Head of Communications and Events
Head of Communications and Events
Front Line Defenders
Dublin, Ireland
Front Line Defenders is currently seeking an experienced and resourceful manager to lead the Communications and Events strategy for the organisation and develop the work of the team, with the objective of supporting human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk through the use of the media and other communications channels. This role has overall responsibility for all communications and events of Front Line Defenders, including publications, media engagement, social media, website and events (namely Front Line Defenders Award, Dublin Platform, Annual Lecture, Dublin Human Rights & Arts Festival and others).
The tasks of the Head of Communications and Events include developing and implementing the Communications & Media strategy for Front Line Defenders, with a focus on promoting the protection of human rights defenders; managing the Communications & Events team; coordinating media and promotional efforts; ensuring standards for communications, representations and events are maintained to the highest standard.
Front Line Defenders, The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (www.frontlinedefenders.org) was founded in Dublin in 2001 with the aim of providing practical assistance and protecting human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk - people who work, non-violently, for any or all of the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Front Line Defenders maintains its headquarters in Dublin, an EU Office in Brussels, and regionally based field staff in all world regions. The Head of Communications and Events will be based at the organisation’s headquarters in Blackrock, Dublin.
Background
Team Profile:
The purpose of the Communications and Events Team is to provide support to human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk through media and communications. The team works together with HRDs on publications, developing media capacity and connections, producing communications materials, organizing the FLD Award and Dublin Platform and providing individual support and advice. The Communications and Events team is also responsible for developing and implementing the multilingual communications strategy for FLD including managing the website and social media, publications, audio-visual materials, podcasts and media outreach, and planning and organising events. The team is currently composed by the Communications Officer and the International Events Coordinator.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills:
Essential:
- Strong communication skills, both written and oral in English and at least one other relevant language (eg Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish);
- High level leadership, management and interpersonal skills, leading by example to motivate their team and others engaging on visibility and cross organisational work;
- Broad knowledge of international media environment, social media tools and trends, and multimedia and campaigns strategies;
- Strong understanding of the political environment for human rights defenders and excellent political judgment;
- Sound decision-making, particularly in high pressure and high risk situations;
- Flexibility in time, scheduling, travel and supporting other staff, both from your team and across the organisation;
- Ability to offer advice, guidance and support to meet the organisational needs;
- Ability to work as a team member at different levels;
- Financial skills for budgeting;
- Mentorship experience;
- Proven excellent writing and editing skills;
- Knowledge of international human rights norms and laws.
Desirable:
- Ability to work in different political and cultural contexts.
Experience:
Essential:
- At least 5 years of working at a senior level in the human rights sector in a communications role, including team management responsibilities;
- Proven experience in project management and development;
- Proven experience in managing budgets;
- Experience in multi-tasking and managing complex projects;
- Experience in driving innovation and creative programming;
- Experience in event planning and organizing;
- Experience in working with journalists and handling communications responsibilities for an organisation.
Desirable:
- Demonstrated experience and judgment in high risk situations that pose security concerns to individuals as well as the organisation;
- Experience in managing diverse teams and working in different cultural contexts.
Other requirements:
- Requirement to travel internationally at least 6 times per year;
- Available for meetings at irregular hours;
- Keeping up to date on developments related to human rights defenders on global basis, and also in specific contexts as needed.
Link to role profile: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/role_profile_-_head_of_communications_events_-_april_22.pdf.
Remuneration and Benefits
The salary range for this role is for this role is €64,200 - €77,940 gross per annum depending on experience. This will be agreed on appointment.
The contract is based on a 35 hour week, Monday to Friday, based in the organisation’s headquarters in Dublin. There are 21 days leave per year in addition to public holidays in Ireland. The organisation provides life insurance, a contribution to health insurance, an income protection policy, and matches individual contributions to a pension up to 5% of gross salary.
Application Process
If this sounds like the role for you please submit your CV and Cover letter via the Front Line Defenders website. Go to: https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/recruitment-volunteering and select 'More Info' next to the Head of Communications and Events vacancy. Scroll down and click on 'Apply now'.
Please include your CV and cover letter in the same single attachment and title it with: the position you are applying for, and your last name. Applications should be addressed to Andrew Anderson, Executive Director and the deadline is 10am on Monday 23 May 2022.
For additional information or queries please contact recruit@frontlinedefenders.org with the title of the role you are querying. Please do not send your application to this email by default.
