Associate Communications Officer

Under the supervision of the Director of the Communications and within the framework of the IPU Communications Strategy, the incumbent will execute a range of general communications activities focused primarily on project management of IPU content, branding, outreach and special projects.

Main responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Project management of IPU content including publications, digital assets and images
• Project manage IPU content flow including web, social media, video, podcasts, reports, handbooks, toolkits, brochures, other print and digital assets
• Ensure IPU branding guidelines are respected
• Identify, build and maintain a pool of agencies, graphic designers, image banks, media support in line with IPU procurement and administrative rules
• Liaise and coordinate with IPU Members, staff, printers, agencies, designers, editors, translators and proof-readers to ensure all content is delivered and received within deadlines
• Identify and coordinate cost-effective printing services either in-house or externally
• In coordination with internal stakeholders, liaise with IPU Members and partners on co-branded publications
• Check content and branding for quality and consistency of multilingual publications
• Liaise with photographic and video agencies on contracts, payment and copyright
• Maintain IPU photographic and video archives

Outreach channels

• Identify best outreach channels and distribute in a timely manner IPU press releases, bulletins and other content products
• Maintain and further develop accurate and up-to-date distribution lists of IPU stakeholders especially media and the 46,000 MPs in the world
• Monitor media regularly for mentions of the IPU and compile monthly statistics on coverage
• Support the IPU Web and Social Media editor on the IPU’s digital platforms

Events and special projects

• Project manage communication initiatives and presence at in-person or virtual IPU events including press accreditation, report launches, booth management, interviews, photographers, video editors and other activities
• Support IPU leadership initiatives or special projects including the annual Cremer-Passy MP of the year award
• Perform other duties as requested by the IPU Communications Director

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Communications and IT team
• IPU personnel
• Members
• Vendors and clients
• Media

Results expected:

Timely delivery of results. Work to be produced efficiently and professionally. Effective and timely liaison and interaction with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.

Competencies:

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation. Practical approach to problem solving.

Planning and organizing: Identifies priority activities and assignments. Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work and ability to meet deadlines. Ability to work with accuracy under time constraints and pressure.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively in French and English. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately.

Technological awareness: Work experience in office software packages (Windows, Microsoft office, MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.); project management or collaboration tools (Stackfield, Trello etc.); contact management tools (Zoho); communications tools (Mailchimp, Hootsuite etc.); graphic design tools (InDesign, Photoshop, Canva etc.)

Teamwork: Build and maintain positive working relationship with co-workers and the public. Aptitude for human contacts and resourcefulness. Team spirit. Adaptability to varying working environments and conditions. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda.

Commitment to Continuous Learning: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the relevant technical field and to develop own information technology skills.

Qualifications:

• Three years digital communications, marketing or public relations experience
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a communications-related discipline
• Fluent English and French including excellent writing skills
• Project management skills
• Data management skills
• Website Drupal infrastructure desirable
• Knowledge of international relations, parliaments and politics desirable
• Graphic design skills desirable

Duties applicable to all staff:

Actively work towards the achievement of the IPU’s strategic objectives. Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the Director of Communications and the Secretary General.

Assessment:

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Compensation:

The Inter-Parliamentary Union offers an attractive salary and benefits package comparable to that of other international organizations headquartered in Geneva, commensurate with education and experience.

Indicative Annual Salary at the P-2 level (net of tax for Swiss residents)

USD 50’377 at single rate (plus allowance for primary dependents if applicable).

Post Adjustment

A post adjustment for Geneva will be paid in addition to the above amount taking into account the exchange rates established by the International Civil Service Commission (website: http://icsc.un.org/). This rate stands at 96.7% for September 2024.

Employment Policy:

This position will be filled through an international recruitment process that will be open to internal and external applicants.

The IPU is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. From among equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to the under-represented sex and persons from countries not represented in the Secretariat.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

This position will be based in the IPU’s Geneva Headquarters (with approximately 50 staff members) and will require frequent travelling. It will be for an initial period of two years, renewable depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

There will be a probation period of 9 months