EPI Communications Director

Job description
About Stop Ivory
Stop Ivory is an independent non-government organisation which aims to protect elephants and stop the ivory trade by implementing the Elephant Protection Initiative with support from Conservation International.
The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI)
The Elephant Protection Initiative is the African-led inter-Governmental initiative to protect elephants and stop the illegal ivory trade. The EPI calls for elephant range states, partner states, Non-Governmental Organizations, International Government Organizations, private citizens and the private sector to work together to: maintain the international ban established by CITES in 1989 to protect elephant populations; place ivory beyond economic use; close all domestic ivory markets; and develop and Implement National Elephant Action Plans.
The Co-Secretariat for the EPI is undertaken jointly by Conservation International and Stop Ivory
About The Position
The EPI is looking for an accomplished innovative Communications Director to take the lead in developing and implementing the overall Communications Strategy for the EPI – which will outline prioritised communications objectives and activities and be reviewed on an annual basis – and manage media, branding, marketing and communications functions. They will work to ensure awareness of the EPI’s work both regionally and globally, internally and externally, and foster greater understanding and support for its mission. The EPI Director of Communications will work independently and as part of a small team based in Nairobi and London, and in partnership with government, IGO and NGO partners in Africa and elsewhere.
Their goals will be to improve external and internal EPI Communications, establish and promote the EPI “brand”, deliver press coverage and promotion, maintain an effective EPI website, and raise EPI’s social media profile – as well as other related goals as agreed. They will have strong relationships with EPI Secretariat Staff, and an up-to-date knowledge of their upcoming work and progress so that they can use this strategically to promote the EPI.
This role will manage, according to need and available resources, the production and maintenance of key communications material including factsheets, maps, film and web content in support of the EPI’s overall programme and fundraising efforts as required.
The EPI Director of Communications will be contracted to Stop Ivory, but will fulfil an EPI Secretariat function jointly managed by Stop Ivory and Conservation International. They will report to and be tasked by the EPI Secretariat’s lead representative from both Stop Ivory and Conservation International, who work closely together on all aspects of EPI Implementation.
This is a full-time role with flexible and/or remote working opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
External communications: The role of Director of Communications is responsible for the EPI’s public relations. This includes identifying opportunities for media outreach, preparing media releases and other content for news and feature articles, working with the press, arranging interviews for EPI spokespeople, writing on behalf of EPI spokespeople, and preparing spokespeople for press conferences, media interviews, and speeches.
They will also manage EPI issued content for the EPI’s website and social media outlets, and make various other contributions to EPI activities e.g. contributing to the EPI’s quarterly and annual reports.
Internal communications: The EPI Director of Communications will coordinate and manage the EPI’s internal communications. They will use meetings to exchange information on key EPI and other elephant related news, projects and events, and ensure all EPI staff are aware of them well in advance to enable appropriate engagement. The post holder will identify suitable breaking news stories and support the EPI’s contributions to their dissemination, providing copywriting and messaging services as needed. This role is directly responsible for the EPI Info Hub.
Required
QUALIFICATIONS

A proven track record of not less than ten years of developing and delivering effective communications strategies in addition to designing and implementing communications activities and promotional materials and communicating information to a wide range of audiences
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, with proven presentation, proof reading, and editing skills is a must. Working knowledge of French or Portuguese is an added advantage
Demonstrated in-depth proficiency in writing or editing complex communications products
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to connect with people from all walks of life
Demonstrated experience in working with both traditional and social media, especially with news placement, blogging and awareness campaigns.
Proficiency in working with various media formats – print, audio, video and websites; Proven experience in delivery of digital campaigns will be an added advantage
Proficiency with social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube required
Computer literacy in relation to office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint) and to relevant communications software (e.g. InDesign, Photoshop and/or similar design programs)
A good understanding of Africa and the media landscape in Africa
A self-starter who is able to work well independently and a strong team player with proven diplomacy skills and ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams displaying sensitivity and respect for diversity

Preferred

Ability to manage varied and complex workstreams.
Good project management skills.
Previous experience of working within an integrated Communications team.
Familiar with or have some background in working with NGOs.
Prior knowledge and interest in conservation and environmental issues
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure managing competing demands and complex situations and deliver satisfactory and timely results;
Willing to travel periodically across Africa.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a fixed term contract position that may be renewed subject to funding.
This position can be based at Conservation International Office in Nairobi, Kenya, or Stop Ivory Office in London, England