Job announcement
Communications Assistant
The European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) seeks
to appoint a full-time (36 hours/week) staff member in the function of
Communications Assistant to provide support in the design, planning,
implementation and monitoring of communications strategies.
We are looking for a dynamic and innovative young communications professional.
The Communications Assistant will need to have the entrepreneurial ability to develop and
implement communication strategies that engage different audiences.
The Communications Assistant will work under the supervision of the Head of
Communications, and in close collaboration with colleagues from the five ECDPM
Programmes, and the Knowledge Management and Communications Units.
The Communications Assistant will be based in Maastricht, The Netherlands and travel once
a week to ECDPM’s Brussels office. There will be some travel to Africa.
About ECDPM
ECDPM is a “think and do tank”. Our main goal is to broker effective development
partnerships between the EU and the Global South, particularly Africa. For more information,
visit: www.ecdpm.org/moreabout
The overall objectives of the communications strategy are to communicate ideas to key
stakeholders (encompassing policy makers, policy informers and key implementers of
policies) and enhance the potential for uptake of the ideas and arguments put forward
through various research outputs for positive development outcomes. For more information
on our Knowledge Management and Communications strategy, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/b3zzhdt
Tasks and responsibilities of the Communications Assistant
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Writing and editing articles for the Weekly Compass Update, Talking Points Blog and
website in a clear, engaging and accessible way
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Communicating our work through social media
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Production of short videos or podcasts with ECDPM experts or external stakeholders
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Monitoring and reporting on communication statistics
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Helping in the thinking and implementation on how to improve communication tools
and create new ones
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Focussing on the Economic Governance, Trade and Regional Integration, and Food
Security Programmes
-
Provides back-up of colleagues where needed, takes on other tasks when required,
within workload limits
Position requirements
Essential:
-
A university degree or higher education in journalism, communications or public
relations
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An excellent English (native or near-native) speaker, writer and editor, with the
capacity to write factually and clearly
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Proven ability to translate complex analysis and ideas into message-oriented,
concise and accessible language and appropriate formats
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Expertise in multimedia and social media
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Knowledge of current thinking and practice in research communications
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Ability to analyse problems, propose solutions, innovate and implement new
initiatives
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Strong organizational, coordination and project management skills and ability to
manage multiple projects and processes, to prioritise and work independently to high
standards and to tight deadlines, and to balance competing demands
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A self-starter, able to work well both independently and as a dedicated team worker
-
Willingness to understand and internalise the mandate and working methodology of
ECDPM
Desired:
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At least a year’s experience of implementing communications plans
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Interest in international development cooperation/international relations
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Good working knowledge of written French
Contract conditions
ECDPM offers a lively and attractive working environment with room for autonomy and
personal growth, and ample opportunity for participating in the exciting area of international
cooperation.
The position of Communications Assistant is a fulltime position (36 hrs/week). The contract is
initially a one year contract with a probation period of 1 month, with the intention of a longer
term extension upon good performance and available funding.
The gross annual salary is € 21,838.76 (incl. holiday allowance and end of year allowance).
In addition ECDPM offers a generous package of leave (9+ weeks on annual fulltime basis)
and other benefits such as a 8% holiday allowance, an end-of-year allowance of one month’s
salary, participation in a collective health insurance plan, a 24/7 accident insurance and an
attractive pension scheme. ECDPM offers its employees individual training budgets and also
invests in in-house trainings and courses.
ECDPM is an Equal Opportunities employer.
Starting date: 1 February 2015 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Application procedure
Applicants should fill in the application form that can be found on our vacancies page at
http://ecdpm.org/work-with-us/. Application form, cover letter and CV should be submitted
electronically to the email address <kg@ecdpm.org>, to the attn. of Mrs. Karen Gielen,
Corporate Officer Human Resources as soon as possible (with the deadline of Monday, 12
January 2015, 12pm). They should note: “Application for Communications Assistant” in the
subject line. Applications without an application form (i.e. just a CV) will not be taken into
consideration.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide references and writing samples.
Interviews will take place via Skype between 19-23 January 2015.
Please note that all job applicants must have a work permit for the EU.