ISS Pretoria: Head of Communications

Exciting new opportunity to manage communications at the ISS

The ISS is seeking to appoint a highly motivated individual with experience in communication, management and strategic development to run the ISS’s newly established communication department. This is a senior position and the incumbent will be on the Management Committee and the Executive Committee that is responsible for operational management. The communication head will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for all communication by the ISS, including internal and external communication, the website, digital and social communication, media relations, branding and promotion of the ISS, and publications production.

Main responsibilities:

• Implement the ISS communication strategy and ensure ISS keeps abreast of the latest innovations in the field of communication;
• Coordinate ISS communication in collaboration with regional offices, division heads, researchers and all relevant staff;
• Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of all processes relating to publications, website, digital and social media products, and promotional materials;
• Line manage head office staff responsible for communication (including Digital Communication Specialist, Editor and Publications Coordinator, IT staff, assistant/administrative staff);
• Prepare, monitor and manage the communication budget;
• Ensure appropriate skills development for staff on internal and external communications;
• Provide editorial support and oversight of ISS communications products;
• Participate in senior management meetings.

Requirements:

• A degree in communication or a postgraduate degree relevant to the work of the ISS;
• In depth understanding of the human security field and the environment in which ISS works;
• At least five years of management experience in the research and policy environment;
• Excellent financial and employee management skills;
• A team leader with excellent interpersonal skills;
• Excellent English language skills, both written and verbal;
• French language skills will be an advantage;
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Ability to travel to the ISS’s regional offices.

The length of the contract will be for two years and will be renewable subject to funding.

Salary: Competitive salary offered based on experience.

Applications: Interested applicants should provide a covering letter, detailed CV including the names and contact details of three referees. Applications should be emailed to Isaac Sihadi at pretoriajobs@issafrica.org. Note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date: 20 January 2014.

The ISS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving employment equity in the workplace. Qualified female applicants are especially encouraged to apply.