Switzerland: Head of communications

Organization: World Organisation Against Torture
Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 15 Feb 2015

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Head of communications

The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), the largest international coalition of non governmental organisations fighting against torture, summary executions, forced disappearance and all other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, is currently seeking to recruit a full time Head of Communications. The position is a new post at the OMCT International Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.

OMCT is looking to recruit a dynamic individual to lead and develop a new outreach, communication strategy to foster the fight against torture and the protection of human rights defenders.**Responsabilities:**

The communications adviser will work under the direct supervision of the Secretary General and management team of OMCT. He/she will work in close partnership with all thematic and regional projects at the OMCT, and its offices in Geneva, Tunis and Brussels.

Key responsibilities of the position include:

· Develop and implement a dynamic communication and media outreach strategy for the global coalition against torture represented in the SOS Torture Network of OMCT and its work to protect human rights defenders;

· Design and shape effective global campaigns surrounding the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and UN Human Rights Day in cooperation with OMCTs thematic and regional programs and in partnership with members from the SOS Torture Network;

· Edit press and advocacy interventions, build a network of journalists interested in OMCT’s work, support media launches of major reports, studies and interventions on torture and the protection of human rights defenders;

· Upgrade existing communication tools of the organization (newsletters, e-bulletins, fundraising appeals), and ensure a coherent and dynamic social media and web-presence;

· Participate in the development of communication tools for OMCT with its network members from around the world, and liaise and advise OMCT offices in the field on media and outreach;

Qualifications:

· University degree, ideally an advanced degree in either communications, journalism or public relations or in the field of international relations or human rights law;

· Minimum 6 years experience in media, outreach, advocacy or campaigning, ideally for human rights, social justice or humanitarian organisations or causes;

Competencies:

· Demonstrated commitment to human rights and good understanding of human rights and social justice causes;

· Proven understanding of the role of civil society, its outreach strategies, including innovative and creative social media campaigns, the use of audio-visual tools;

· Existing network of media contacts an asset;

· Knowledge of basic web design tools and knoweldge in image and video editing an asset;

· Excellent communications and editing skill a requirement, good organisational skills managing conflicting demands, meeting deadlines and adjusting priorities, and engaging with partners in different countries, languages and cultures.

· Excellent oral and written language skills in English, French. Other languages are an asset (such as Spanish, Russian or Arabic).

· Strong sense of initiative to build the portfolio of a new position at the OMCT Secretariat;

How to apply:

Application procedure:

The OMCT is an equal opportunities employer poroviding a competitive NGO salary package.

Applications (cover letter and résumé) should be written in English or French and addressed to the OMCT International Secretariat by email to hd@omct.org or by fax to +41 22 809 4929.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Deadline for applications: 15 February 2015. Interviews will follow in the two subsequent weeks.