Senior Strategist External Communication

Tara Climate Foundation is a philanthropic climate foundation dedicated to fostering a future where Asia’s unwavering commitment to climate action paves the way for just, thriving and resilient societies. Tara operates in East, Southeast and South Asia, excluding India and China.

Our mission is to support a diverse group of partners in accelerating Asia’s energy transformation and championing climate action. Tara plays three main roles in the region: 

• Grantmaker: Tara works closely with mission-aligned foundations and philanthropists to pool resources and grant funds to organisations working to accelerate Asia’s energy transition and climate action (excluding China and India).
• Convenor: Tara cultivates networks that facilitate the exchange of ideas between business, civil society, and government throughout and beyond Asia.
• Local and regional expert: With strong networks spanning civil society, businesses and government, Tara funds thorough research and analysis to address knowledge gaps, stay abreast of emerging trends, and craft evidence-based strategies to advance our mission.

Since establishing its headquarters in Singapore in 2021, the foundation has provided grants to more than 300 organisations across 13 countries and jurisdictions. Our team of over 40 experts is spread across the Asia-Pacific region, working to combat climate change in this decisive decade.

Over the last 2 years, Tara has experienced significant growth, expanding our funding base to include more than a dozen philanthropic foundations. Currently, we provide grants to over 300 organisations operating across 13 countries and jurisdictions in the Asia region. 

Despite heightened global focus on climate issues, philanthropic giving toward climate change initiatives remains disproportionately low, constituting just 2% of worldwide philanthropic giving, with an even smaller percentage allocated to Asia. 

As we navigate this critical decade, characterised by the urgent need for climate action, it is essential to strengthen our external communications to effectively achieve our mission and mobilise philanthropic resources. Additionally, we must proactively manage reputational risks and establish robust crisis communication processes to address potential challenges. 

The Senior Strategist, External Communications, will engage in:

1. Co-developing and implementing Tara’s brand strategy in alignment with our organisational goals and priorities, with a focus on risk management.
2. Leading the development of compelling communication content, including but not limited to annual reports, website content, and case studies that effectively communicate Tara’s mission and key initiatives.
3. Supporting the cultivation of strong partnerships with funders and key stakeholders.

The Senior Strategist, External Communications, will initially report to the Senior  Strategist, Communications, for an interim period until the Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Communications is in place.

Key responsibiities:

Co-Develop, execute and monitor communications strategy:

• Co-develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy aligned with Tara’s goals and priorities.
• Proactively anticipate and communicate potential risks, develop processes for crisis management, and lead internal crisis response efforts, including coordinating actions within the organisation and managing communication with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyse communications effectiveness, using insights to propose revisions to brand strategy, communications materials, and partnerships as needed.
• Handle internal and external inquiries regarding Tara’s brand policy positions from the Tara team, partners, funders, media and other stakeholders.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in brand strategy and communication, and incorporate them into Tara’s communication activities.

Create compelling, brand-aligned content:

• Ensure consistency of Tara’s brand identity, tone, and messaging across all platforms, communication materials, and channels.
• Provide communications support for the Tara team by creating presentations, drafting case studies and annual reports, and reviewing all promotional materials for funders and other key stakeholder.
• Manage Tara’s communication collaterals and platforms, particularly Tara’s website and LinkedIn page, either through direct content creation and oversight or by coordinating with communications contractors and vendors.

Support external partnerships and events:  

• Support the Tara team in cultivating relationships with key external stakeholders to enhance Tara’s visibility and credibility.
• Assist organising and coordinating key funder meetings.
• Prepare communication materials for external events, including drafting presentations, biographies, and speeches.

 As and when required other responsibilities and projects will be allocated by line management in consultation with the post holder.

Person specification

Excited by the prospect of working for a dynamic and fast-growing international organisation dedicated to addressing the climate crisis, the ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of experience in a professional communications role across any industry. Experience with philanthropic foundations or international non-governmental organisations is a bonus.

In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Communications expertise:  

• Superb verbal and written communication skills in English, with proficiency in writing, editing and storytelling. Proficiency in other Asian languages is advantageous.
• Proven experience as a strategist adept at developing and executing communication and brand strategies, including crafting and implementing crisis communication plans to effectively manage and mitigate reputational risks.
• Ability to create brand-aligned and visually compelling PowerPoint presentations.
• Experience in collaborating with external agencies and managing vendors.
• Familiarity with digital strategies is a bonus.

Additional attributes: 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism in engaging with multiple diverse stakeholders from various nationalities and backgrounds across multiple time-zones.
• While not mandatory, a genuine interest in energy and climate change issues and ability to quickly grasp related concepts are desirable. 
• Excellent events, project management and coordination abilities.
• Track record of working in environments requiring professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Resourceful problem-solving skills with a proactive, ‘can-do’ attitude towards challenges and changes.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as and when required.
• Alignment with Tara’s mission and commitment to embodying Tara values.

 Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field.

Location:

• The candidate must be based in the Asia-Pacific Region where Tara has presence and hold citizen or long-term residency status with legal permit to reside and work in that country.
• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international team that combines passion for making a difference with a rigorous, results-oriented approach to work.
• A flexible work environment.
• Opportunities for career development and personal growth.
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• A collaborative, fun and thriving team, driven by our mission and dedicated to living our values.

What Tara offers:

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, international team who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for career develop and challenge yourself
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• A collaborative, fun and thriving team, driven by our mission and live our values

To Apply:

Please submit an A4 covering letter outlining your skills and achievements against the roles and responsibilities, why you would like to join us, your salary expectations, date of availability along with your up to date CV via Impactpool.  Please use your existing Impactpool account or create one.

Tara is committed to building leadership capacity within Asia. This position is based in Singapore.  Applicants must have the right to work in the country.

We appreciate everyone’s application, but only have the resources to respond to shortlisted applicants. If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful for this role. If this is you, we appreciate your support and consideration and hope you will continue to consider roles with Tara in the future!