Job openings: Communications Coordinators, EU IUU Fishing Coalition and EU Fisheries Control Coalition

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Position overview

Legal and sustainable seafood is vital not only for the future of our Ocean and the climate, but also for  global food and economic security. The European Union is the biggest market for seafood products in the world, importing 60% of the fish products it consumes. European fishing vessels fish at home and across all of the world’s oceans, and the continent  is home to an enormous variety of marine ecosystems. This gives the EU an unrivalled ability and responsibility to be a global leader in sustainable seafood. 

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has a severe impact on marine environments, livelihoods, food security and coastal communities. The EU has stated it has a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to IUU fishing, but much remains to be done to put this ambition into practice and ensure the EU is a credible and effective global leader in the fight against IUU fishing. 

The EU IUU Fishing Coalition and EU Fisheries Control Coalition (hereafter “the Coalitions”) are looking for two experienced Communications Coordinators to lead communications activities supporting the Coalitions’ work on IUU fishing issues:

• The EU IUU Fishing Coalition promotes EU leadership in improving global fisheries transparency and governance to end illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

• The EU Fisheries Control Coalition works to ensure that fisheries management in the EU safeguards ocean health and marine life for generations to come. It aims to influence policy-makers to achieve a robust Control Regulation that ensures that fisheries activities are fully documented and brings transparency to our seafood supply chains.

Main functions: 

The Coalitions’ communications objectives are to strengthen and promote EU leadership in tackling IUU fishing and improving transparency and fisheries governance both within the EU and globally. To do this, they need to secure wider understanding and support for the coalitions’ objectives, both within and beyond fora actively engaged on fisheries issues. 

The Communications Coordinators will work with the policy and communications officers of the Coalitions to prepare joint messages and engaging communications products. 

The role will be based in Brussels. 

Duties and responsibilities:

Building on past campaigns and communication strategies, the Communications Coordinators will develop new and exciting communications strategies tailored to the two Coalitions’ goals in order to support the cohesive execution of project objectives. They will lead on EU-focused communications activities primarily targeting key stakeholders including the European Commission, European Parliament and other EU institutions, as relevant. 

They will also support communications within EU Member States and engage with coalitions working on similar issues outside the EU. This will involve working with individual Coalition organisations’ local officers and/or other NGO coalitions, as appropriate.

Activities include, but are not limited to: 

• devising high-impact communications strategies for the Coalitions’ outputs,
• repurposing existing material for upcoming events, stakeholder meetings and influencing opportunities,
• preparing content for social media, 
• drafting and disseminating press releases, 
• producing creative assets for event promotion, public outreach, and advocacy,
• coordinating creative work such as report layout and film production, 
• updating the Coalitions’ websites (IUUwatch.eu and transparentfisheries.org), proofreading reports, and 
• making technical information more accessible to non-expert audiences.  

Working relationships: 

The Communications Coordinators interacts with the EU- and industry-specific media as well as key national publications where needed. For targeting national media, the post holder will collaborate with the communications leads and local officers from the Coalition organisations for them to disseminate messages as determined most appropriate by each office. 

Experience and skills:

• At least four years work experience in a communications role, preferably in the NGO sector and/or international organisations, media.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing high-impact communications strategies including communications outputs, ideally for multi-stakeholder groups, is required.
• Proven coordination skills and experience of working with multiple, diverse stakeholders are essential.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills are essential.
• Strong social media skills are essential.
• Knowledge and experience of working with EU institutions are an asset.
• Knowledge of ocean and conservation issues and the EU framework would be an asset.
• English native speaking skills are essential, knowledge of French and/or Spanish, German or Dutch would be a significant asset.
• Diplomatic and negotiating skills are desirable.

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Applications: 

Please send your CV and cover letter explaining why you are the right person for this job to: recruitment@ejfoundation.org  and jennifer.calder@ejfoundation.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the EU and/or the UK .

EJF is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.