Communications Specialist, Tropical Forest Alliance
This is a fixed term role for the duration of just over three years, starting 1st September 2024 until December 2027.
Why we are recruiting:
The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the international organization for public-private cooperation. The Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA) is the leading global public-private-philanthropic partnership focused on delinking the production, processing, trade and financing of key agriculture commodities from deforestation and ecosystem conversion.
TFA works directly with companies, governments and civil society actors to facilitate a transition in the production model for cattle and soy in Brazil and oil palm in Indonesia. TFA also works indirectly to support organisations and platforms working in other tropical forested countries (e.g. Colombia, Peru, DRC, etc.) to help transition the supply chains for these and other agricultural commodities (e.g. coffee, cacao, etc.). In addition to this work on “supply side” measures in producing countries TFA works both directly and indirectly on necessary “demand side” measures in the European Union, China, the UK and the US. By working with partners across the global value chain TFA is able to bring a collective action approach to addressing one of the primary drivers of CO2 emissions/nature loss.
As TFA begins its Phase 4 of implementation with a new operating model we are seeking a communications specialist who will manage internal and external communications.
Reporting lines and interactions:
The role is based in Geneva within the World Economic Forum. The person will report to the Communications Lead, Nature Pillar, and will work very closely with the Head of Strategic Communications for the Tropical Forest Alliance. The person will work with colleagues in TFA, the Nature Pillar, the broader Centre for Nature and Climate and the Global Communications Group. Outside of the Forum, this person will work with a broad range of stakeholders, including communications leads within the TFA network, external communication agencies and members of the media.
Breakdown of main responsibilities:
Support the TFA Communications Lead in developing and implementing the communications strategy
Work collaboratively with relevant internal teams across the World Economic Forum to provide consistency and alignment of communication plans
Ensure that all project content (factsheets, web and digital) is accurate and up-to-date
Support workstream leads with the design of communications and messaging that increases the impact of their work
Design and lead high-impact communications around key event milestones and report releases
Support the delivery of speaking opportunities and events for TFA team members
Support the editorial planning (‘grid’) process for TFA, ensuring timely inputs from all TFA teams
Lead the social media strategy and implementation for TFA (on all TFA channels) and manage agency support in this area
Develop and write content (e.g. blogs, articles, media releases) alongside the Forum’s Public Engagement team and wider Nature Pillar colleagues
Liaise with the Forum’s media and digital teams to leverage all TFA opportunities
Oversight of TFA’s website and alignment with Forum’s digital processes
Build and maintain relationships with external partners to contribute to building momentum around key topics in support of TFA goals (such as the Consumer Goods Forum) and ensure alignment of messaging and communications approaches
Monitor and record communications outputs and successes to feed into impact measurement work and donor reporting
Contribute to Nature Pillar communications planning and reporting processes alongside the other communications specialists
Occasionally support communications needs across the Nature Pillar as required
The successful candidate will be assessed on:
Communication: excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, additional language proficiency in Chinese, French and/or Spanish preferred
Writing: Ability to write up agenda blogs, report summaries and executive memos on short notice; ability to build compelling powerpoints and marketing documents desired
Analytical skills: strong problem-solving skills and ability to communicate complex information succinctly
Time management and prioritisation: ability to work on short deadlines, juggling competing demands without compromising quality
Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence: ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively in a multicultural environment
Motivation: self-starter who enjoys working in a highly collaborative environment
Preferred requirements and experience:
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism, communications, or related discipline
Minimum of 4-5 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, content production, or digital marketing
Experience and understanding of using strategic communications for impact
Experience of translating complex information into effective communications materials
Experience working on environmental/sustainability issues, in the private, not for profit or government sectors
Perfect command of verbal and written English; and excellent professional writing skills in English (knowledge of at least one other language is an advantage)
A high level of computer literacy in Microsoft packages (MS Word, MS Excel, MS powerpoint) and other digital platforms is required. Experience with Salesforce is a bonus.
Why work at the Forum:
The Forum believes that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to improve the state of the world by building awareness and cooperation, shaping mindsets and agendas, and driving collective action. Join us and become a driver for positive change!
