Justice Rapid Response is looking for a Communications Manager (Full-time position based in Geneva – Open-ended contract)

Organization and position within the organization

Justice Rapid Response is an intergovernmental initiative that provides trained and rapidly deployable criminal justice and related professionals at the request of the international community to investigate, analyze and report on situations of serious human rights and international criminal law violations. The JRR Secretariat team carries out JRR’s activities under the direction of the JRR Executive Director and it is based in Geneva, Switzerland with an office in New York.

The Role

As a service-oriented organization, Justice Rapid Response must be known for what it can provide to the international community and for its impact. Moreover, Justice Rapid Response can use its unique position at the heart of the human rights and international criminal justice system to engage publicly on developing trends in its sector and to give a voice to victims of international crimes and grave human rights violations and their need for justice. To achieve all this, it must be able to rely on a solid communication strategy, delivering professional communications products.

To fulfill this role, Justice Rapid Response is looking for an experienced and dedicated professional, who combines a solid experience in communications in the not-for-profit sector, with knowledge of international justice, human rights, or related fields in which Justice Rapid Response operates. The ideal candidate is someone who shares the values of the organization and is a communication all-rounder who can rely on their creativity and resourcefulness to deliver a wide range of communications activities and products with limited means and support.

The Communications Manager will work under the supervision of the Executive Director and co-head the Public Partnerships and Communications Unit.

Justice Rapid Response offers a highly motivating and flexible work environment – with a cohesive and engaged team of professionals – who share a strong desire to further grow their impact to support access to justice for victims of international crimes and grave human right violations.

Duties and responsibilities

The overall role of the Communications Manager is to plan, manage and implement communications activities of the organization according to its communications strategy.

The tasks of the Communications Manager are to:

1. Lead, plan and carry out the implementation of various aspects of the communications strategy, including preparing an annual agenda for activities for engaging with media and key audiences.
2. Plan and manage the creation and distribution of quality communications material and content, including publications, newsletters, digital and multimedia material, as well as the annual report of the organization. Assist the Executive Director in preparing for speaking engagements, media interviews and events.
3. Manage the website of the organization and prepare content updates to provide an informative and user-friendly web-platform to JRR’s target audience. Some work will include engaging with contracted personnel and agencies.
4. Lead and manage further development of the organization’s social media presence in order to distribute digital content, interact with new audiences and strengthen external partnerships.
5. Take initiative in planning and leading the organization of events, in cooperation and coordination with Justice Rapid Response’s Programmes.
6. Identify and engage with media and communications-related contacts, including journalists in order to build a network of media contacts for the organization.
7. Advise on further development of the branding of the organization and coordinate its management under the guidance of the Executive Director, including guidelines on visual identity, design and use of logo, and contribute to the review of documentation to ensure coherence in organizational visual identity and agreed messaging.
8. Manage the communications budget in coordination with the Director of Finance and contribute to the outreach and communication activities of project proposals submitted to donors.
9. Explore and propose other innovative ways of presenting the work and impact of the organization through means of communications activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in the field of communications in an organizational or corporate context and proven skills in delivering a wide range of communications activities and products.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in working with media relations, as well as with new media in digital contexts, including digital content preparation and using various digital and web-based tools (Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Mailchimp, Wordpress, Zoom, Salesforce).
• Excellent and proven communications skills in English, including in speaking and in writing (reports, newsletters, press releases and writing for web). Working knowledge in French and other languages is a strong asset.
• Knowledge in international human rights and international criminal law is a requirement.
• Prior experience working in that sector will be considered a strong asset.
• Ability to take initiative, and plan and work independently, as well as part of a team, and to multitask and manage projects under pressure, adhere to deadlines and be highly organized with attention to detail.
• Proven interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in interaction with a variety of partners and professionals.

Sought Competencies

• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve activities or services to reach out to further audiences. Is not confined to current or traditional approaches to communications;
• Flexibility: Comfortable working in highly flexible, decentralized environment in which autonomy, accountability and innovation are supported and valued;
• Teamwork: Ability to work in collaboration with colleagues in view of reaching organizational goals; to proactively solicit input and value colleagues’ ideas and expertise; to be willing to learn from others; to place team agenda before personal agenda;
• Planning & Organizing: Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Able to run all aspects of a project, including planning activities and managing budget;
• Political sensitivity: Ability to identify politically sensitive issues and address them accordingly when communicating publicly;
• Travel: This role requires availability and willingness to travel occasionally, including field visits.

Application process

For this position only European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and EU nationals, as well as holders of a valid work permit for Switzerland, can be considered.

Please send your CV and a cover letter addressed to Mr. Samuel Emonet, outlining your motivation and indicating your availability to the following email address: secretariat@justicerapidresponse.org

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for applications is 04 September 2022.

Anticipated starting date: as soon as possible

Indicative gross annual salary for this position is 84’000 CHF before taxes.