(Remote Work) International Policy Communications Manager – Global Fishing Watch

Job Overview

• Job Title International Policy Communications Manager
• Hiring Organization Global Fishing Watch
• Company Website https://globalfishingwatch.org/
• Remote Locations US, LATAM,Europe
• Job Type   Remote, Full-Time

Global Fishing Watch is an international, nonprofit organization committed to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency. We create and publicly share knowledge about human activity at sea to enable fair and sustainable use of our ocean. Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, GFW became an independent non-profit organization in June 2017.

Using cutting-edge technology, we create and publicly share map visualizations, data and analysis tools to enable scientific research and drive a transformation in how we manage our ocean. Our major focus is on commercial fishing because it is the most widespread human activity at sea, the most impactful on ocean health, and the most crucial for global livelihoods and food security. By 2030, we aim to monitor and visualize the impact of ocean-going vessels, both industrial and small-scale, that are responsible for the vast majority of the global seafood catch. We believe human activity at sea should be common knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean commons for the common good of all.

The Position

The communications function is a core strategic component of Global Fishing Watch’s program, integral to generating public visibility, political support and building an international constituency for the organization and transparency in global fisheries. Global Fishing Watch’s communications are centered on driving powerful messaging, targeted media coverage and engagement that promotes transparency as integral to responsible stewardship of our ocean, and that positions Global Fishing Watch as a leading authority and partner of choice for data-led transparency in global fishing activity.

Reporting to our Head of Strategic Communications, the International Policy Communications manager will be responsible for developing and executing communications strategies to support Global Fishing Watch’s international policy goals. This will involve establishing messaging and channels to influence international policies around ocean management in collaboration with our country and technical teams around the world.

The communications manager will work closely with Global Fishing Watch’s international policy team to identify, prioritize and engage key audiences, develop topline messaging and harness communications to advance policies and broader decision-making in ocean governance. This will include policies around vessel tracking, illegal and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the protection of small-scale fisheries and measures to safeguard marine biodiversity.

The successful candidate will bring experience in strategic communications to support international campaigns and advocacy. In addition to their own remit of work, the policy communications manager will contribute as needed to the global communications strategy and ensure alignment and cohesion across the wider team’s work.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop an overarching communications approach and implement policy communications strategies to advance the organization’s international policy work under the guidance and support of the head of strategic communications.
• Advise the policy team on appropriate communications and outreach strategies, developing associated materials such as briefs, fact sheets and web content to engage key audiences and help influence policy and governance decisions.
• Support the development of targeted communications materials that help deliver the international policy goals within Global Fishing Watch’s 2030 strategy. This includes engaging with and influencing U.N. agencies, regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), development banks and other international institutions to make ocean information available and accessible to everyone it affects.
• Work with partner organizations to identify joint opportunities for communications, particularly around collaborative campaigns and other initiatives.
• Develop storytelling pieces about Global Fishing Watch policy achievements to feed Global Fishing Watch’s digital channels, including the website and social media accounts.
• Seek opportunities to develop news stories, articles and blog posts based on Global Fishing Watch research and partnerships to generate positive media coverage.
• Lead efforts around the planning and delivery of communications for Global Fishing Watch-hosted events or international fora, developing materials for public dissemination, invites/brochures and/or promotional collateral.
• Develop and maintain an informed awareness of relevant topics to effectively carry out all of the activities listed above.
• Other duties as assigned by the head of strategic communications in support of program communications efforts.
• It is anticipated that the individual in this role will travel internationally (10%)

Job Requirements

• University degree (or equivalent professional experience) and significant experience in the field of communications, public relations, journalism, public affairs or related discipline.
• Experience in developing communications and public affairs plans to support policy outcomes, and translating technical content into clear, accessible messages.
• Experience of working with and engaging government ministers, leaders and/or officials, accompanied by an understanding of policy development to help inform communications products.
• Familiarity with and understanding of decision-making processes at the U.N. level and/or across U.N. institutions.
• Experience managing communications at international fora, such as the U.N. Oceans Conference, Our Ocean Conference and/or COPs.
• Strong ability to prioritize, meet multiple deadlines and manage competing streams of work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This includes strong writing skills for various products, including web content, editorial, fact sheets and briefs.
• Demonstrated planning, organization and communication skills for project management.
• Highly organized, analytical, detail oriented and self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as through multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to take ownership of projects and communicate project updates to stakeholders in a transparent and proactive manner.
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and quickly focus on the nature of an issue or policy to understand and address potential implications.
• Experience working with journalists and crafting engaging content for media engagement.
• Fluent in English.
• Willingness to work occasionally outside of business hours.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience working with or within an environmental NGO.
• Knowledge of engaging audiences on social media platforms
• Experience working with or for RFMOs.
• Experience in generating and managing external agencies on a range of communications assets, from briefings to graphics and videos.
• Working proficiency in French, Spanish or Portuguese.
• An understanding of the complexities and internal communications surrounding collaboration in a global matrix and remote organization.

How To Apply

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