Communications Officer, Panama

Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1995, with 35 member states spanning all continents. The Institute seeks to support sustainable democracy worldwide and assist in the development of institutions and to foster a culture of democracy.

On February 1, 2021, International IDEA’s Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean was established in the Republic of Panama. The Regional Office works with democratic institutions throughout the Latin American and Caribbean region to increase the effectiveness and legitimacy of democracy and its institutions. Based on a geographic approach, our Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) programme responds to requests from regional, sub-regional, and national actors, builds capacity through technical assistance, comparative applied knowledge resources, and provides spaces for dialogue. The LAC Programme is an important partner and agenda setter in many countries where it provides technical assistance. Currently, there are four national programs in LAC (Panama, Peru, Chile and Uruguay), and six restricted fund projects.

The Communications Officer works to enhance content generated from teams across the Latin America and Caribbean Region (RLAC), increasing awareness and visibility of International IDEA’s activities through online and media presence. The Communications Officer will gather information and drive content conceptualization to create and disseminate communications and promotional content around key issues, events and publications. The Communications Officer understands the politically sensitive environment in which International IDEA operates, is highly reactive when engaging with media feedback to strengthen International IDEA’s public relations and assists in coordinating responses across the relevant teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides communications and media support to the Latin America and Caribbean team;
• Regularly holds communications meetings with Programme focal points to stay well-informed about planned activities, upcoming events and publications;
• Serves as a content editor. Writes and edits web articles, tweets, social media posts, press releases and other outreach content as necessary;
• Implements International IDEA’s social media strategy, for the regional programme, for all social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook);
• Creates infographics and digital assets for use online and in presentations;
• Undertakes regular media monitoring;
• Advises on responses to media/press inquiries and pitches Op-Eds and stories to media for placement;
• Monitors impact and analytics of communication strategies and reports on results.
• Provides communications and media support to the organization’s events and coordinates technical areas, broadcasting and livestreaming event promotion.
• Reviews and edits outsourced video projects, newsletters and other communications products and supports coordination with external media agencies.
• Designs and implements a regional communication strategy aligned with International IDEA’sglobal communication strategy.
• Supports in the planning and organization of internal and external events.

General Profile

• Requires good knowledge, excellent skills and experience in the field of communication and media;
• Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute as required;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s Core Values: Respect, Integrity and Professionalism;
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

• Director, Latin America and Caribbean Region

Education and Experience

• University degree in communications, journalism, international relations or a related subject;
• Minimum of three (3) years professional experience as a journalist or communications specialist in the Latin America and Caribbean region, with a focus in social media and preferably in an international context;
• Experience and knowledge in copywriting, proofreading and editing;
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel, Canva and the Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn and MailChimp;
• Experience of working in an international context, e.g., in an intergovernmental organization, considered an advantage;
• Content production, photo and video-editing skills are desirable.

Terms of Contract:

• Local Post.
• Fixed term appointment until 31 December 2025.
• Remuneration – USD 3,432 gross per month

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Panama for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications. 

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CEST) 18 July 2024.
• Please note that all applications must be made in English.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.