especially Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop); experience in website management (WordPress); and use of social media platforms and other e-dissemination tools, etc.
• Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English and Chinese; ability to express oneself clearly in a variety of settings. The working language of the IPO and the IRDR Programme is English and knowledge of Mandarin is essential for engagement with media, exchanges with vendors, daily living etc.