Communications Manager

Description of the position

The Secretariat of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) is looking for its Communication Manager. The selected candidate will be tasked with increasing the visibility of the Forum to establish it as a go-to-source on Eastern Partnership issues. S/He will support the Forum in its political positioning towards issues relevant to the Eastern Partnership. This is a very diversified role that requires good knowledge of communication techniques, a hands-on approach when it comes to creating and implementing communication plans as well as human and political sensitivity. The role will be based in Brussels, Belgium.

Main responsibilities

• Create and implement the communication strategy with the goal of increasing the Forum’s external visibility and establishing it as a trusted source of information on all Eastern Partnership-relevant matters;
• Coordinating with the Advocacy Team, lead all communication actions to increase awareness of the Forum’s political positioning on issues related to the Eastern Partnership;
• Create and oversee the production of a communication content plan to fuel website and social media publications in order to boost online visibility;
• Strengthen the Forum’s presence in European and Eastern Partnership media through regular contacts with journalists and the drafting and publication of press releases and opinion pieces;
• Support the Forum’s Event and Advocacy teams with event planning and visibility.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage the work of the Communications Trainee, if applicable;
• Write, proofread and edit all information material produced by the Forum;
• Create any necessary audiovisual material (social media visuals, report layout, video editing etc.)
• Coordinate any communication-related outsourced services (graphic design, printing, audiovisual etc.);
• Maintain and update the Forum’s database of contacts as well as all communication-related online tools (website, social media, Adobe Suite, ad hoc communication software subscriptions etc.). Maintain relations with relevant providers as necessary.

This is a role which requires both a strategic and a hands-on approach. Candidates with strong creative skills are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in communications, journalism or an international affairs role in charge of visibility;
• A well-rounded communication profile with practical knowledge of communication techniques, including mass mailing (MailerLite), website (WordPress, YooTheme) and social media management (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram), and media relations;
• Proficiency using the Microsoft 365 and the Adobe Suites. For Adobe, In-Design and Illustrator are essential. Knowledge of PhotoShop and Premiere Pro is a strong advantage. Knowledge of any other audiovisual creation software (Canva, Cap Cut etc.) is a plus;
• Excellent speaking and drafting skills in English. Knowledge of an Eastern Partnership language is a plus;
• Strong interest and capabilities using CMS and CRM tools (WordPress, YooTheme, Odoo Database);
• Some knowledge of the Eastern Partnership is required. Willingness to learn more about the region is essential;
• Working experience in a not-for-profit organisation is a plus;
• Ability to establish priorities, work within tight timelines and multi-task;
• Proactive and able to propose and come up with new content for web and social media;
• Solution-oriented active learner: when confronted with an issue you come up with potential solutions to solve it quickly and efficiently;
• Sound coordination, networking, and collaborative skills;
• Right to live and work in the EU.