Head of Press and Communications

Head of Press and Communications

The Left in the European Parliament – GUE/NGL Group

Brussels, Belgium

We are a Left-wing political group in the European Parliament fighting for workers, climate action, feminism, peace & human rights. We seek to recruit a Head of Press and Communications.

ABOUT THE ROLES

The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for the group’s Communications Unit and its work and press, social media, audio-visual and campaigns output.

They will advocate political positions and raise awareness on our core issues – workers’ rights, climate justice, feminism, peace and human rights.

They will plan overall campaigns and outreach in line with the group’s needs and activities.

They have a strong grasp of EU politics, and the diverse tactics needed to ensure effective communications on behalf of our MEPs and issues.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the short, medium and long-term strategic communication planning and represent the Group when needed;
• Supervise and coordinate the work of the team (8 staff) to ensure its smooth running and good internal organisation of all activities;
• Liaise with the group’s management and ensure smooth running of the Communications budget;
• Closely follow European Parliamentary work and plenary sessions; monthly travel to Strasbourg and organise press points;
• Maintain relationships with MEPs and related staff both in Brussels and member states;
• Supervise communications support for events and launches of publications.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential:

• Political affinity and passion for our political values;
• Experience working in communications and/or journalism;
• Management experience in Communications of at least 3 years;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Extensive knowledge of EU policy debates;
• Understanding of key social media platforms for news and current affairs;
• Enthusiasm for teamwork and positive collaboration with colleagues;
• Creativity, resourcefulness, and professionalism with a strong work ethic;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• High linguistic level in English & some of the following languages – French, German, Spanish;
• Ability to work occasionally at weekends and during holidays;
• Experience in a multicultural, multilingual working environment;
• Familiarity with European media landscape & Brussels-based media scene.

Desirable:

• Education and training in Journalism, Communications or similar subjects;
• Thorough knowledge of the institutional structure of the European Parliament and of its political activities;
• Very good knowledge of current best Communications practices and systems with regard to social media, campaigning, audio-visual and media outreach.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

Positions to be filled ideally in November. 2024. The initial contract will be for 1 year, renewable, with a possibility for applying to a Temporary agent position within the group.

You will be based in Brussels with possible regular international travel and occasional work in unusual hours.

The successful candidate will be recruited as Contract agent in Function Group IV, step depending on years of experience (Entry gross salary is 3.982,82 euros).

Salary and allowances, under the EU institutions system, depend on experience, country of origin and family situation. We offer extensive and continuous training opportunities for development.

GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION

The selection procedure is open to any candidate provided they:

• are a national of one of the Member States of the Communities, and enjoy their full rights as a citizen;
• have fulfilled any obligations imposed on them by the laws concerning military service.

HOW TO APPLY

Send us a motivation letter maximum one A4 page and your CV (preferably in Europass format), and copies of diplomas by 22 August 2024 – 12.00 noon to the following email address: left.applications@europarl.europa.eu.

Please identify your key skills and areas of expertise in your cover letter. CVs should clearly include exact start and end dates of any relevant work and educational experience. Applications should be sent in one single pdf, quoting Head of Press and Communications in the subject line.

Interviews will be scheduled for late September 2024.

Only applications meeting the above-mentioned criteria will be considered.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be notified.

The Left group is also advertising for a Press officer position and candidates can apply for one post only.

ABOUT US

The Left in the European Parliament brings together MEPs from a range of European left and progressive parties – ecological, socialist, feminist, communist and independent.

Staff should be comfortable in this environment and both capable of, and fully at ease with, supporting our MEPs in their policy objectives.

The Left is an equal opportunities employer with a strong commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage members of groups at risk of discrimination to apply for this post.