The World Organisation Against Torture is seeking to recruit a highly motivated, energetic, and creative individual, with a commitment to human rights and strong media and communication skills, to become the organisation’s Director of Communications.

The post is a full-time position, based in Geneva.

ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 90 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Communications will lead a small but dynamic communications team in the OMCT’s offices in Geneva and Brussels. Under the supervision of the Secretary General, the Director of Communications will work closely with all thematic and regional programmes and liaise with the fundraising team at the OMCT. Key responsibilities of the position include:

• Leading and implementing a dynamic communications, outreach and media strategy for the global anti-torture coalition embodied in the OMCT’s SOS-Torture Network – comprising 200 organisations worldwide.
• Defining media strategies and further developing a network of journalists interested in the OMCT’s work to grow visibility for the causes promoted by the organisation and its network members.
• Serving as a focal point for the media.
• Supporting and overseeing the OMCT’s digital communications staff to pursue a coherent, dynamic, and growing presence on the website, presently four social media channels, and the Rights at Risk podcast.
• Coordinating communications campaigns and lending support to our Network’s communications, particularly for report launches and campaigns.
• Designing and implementing communications labs for communicators from the SOS-Torture Network in order to strengthen the capacities of the anti-torture movement.
• Designing regular internal trainings to keep staff abreast of the latest trends and developments in human rights communications.
• Supporting the conceptualization of communication strategies for new OMCT projects, such as to support human rights defenders in detention or to develop a global index on torture.
• Representing the OMCT in meetings or events and supporting its management on the public positioning of the OMCT.
• Leading the communications for our new anti-torture consortium together with the European Commission and five partner organisations.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• University degree, preferably an advanced degree in either communications, journalism, or public relations or in the field of international relations.
• 7-10 years of experience in communications and media relations, preferably for human rights, social justice, or humanitarian organisations, with international experience a definite plus.
• Strong media relations, both in Switzerland and at the global level.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills in English, with excellent command of French; good knowledge of Spanish or another language an asset.

COMPETENCIES EXPECTED

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of human rights, international law and policy issues and commitment to the OMCT’s core values.
• Excellent organisational skills, managing multiple demands, prioritising, and meeting deadlines in a high-paced environment.
• Capacity to engage with partners and SOS-Torture Network members across regions, languages, and cultures.
• Self-starter who can work independently and understands how communications contribute to the organisation’s overall mission.
• Excellent team building, cooperation, and interpersonal skills.

APPLICATIONS

The OMCT is an equal opportunities employer. We offer competitive salaries for Human Rights NGOs in Geneva with a minimum of 25 days holidays, usual social benefits, and the possibility for part-time working from home, as well as 5 days of leave for professional development per year.

Applications comprising a cover letter and a CV with at least two references should be addressed to OMCT International Secretariat with the subject “OMCT Geneva – Director of Communications”, by email to applications@omct.org.

Deadline for applications: 17 September 2023.