Communications Officer, Ocean Program

Job Summary

In this role, you will help shape and implement an exciting program strategy for WRI’s work on the ocean. We are looking for a creative and driven communications professional, preferably with experience of developing and implementing digital communications strategies, to support communications functions across the program from digital to media, creative to editorial, and stakeholder engagement to events. You will support major launch initiatives, relay compelling stories, support the strategic development of WRI’s digital channels for greater reach and impact and execute ongoing communications and engagement work.

If you are a skilled and experienced communications professional who likes delivering a dynamic communications strategy, then this is the role for you. You will be part of a highly motivated, fast-paced team using communications to address global environment, sustainability, economic and human well-being issues. You will work very closely with the Communications Manager and Communications Assistant to deliver the strategy and connect with subject matter experts, communications colleagues around the world, and other partners to get the job done.

Availability is critical, with major launch initiatives ongoing now into July 2022. This is a limited term post until 30 September 2022. So, you can expect to dive right in!

This position is remote due to COVID-19, but you will be based at WRI’s London office, once restrictions have lifted.

Job Responsibilities

• Help implement fully integrated communications strategies for the Ocean Program
• Support message development, and storytelling to promote the sustainable ocean economy narrative
• Prepare materials including blogs, press kits, social media content, briefing documents, backgrounders, media pitches, PPT presentations and more
• Support high-level events, including the development of talking points for speakers and preparation of materials
• Develop key messages and compelling launch materials (including comprehensive digital toolkits) for new reports and research
• Support the strategic development of social media content, including compelling graphics, across WRI’s platforms to build engagement and reach
• Curate regular newsletter content to communicate updates and impact and manage e-Newsletter outreach to networks
• Write/edit copy for webpages
• Identify creative opportunities to boost visibility of ocean issues including through multimedia graphics, videos, etc.
• Implement work back plans to ensure we and our broader communications partners are fully aligned
• Write wrap reports that provide synopses, measurement and next steps as appropriate
• Attend Ocean team events and prepare write-ups for the website and social media synthesizing key themes and messages
• Coordinate communications activities across the Ocean Program and work closely with WRI’s Core Communications team and communicators across the Institute
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the Ocean team

Job Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, international relations, public policy, or related field preferred or a Bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years of experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications or related field
• Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented self-starter and team player
• Strong writing and editing skills and ability to synthesize complex findings into clear messages
• Adaptable to rapidly changing work priorities and ability to meet deadlines and deliver high quality products under pressure
• Experience in developing social media strategy and using social media tools (such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn) and management platforms (such as Hootsuite)
• Content development and event planning
• Basic PowerPoint skills
• Knowledge of systems and processes to track the impact of communications activities. Experience with Google Analytic desirable
• Interest in and commitment to environment, sustainability and international development/relations and a strong commitment to WRI’s mission and values
• Experience working in a multi-cultural, diverse and virtual environment. Multiple languages are desirable, but not required
• You must be legally able to work in the location where you are based. WRI cannot offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter with resume. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

Program Overview

The World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Ocean Program is focused on accelerating progress toward a sustainable ocean economy and achievement of SDG 14 – the Ocean Goal. The program supports efforts to address the numerous challenges the ocean faces and encourage conservation of the marine environment alongside the sustainable use of the marine resources that are so crucial to many countries’ economic development and human well-being. Despite the central importance of a healthy ocean to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, solutions offered by the ocean, and the ocean economy, to support sustainable and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges such as food insecurity and climate mitigation and adaption have been largely overlooked. Through the Ocean Program, WRI has set out to change this narrative, to build a greater understanding among governments, business leaders, financiers and practitioners of the opportunities, solutions, values and contribution of the ocean to the global economy, human health and wellbeing, and to accelerate knowledge-based decision making and solutions that drive inclusive ocean based economic opportunities while sustaining ocean ecosystems and coastal populations. WRI serves as the Secretariat to two globally influential ocean initiatives, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) and the Friends of Ocean Action (with the World Economic Forum), which allows us to place cutting edge research and analysis in the hands of decision makers to shape agendas and policies at the highest levels of business and government. WRI will also launch a new open data platform, Ocean Watch, in 2021 to deliver science to policy makers and support decision making for integrated ocean management. With ocean partners, WRI works to raise the profile of the ocean on the international stage and catalyze and accelerate responsive action and innovative solutions for a sustainable ocean economy.

WRI Overview

World Resources Institute  (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges , and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.
 
We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa ,  Brazil, China,  Europe,  India,  Indonesia,  Mexico and the  United States as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.  

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.