ECMWF is looking for an experienced professional to lead our Communications function on all aspects of ECMWF’s news, events and communications, both internally and to the world. We are seeking a passionate expert to set the strategic direction of ECMWF’s communications and to be the spokesperson of the Centre.

Summary of the role

The Head of Communications reports to the Director General and leads a geographically distributed communication section of around 15 staff and a large portfolio of tendered activities (about GBP3.5m per year). The post-holder is responsible for the planning and implementation of all communication activities of ECMWF, including communications activities related to third-party activities such as Copernicus and Destination Earth.

The Head of Communications contributes at strategic and creative level and leads the Communications section via team leaders who manage individual team members and operational activities. They also support the Director-General and senior management  in key communications.

The section’s portfolio of activities includes the management of internal and external communications, delivery of events and conferences services, press management, and web presence.

The successful applicant  will have extensive experience in communication, stakeholder management (internal and external), coupled with a strong understanding of media relations and promotion activities. They will also have demonstrated experience in designing and delivering communication strategies across different sectors and communities at international level. They will translate complex scientific information into easy-to-understand messaging across different audiences and European countries.

Key Accountabilities

• Leading the development and implementation of audience-driven communications strategies designed to inform and influence ECMWF various stakeholders;
• Managing the Strategic Communications function, providing high-quality speeches, presentations, talking points and digital media input for the Director General and others as and when relevant;
• Leading the communication experts in the Communication section and overseeing the delivery of externally procured contributions to communication activities;
• Conveying internally messaging and guidance around ECMWF’s policies, priorities and activities;
• Developing and managing internal and external channels of communication, ensuring they offer full coverage of all of ECMWF’s activities;
• Ensuring key messages on important and sensitive issues are communicated across the organisations in a timely and consistent manner, leading to coherence and unity;
• Leading on messaging and response in crisis communications;
• Advising and when required driving the conception and design of high level events, including identifying objectives, key audiences, messaging and communications vehicles;
• Liaising with Communications offices of ECMWF partners including National Meteorological services, WMO, space agencies and the European Commission.
• Acting as ECMWF’s spokesperson in relation to the media and other stakeholders where appropriate.

What we are looking for

Personal attributes

• Ability to work at strategic level, with a strong can-do attitude
• Understanding of and an interest in the scientific culture in which ECMWF works and willingness to adapt to its specificities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams of communication experts, ability to lead and inspire a diverse section, as well as contributing to the wider ECMWF senior management team
• Capacity to work under tight time pressure
• Creativity and proactivity, ability to manage evolving priorities autonomously and to  drive initiatives
• Strong sense of accountability and customer focus

Qualifications and experience required

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least 7 years of experience in communication management
• Expertise in digital communication, and the ability to strategically  identify targeted products and campaigns for each audience group and project/programme objective.
• Demonstrated experience in management of media relations and as a spokesperson
• Demonstrated experience in designing communications strategies for public or private services.
• Experience in managing communications channels, including but not limited to digital, print, social media and events, matching each channel with specific audiences and expected outcome.
• Experience in addressing different types of audiences, as well as in different European countries.
• Experience in line-managing staff, as well as inspiring a team, and colleagues across the organisation, including virtually.
• Experience in the field of climate and environmental sciences and policies is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in budget management
• Demonstrated successful delivery of communication services through a network of suppliers.
• Experience of working in international projects and/or with an international customers base would be an advantage.
• Sound understanding of the impacts of mis- and disinformation in the climate science context

Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and interviews will be conducted in English. A good knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or German) and other European languages would be highly desirable.