Center for Environmental Human Rights-Head of Communication

Job Description

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Relevant degree in journalism, communications, English, media studies or similar
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a strategic communications management role; experience in the non-profit sector an added advantage
• Proven traditional media relations experience with existing networks and relationships, with experience in community media relations an added advantage
• Experience in design of organisational and campaign communication strategies for different audiences
• Strong communication and writing skills in English; fluency in Zulu or other Nguni languages would be an advantage
• Firm grasp of digital media communication platforms, tools, guidelines, policies, etc.
• Tech-savvy with experience in MS Suite, WordPress, social media, video editing, SEO, analytics, etc.
• Budget planning and management experience
• A sensitivity to inequality, social issues, and the needs of communities impacted by environmental degradation and injustice, and a passion for social and environmental justice
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and transformation.

Key responsibilities

The key areas of responsibility for this position include the following

1. Strategic leadership: lead and provide strategic communications strategy and advice to CER, lead and manage the Centre’s brand messaging, direct the organisation’s media relations

2. Implementation planning: oversee the timely execution of project deliverables in line with strategic outcomes; manage end-to-end rollout of strategic communication campaigns in collaboration with management, project lead and partner stakeholders including related the calendar of events and activities, among others.

3. Communications management: strategically manage the Centre’s online platforms and resources such as the website, different social media channels; manage news and online trends, reaching out to appropriate audiences to grow public interest and spread awareness in support of the work that we do for affected communities; produce reports and metrics (monitoring and evaluation); maintain the Centre’s branding and style guides; etc.

4. Networking and relationships: manage communication with key external stakeholders and partners; grow the Centre’s advocacy work; manage the Centre’s public profile, etc.

5. Management and financial stewardship: participate and work with the executive team and the rest of management team towards achieving the Centre’s objectives and identify opportunities; develop internal communication that promotes cohesion and maintains CER’s values and ethos and share information and learning to contribute towards systemic change; manage the department’s budget and expenditures; manage relevant service level agreements; etc.

6. Human Resources: manage the communications team, manage their performance and identify key development areas; train and mentor team members as well as staff members in the aspect of public presentation, media interviews and liaison, brand ambassadorship; champion CER’s values and ethos across the organisation through communication; etc

7. Risk management: identify and develop strategies for appropriate crisis management; provide guidance to mitigate effects of media threat to the Centre; respond to time-sensitive communication; manage the Centre’s relevant digital assets; work with the management team in the formulation and execution of policies and procedures of the organisation

Salary

The salary range for the position is between R668 785 – R705 940  (total cost to company). The salary offered will be dependent on factors that include the qualifications, level of expertise, and experience of the successful candidate. The salary package includes medical aid and pension subsidies.

Working for the CER

The Centre for Environmental Rights is a non-profit organisation and law clinic of activist lawyers who work with communities and civil society organisations in South Africa to realise our Constitutional right to a healthy environment by advocating and litigating for environmental justice. We seek a just, equitable, compassionate society which is resilient, celebrates diversity, and respects the inter-dependence between people and the environment.

We work across the following core themes: Mining, Pollution and Climate Change, Corporate Accountability & Transparency, and Activist Support & Training. We have our main office in Mowbray, Cape Town, with another office in Johannesburg.

We are committed to a work environment that is an inclusive, empathetic space, and in which diversity is celebrated and supported.

How to apply

Please send the following documents to: sarah@layercake.co.za, cc:recruitment@cer.org.za with the email subject line: “CER Head of Communications, Ref 3/2024, Your Full Name”.

Your application should include the following:

1. A brief cover letter setting out your skills and relevant experience, as well as why you want to work at the CER, and the key contributions you believe you will be able to make to the communications function
2. An updated copy of your CV
3. A few selection of your work or links to where your work can be viewed (examples of writing, media relations, social media campaigns, etc.)
4. At least two recent written references (no older that 6 months is preferred)

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete relevant tests to demonstrate competency.

The Centre reserves the right not to appoint should there be no suitable candidate.