Communications Associate, United Nations Foundation – Washington, DC

Organization: United Nations Foundation

Position Title: Associate, Communications and Writing, Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves

Location: Washington, DC

Application Deadline: May 14, 2015

Description: The Associate, Communications and Writing is a core member of the global communications team, leading major writing projects and supporting external relations of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (Alliance), a public-private partnership hosted by the United Nations Foundation.

The Associate will be responsible for producing a wide range of written materials for the Alliance. The Associate will also assist in the planning, execution, evaluation and management of communications efforts around global activities that further the Alliance’s mission of saving lives, improving livelihoods, empowering women and protecting the environment through the creation of a global market for clean cooking solutions.

The Alliance’s goal is for 100 million households to adopt cleaner, more efficient cookstoves and fuels by 2020, and an effective press, partner and fundraising communications operation is essential toward achieving that goal.

Working Relationships: The Associate reports directly to the Director of Global Communications for the Alliance. The Associate will join a team of two: a Director of Global Communications, and a Senior Digital Producer that oversees the Alliance’s web and social media channels.

Responsibilities:

• Writing: Responsible for development of diverse written products, such as reports, meeting summaries, press releases, op-eds, statements, fact sheets, newsletter articles, etc;
• Editing: Provides Alliance team with editing services on internal and public-facing documents, such as reports, speeches, presentations, etc.;
• Media Relations: Helps build and diligently maintain an extensive media list that includes U.S. and international journalists, producers and bloggers. Arranges interviews for spokespeople, including coordinating logistics and briefing materials;
• Monitoring and Tracking: Regularly tracks and documents, through spreadsheets and written reports, the results of external outreach activities;
• Social Media: Assists in developing and implementing outreach strategy for social media to promote Alliance’s work and raise awareness about the sector;
• Web: Assists with managing content on the Alliance website;
• Media Opportunities Calendar: Help build and manage an up-to-date media calendar that tracks local, national and global events, news hooks and strategic opportunities to promote Alliance’s work and the clean cooking sector.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, public policy, journalism, or communications, plus 3 – 4 years of experience in communications or public relations (including substantive internships), is required.
• Excellent writing, editing, interpersonal, and oral communications skills.
• Ability to quickly understand complicated subjects and summarize them in writing clearly and concisely
• Experience with communications and public relations in international affairs field or setting is strongly preferred.
• A keen sense of what makes and shapes the news, and the ability to make well-informed decisions in targeting appropriate media outlets and reporters.
• Experience with tools related to media outreach, such as Cision, Factiva, Vocus and Critical Mention
• A strong knowledge of new media including blogs, social networking and emerging online news outlets.
• Knowledge of and passion for global health, gender empowerment, and climate issues is essential.
• Attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.
• Strong skills working in teams and across many types of organizations – collaborator; problem solver; relationship-builder; and strong inter-personal skills.
• Able to engage in stress tolerance and resilience; possesses a sense of humor; be highly organized and open to learning new skills; demonstrates grace under pressure; and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• A willingness to travel (up to 25%), and the ability to interact with people from diverse, multi-cultural backgrounds.
• A demonstrated knowledge of global issues and the UN system, and an understanding of the UN Foundation’s mission, programs, strategies and goals.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stress.
• Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.

How to Apply: Apply online.