The Earth Commission secretariat, hosted by the Swedish hub of Future Earth, is looking for an experienced science communicator (applications from consultants are welcome). The assignment will be 50-60% FTE for the coming six months with a possibility for extension. The position is based at Future Earth in Stockholm. Consultants should preferably be working in the European timezone.

The Earth Commission is a scientific commission synthesizing the latest research to define the conditions for a healthy planet, informing the setting of science-based targets to help maintain Earth’s life support systems: climate, land, biodiversity, freshwater and oceans. The scientists are also identifying just distribution of these global commons resources and levers of transformation including new governance architectures to reach these targets. Thus, the Commission will define and quantify a “safe and just corridor” for people and our planet as a whole.

The Earth Commission is part of the Global Commons Alliance and includes a global team of leading scientists and five working groups hosted by Future Earth, the world’s largest network of sustainability scientists. The first report of the Commission will be launched in 2022.

The successful candidate will have good knowledge of environmental and social sciences and sustainability issues. You are comfortable working in a complex multi-stakeholder network, particularly with natural and social scientists, and have the ability to work with a diverse group of people in different time zones.

You are a clear thinker, able to align messaging from a global group of scientists as well as being creative in using opportunities of both digital and the shifting traditional media landscape. You are a capable writer and editor, you have written press releases and policy briefs, you have good media contacts and you can juggle social media content and channels.

Responsibilities

Work with the Earth Commission to develop, plan and execute the content and communications strategy of this high-level scientific group. This includes a strategy for global media presence, social media, and ambassadors/spokespersons.

• Drafting content to communicate Earth Commission work across traditional, digital and social media.
• Writing press releases, pitching articles to media and managing media contacts lists.
• Responsibility for the website’s content as well as social media channels, images and video.
• Commissioning media consultants as needed (e.g. for video production).
• Developing visual material with graphic designers, in collaboration with the science staff.
• Developing and writing internal newsletters.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with all the Global Commons Alliance (GCA) components such as the Science Based Targets Network and in particular the media and mobilization unit Earth HQ.
• Be an active part of the GCA communications team and contribute to alliance wide communications activities.
• Track against agreed communications metrics and evolve strategy based on a clear understanding of what works.
• Help identify and organise opportunities for the Earth Commission, such as conference events (including events with end-users/ stakeholders).
• Develop a cutting-edge strategy for the launch of the Earth Commission report, including communications materials targeting scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Producing policy briefs.

Skills

• Complex, global management: You like bringing people together and finding common ground amid a diversity of roles. You have experience in creating events (online and in-person), audience building and network coordination.
• Strategic: You can develop a strategy for impactful communications.
• Writing: You can create engaging and timely copy for external audiences to a high level. Native English speaker or extensive experience of working in English.
• Visuals: You have an eye for high impact visuals and experience of developing visuals with graphic designers.
• Social media: You know how to use and boost social media channels
• Organization: You are extremely well-organized and move quickly with short deadlines.
• Analytics: Experience with analytics processes and platforms. You’re comfortable working with cloud-based project management and collaboration tools.
• Self-starter: Able to work without significant supervision.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in science communications, journalism or public relations) or relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience working in the field of media and communications.
• Experience of international press/PR work is desirable.
• You have worked with varied stakeholders on high-level media projects.
• Experience of environmental science and science communication.
• You are comfortable managing high-level stakeholders and have managed media production around high-level events.
• Experience in project management and/or management of an in-house and outsourced team. Comfortable working remotely.
• Experience in arranging events and facilitating workshops is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills needed, and experience of working with scientists.

Please send your application to Christine Southam, christine@globalcommons.org by December 31 including CV and cover letter. We will only be responding to short-listed candidates.

For more information, check our website earthcommission.org. Questions can be directed to Lisa Jacobson, lisa.jacobson@futureearth.org.

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