The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Stockholm, Sweden
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance — International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.
International IDEA’s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Main functions of the post:
Under the leadership of the Head of Communications:
- Supports the Head of Communications in the development and implementation of the communications strategy of International IDEA, and participates in and contribute to general planning activities within International IDEA;
- Oversees and manages the implementation of International IDEA’s communications work plan, work for publication in digital and printed form, including website articles, newsletters, and other promotional material;
- Develops and manages International IDEA’s online strategy and yearly web action plan, as part of the external communications strategy;
- Oversee the development and implementation of the social media strategy;
- Provides coordination and supervision to the development and implementation of International IDEA’s institutional website, databases and digital publications, as well as its interactions with other online resources;
- Supervises the Communications Officer, Communications Assistant (in certain areas), and web consultants;
- Ensures increased visibility of International IDEA’s work, coordinates and supervises outreach and communication effective marketing and dissemination strategies/plans for International IDEA publications and major events, including press conferences.
Duties and Responsibilities:
General, Programme, Managerial and Administrative, as applicable
Under the leadership and supervision of the Head of Communications (HoC) the Comms Manager performs the following duties:
Communication strategy and work plan
Under the leadership and supervision of the Head of Communications (HoC) the Comms Manager performs the following duties:
Communication strategy and work plan
- Supports the HoC with the development and revision of the communication strategy to reflect changes in the organization;
- Produce and maintain the communications unit work plan, in line with the communication strategy, and support its implementation;
- Participates in and contributes to general planning activities within International IDEA.
Promotion materials
- In coordination with the publications unit, guide the Institute’s visual identity and graphic profile institution wide;
- Advise the Institute on IDEA’s film/video productions;
- Supervises and supports the Communications Officer in the development of communications material for IDEA’s social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo and more;
- Supervises and supports the Communications Officer produce the quarterly newsletters and other material as required;
- Supervises and the Communications Officer in the design and implementation of outreach and communication strategies/plans for International IDEA publications including exhibitions and other major events.
Media relations
Identifies potentially newsworthy activities, outputs and outcomes in International IDEA’s work programme to present to the media.
Identifies potentially newsworthy activities, outputs and outcomes in International IDEA’s work programme to present to the media.
- Enhances relationships with the media in Sweden and abroad, as a key outlet for stories to promote knowledge about the activities and outcomes of International IDEA’s work;
- Develops media oriented material such as special media packages (list of speakers, backgrounders, analysis), together with the Communications Officer.
Website and social media
- Develops the web/online strategy and yearly web action plan;
- Coordinates the development of new content and an improved structure for the website;
- Develops partnerships with online media and information outlets (such as Open Democracy and Democracy Lab);
- Oversees the running of various corporate-level social media accounts;
- Creating, delivering, tracking and evaluating effective digital communications plans.
Budget and expenditure
- Supervises the Communications Assistant with the follow-up and monitoring of expenditure and financial commitments in the Communications Unit during the year.
Others
- Supervises the Communications Assistant to organize events, such as press briefings, at International IDEA;
- Acts as Officer in Charge in the absence of the Head of Communications;
- Actively integrates the inclusion of a gender perspective in all programming activities.
Level and type of formal education:
University degree, in communications, journalism, international relations or related subject.
Professional experience:
Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in communications and/or public relations across the work areas relevant to the strategy and work of International IDEA.
Functional competencies:
- Excellent people and managerial skills;
- Sound experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, including publishing and dissemination of corporate and public relations material;
- Excellent ability to synthesize and communicate rapidly and concisely, both orally and in writing in the English language. Spanish and/or French would be an asset;
- Effective analytical and problem solving skills. Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills;
- Knowledge of international media and familiarity with mainstream and specialized media channels;
- Good grasp of all aspects of web development;
- Experience in outsourcing and working with consultants in the communications sector, and for translation services;
- Strong interest in the practical and theoretical aspects of democracy and its role in development, human security and international relations;
- Intimate knowledge of production processes, editorial, layout, printers, and commissioned writers, etc.;
- Experience working in an international or intergovernmental organization and networking;
- Ability to work under tight deadlines;
- A keen interest in understanding democracy and electoral issues;
- Willingness to travel on official missions as appropriate.
Language skills:
- English: Fluent;
- Spanish, French and/or Arabic an asset.
Computer skills:
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Internet.
Terms of Contract:
Two (2) Year Fixed Term Appointment.
Deadline for Applications:
Applications should be submitted no later than 18 May 2014.
International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.
Deadline for Applications:
Applications should be submitted no later than 18 May 2014.
International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.
