Job Vacancy: Media and Communications Officer
ASEAN
Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) was founded in June 2013 with
the objective of protecting the human rights of the people of ASEAN. A
member-based organisation made up of parliamentarians and influential
persons from across Southeast Asia, APHR represents a regional response
and approach to human rights concerns, utilizing the specific
characteristics and abilities of its members to advocate for rights
protection and the bringing of offenders to justice.
APHR works
closely with and supports the work of civil society and human rights
defenders and encourages sustainable and alternative solutions that
increase pressure on international, regional and multilateral bodies and
governments to ensure accountability and the enforcement of
international human rights laws.
APHR founding members include
many of the region’s most progressive parliamentarians with a proven
track record on human rights advocacy work. It also counts among its
advisors senior statesmen and highly influential and respected
individuals that traverse political and national divides.
This
dynamic and young organization is looking to fill a number of positions
within its Secretariat, providing opportunities for motivated and
talented individuals to help drive and shape the organization as it
grows.
For further details on this and other available positions please go to: HERE
Scope of the Work
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) is looking to recruit a skilled and experienced Media and Communications Officer. Applicants should be highly motivated, able to work with little supervision and demonstrate knowledge and commitment to the values of the organisation and its mission. Specific knowledge of human rights issues in Southeast Asia is highly desirable for this position as well as experience working in a similar role in a non-governmental organisation or news organisation.
Working remotely much of the time you must be disciplined and well organised, and possess strong communications skills and the ability to produce media materials to the highest standards.
The Media and Communications Officer will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities and advocacy materials relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership. You will need to build relationships with the media and advance the organization's position with relevant stakeholders and ensure APHR produces best quality advocacy materials.
Working closely with staff and APHR members, you will be responsible for drafting top quality press statements and other advocacy materials, often under tight deadlines. The Media and Communications Officer will be responsible for APHR’s varied and integrated communications products and services including: internal updates and communications, promotional materials, research reports and other publications; day-t0-day management and updating of APHR website, E-news and other online communications such as Facebook and Twitter accounts; media and public relations; and marketing. You will also be required at times to produce other internal materials such as talking points and briefing papers for APHR staff and senior Board members.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Communications Strategy, Vision and Leadership
Working closely with the Executive Director and Programs Manager:
Scope of the Work
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) is looking to recruit a skilled and experienced Media and Communications Officer. Applicants should be highly motivated, able to work with little supervision and demonstrate knowledge and commitment to the values of the organisation and its mission. Specific knowledge of human rights issues in Southeast Asia is highly desirable for this position as well as experience working in a similar role in a non-governmental organisation or news organisation.
Working remotely much of the time you must be disciplined and well organised, and possess strong communications skills and the ability to produce media materials to the highest standards.
The Media and Communications Officer will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities and advocacy materials relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership. You will need to build relationships with the media and advance the organization's position with relevant stakeholders and ensure APHR produces best quality advocacy materials.
Working closely with staff and APHR members, you will be responsible for drafting top quality press statements and other advocacy materials, often under tight deadlines. The Media and Communications Officer will be responsible for APHR’s varied and integrated communications products and services including: internal updates and communications, promotional materials, research reports and other publications; day-t0-day management and updating of APHR website, E-news and other online communications such as Facebook and Twitter accounts; media and public relations; and marketing. You will also be required at times to produce other internal materials such as talking points and briefing papers for APHR staff and senior Board members.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Communications Strategy, Vision and Leadership
Working closely with the Executive Director and Programs Manager:
- Implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance APHR’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences
- Create marketing/public relations strategy that will allow APHR leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers
- Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization. Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them
- Serve as communications counsellor to APHR leadership
Communications Operations
- Draft and manage news releases and other advocacy materials, including op-eds, analysis and other media materials
- Develop and build relations with key stakeholders and the media to increase awareness and efficiency of APHR advocacy work
- Stay informed about current events and news
- Respond to media queries and prepare media statements
- Develop and maintain distribution lists to ensure media materials are reaching the widest and most appropriate audience
- Oversee all APHR print communications including promotional materials such as brochures, pamphlets, annual reports, research reports and other materials as necessary
- Day-to-day management and development of APHR’s online media presence, including website and new media such as Facebook and Twitter
- When needed, serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization
- Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed
- Actively engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding APHR programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects
- Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development
- Develop new pitch ideas and ways to increase media coverage for human rights issues using independent judgement
- Pitch APHR’s work to the media
- Serve as a media spokesperson on human rights issues
- Track and analyse the results of each media pitch and adjust efforts accordingly
- Maintain the contacts database, clippings files and other records in an organised fashion
- Participate in brainstorming meetings
- Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications and Experience
Required
Required
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field or equivalent years in work experience in a similar role
- Thorough commitment to and knowledge of human rights issues (in Southeast Asia) and campaigns
- Extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media (please provide examples)
- A minimum of three years experience in planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications and directories
- Native English speaker
- Proven excellent strategic-thinking skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proactive, self-motivated and the proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people
- Proven excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to take initiative and follow through
- Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Commitment to the objectives of the organisation
- Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, Board of Directors and staff
Desirable
- Website management experience, preferably with Wordpress
- Demonstrated experience and leadership in developing and managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization's mission and goals
- Knowledge and proficiency in at least one language other than English
- Proven experience and expertise on new media technologies strategies
Working Conditions / Salary and Benefits
- You will be hired on a fixed-term, 12-month contract (renewable each year) and will be responsible for your own tax contributions and visa and work permit requirements where applicable.
- Applicants based in Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Phnom Penh, Yangon and any other regional capital are encouraged to apply. No relocation package is offered.
- Some regional and international travel is required for this position.
- APHR operates under a standard five-day working week but you may be required to work some evenings and weekends to monitor program activities and when on mission. Days in lieu will be provided for non-standard workdays.
- National holidays of the country of your residence will be observed, as well as 15 days paid annual leave.
- APHR offers a competitive local salary package with health benefits.
How to apply
Deadline for application: 1 February January 2015. We will be reviewing applications as they come in and may consider selecting a shortlist before the deadline, so we welcome early applications. Send your CV/resume and cover letter to jobs@aseanmp.org. Please also state your earliest start date in your application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Deadline for application: 1 February January 2015. We will be reviewing applications as they come in and may consider selecting a shortlist before the deadline, so we welcome early applications. Send your CV/resume and cover letter to jobs@aseanmp.org. Please also state your earliest start date in your application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
