The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has an opening in its Geneva offices for an

 

COMMUNICATION OFFICER: COMMUNION RELATIONS

 

Starting date:  As soon as possible

Closing date for applications:  8 September 2019

 

Purpose

The Department for Planning and Coordination (DPC) is responsible for the overall coordination of the planning, monitoring and reporting of the programs of the LWF Communion Office of the Lutheran World Federation – a Communion of Churches (LWF) and for the assurance of their quality and accountability.

DPC supports at the organizational level the work of the Communion Office (CO), bringing orientation, administrative and technical support in the areas of Communication, Finance and Income Development, Human Resources, Information Technology and Systems, Archiving, and Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PMER).

In this purpose DPC aims at enhancing the overall visibility of the LWF and strengthening relations through strategic communication, and at developing collaboration through internal communication, ensuring good access to information.

The Office for Communication (OC) puts in place systems for effective internal and external communication, supports the General Secretary and the program departments to enhance the overall visibility of the LWF, creating connections and nurture the identity of the LWF.

The Communication Officer raises the profile of the work of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) to inform, engage and inspire member churches (MCs) and partner organizations.

The main purpose of this position is to plan, create, edit and produce communication material (stories, information packages, messaging materials, and campaigns) to lift up the life and work of the LWF MCs, to coordinate global and regional communication networks and online capacity building.  Liaison and network building with communicators in MCs and/or related organizations. Building relationships with church and secular media.  his includes developing material for the LWF website and social media.  The position holder will maintain a comprehensive press network and be able to contribute to the LWF visibility through the web and social media.

The position helps create dynamic communication networks through workshops, training and regular contacts.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in communication, journalism, or equivalent.
• At least three years of working experience in a position involving various forms of communication: reporting, writing, and editing, preferably in an LWF MC, related agency, church-related media or other faith-based organization in an international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and foster a network / a learning community of communication professionals and volunteers.
• Excellent editorial skills and knowledge of ecumenical and religious terminology.
• Thorough knowledge of the LWF and its MCs.
• Excellent proficiency in English. Working knowledge in French, German, and Spanish are assets.

Additional Study and Experience

• Professional experience in writing for the web and working with social media.
• Understanding of modern communication trends and the global media environment.
• Proven capacity to work independently, with minimal supervision and under time pressure.

LWF Core Skills

• Working effectively with others – level high
• Initiative – level high
• Analytical thinking – level confirmed
• Leadership – level confirmed
• Achieving results – level high
• Accountability – level high

Required Skills

• Innovation – level high
• Communication / Networking – level high
• Facilitation / Negotiation – level confirmed
• Advocacy / Promotion – level confirmed
• Project management – level confirmed

Position Environment and Dimensions

Internally, as a member of the OC team, mainly interacts with program executives and support officers, resource mobilisation staff, regional secretaries as well as country programs staff.

Externally, interacts and cooperates with MCs, donors and related agencies, ecumenical organizations, UN, INGOs and NGOs, any other targeted audiences LWF wishes to engage, as well as service providers such as external editors and designers.

As a member of a team of communication officers, where each is responsible for distinctive thematic areas, the structure is agile, close to program work and MCs, and not media-specific. The incumbent takes a leading role on communications related to the MCs, and works closely with his-her communications colleagues assigned to specific areas.

 

Limited travel from between 7 and 19 days per year.

 

Main Duties

The OC supports communion visibility, relationships and fundraising. It seeks to offer rapid, high quality, relevant information and use new technology and media effectively.

Within a team of professionals with various backgrounds, where complementary is valued, team members are expected to support each other and work towards common goals as set out in the LWF Strategy and the LWF Communications Strategy.

Planning

Strategically plan communication (messaging, news flow, social media material, media relations) on LWF’s MCs.

Production

Produce and edit powerful messages, news features and stories, social media material to reach target audiences and make an impact. As needed liaise with external communicators and ensure lean compilation of raw material and production of communication outputs.

Coordinate the production of online material to build communications capacity to create learning communities.

Manage the selection and the supervision of related service providers.

Expertise and Support

Coordinate global and regional communication networks.

Support quality control, development and implementation of relevant LWF communication policies.

Create media awareness in the organization and expand the network of press contacts.

Support media monitoring, media relations and internal communications for LWF MCs and communion relations.

Assist in a sustainable LWF with a strong Lutheran identity through communication for communion building.

Contribute as part of the LWF Office for Communication to the on-going news flow and tasks that the office undertakes.

Monitor internally and externally good practices and trends in communication for continuous development in LWF communication strategy and activities.

 

Special Duties

As may be assigned by the Head of Communication.

Major Challenges

To develop a deep understanding of the LWF communion, regions, and MCs to strengthen communion relations and increase visibility on the life and work of the MCs.

 

To apply, click on the following link:

 

https://lutheranworld.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk03q6y?cjb_hash=O_sZHO50&apply_now=true