Public Relations and Media Manager

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OVERVIEW

Fairtrade is an alternative approach to conventional trade and is based on a partnership between producers and consumers. Fairtrade offers producers a better deal and improved terms of trade. This allows them the opportunity to improve their lives and plan for their future. Fairtrade offers consumers a powerful way to reduce poverty through their everyday shopping.
 
Fairtrade International is the international non-profit, multi stakeholder body that is responsible for the strategic direction of Fairtrade, sets Fairtrade standards and supports producers.

The Public Relations and Media Manager contributes to building the profile of Fairtrade as a highly trusted brand, by identifying high visibility opportunities, identify multi stakeholder relationships building and retaining media relationships, managing media relations and reputational risks, and developing compelling media/press content.

PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Public Relations and Media Manager provides a critical link between Fairtrade International, members of the Fairtrade system and and external stakeholders to successfully position Fairtrade in this sphere while managing media risks. They will do so through the following:
 
Public Relations
  • Develop Public relations strategy to support the global Fairtrade Communication Strategy
  • Lead as the liaison for Fairtrade International with media, and stakeholders such as  business associations, think tanks, and academia to build opportunities for partnerships
  • Enhance Fairtrade’s visibility through proactively seeking and managing strategic leadership visibility opportunities for the organization
  • Advise on media and reputation management issues when it comes to media requests and opportunities
  • Draft speaking points, statements for high visilibility/ impact engagements
  • Liase with international organisations and outlets to develop media/visibility partnerships
  • Working closely with digital content manager to develop though leadership campaigns. Ensure consistent articulation of Fairtrade’s desired image and position across media assets
Media Relations
  • Write and coordinate press releases, op-eds and thought leadership pieces
  • Monitor media landscape to evaluate opportunities for relationships in the space
  • Manage Fairtrade’s media contact management system
  • Manage media crisis liaising with relevant stakeholders across the Fairtrade System to draft appropriate responses and measures
  • Develop reputational media relationship accounts for continuous engagement of Fairtrade International in key news channels globally
 
Member coordination
  • Lead a global media relations community of practice within the membership to support alignment of media efforts to the global Fairtrade strategy and to share best practices.
  • Lead collaboration on proactively identifying opportunities and placing articles in key international media outlets
  • Identify training needs and develop media training plan for Fairtrade International and global communications colleagues
Planning and budgeting
  • Contribute to the achievement of Fairtrade International and global communications goals
  • Develop evaluation systems to monitor and report progress on media goals
  • Develop short- and long-term plans and budgets for relevant media activities
  • Track, analyse and report key media relations results and performance indicators
 Other
  • Substitute team members and undertake other tasks that are consistent with the level and responsibilities of this post
  • Cooperate with other units, functions, organisations and public authorities on related topics

SKILLS REQUIRED

Level of education
  • A first level degree (Bachelor’s) in Public Relations, Journalism, Strategic Communications or a related field is required. Advanced degrees are an asset.
Knowledge /Job Specific Competencies
  • At least 3-5 years of professional experience in management of public relations, media relations, communications, journalism
  • At least two years of proven experience in media crisis and reputation management Proven experience of creating and executing media relations strategies that support business objectives
  • Proven ability of forming strong and effective working relationships with journalists and other external influencers
  • Proven track record in successfully writing and pitching press releases, articles, and op-eds to trade and general media
  • Experience in public speaking and engagements.
  • Proven skills in media training and spokesperson preparation
  • Excellent English-language skills, written and spoken.
Preferred
  • Experience working with international media
  • Experience of media relations and communications for international and/or multi-stakeholder organisations
  • In-depth knowledge/experience of one or more of the following: the fair trade movement and its role and impact in promoting development; international development issues; ethical trade or social corporate responsibility; Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Well-versed in social and digital media an asset
Personal Qualities
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Collaborative and supportive approach to teamwork
  • Sensitivity to different cultures and business styles
  • Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders with different needs and interests
  • Demonstrable personal commitment to sustainable development, social justice and the struggle to end poverty
  • Diplomacy and tact, balanced with pragmatism and action

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • This is a full-time position within Fairtrade International.
  • An initial one-year contract is offered. It is envisaged that the contract will be renewable after the initial one year period.
  • Location is at Fairtrade International offices in Bonn, Germany with possibility for remote working
  • The office language is English
  • Starting date: as soon as possible
  • 30 days of holidays per year
  • Salary as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Wholesale and Foreign Trade Industries for North Rhine Westphalia and Fairtrade International Company Agreement on wages and salaries Group VIa.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Please consult www.fairtrade.net for more information on Fairtrade International and the Fairtrade system
  • We are actively recruiting for this role and reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time.”
Please note that Fairtrade International is strict on compliance with the required qualification criteria mentioned above, and only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.